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Rhizome extract of Bergenia ciliata was used as a bio-functional reducing material for the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). CuO NPs were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). XRD analysis revealed the monoclinic phase of synthesized CuO NPs with an average particle size of 20 nm. Spherical shaped nanoscale CuO particles were observed by EDX and SEM confirming the Cu and O presence in the synthesized NPs. CuO NPs showed antibacterial effects against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhi . The antioxidant effect was measured and IC 50 values for 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assays were found to be 91.2, 72.4 and 109 μg mL − 1 respectively. Under sunlight, the CuO NPs reported extraordinary photocatalytic activity against Methylene Blue and Methyl Red degradation with efficiencies of 92–85%. CuO NPs have excellent potential application for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and in the development of antibacterial materials. This study offers new insights in the field of inexpensive and green synthesis-based antimicrobial effective CuO photocatalysts from B. ciliata to remove harmful dyes from industrial-based waters with high degradation efficiency, which is environmentally friendly.

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in traditional healthcare systems, particularly for rural communities that rely on them for therapeutic and nutritional purposes. The present study aims to investigate the ethnomedicinal applications, elemental composition, and nutritional content of the different plant parts of ten wild medicinal plant species— Achyranthes aspera L., Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Berberis lycium Royle, Cassia fistula L., Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H. Hurter & Mabb., Senna tora (L.) Roxb., Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson, and Vitex negundo L.—collected from the Renukaji Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The nutritional properties of the selected plant species were assessed using the muffle furnace and micro-Kjeldahl methods, while their mineral compositions were determined via the diacid digestion method or atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. The quantitative analysis of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves, Berberis lycium Royle roots, and Vitex negundo L. leaves was carried out using UPLC-PDA, which confirmed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in their methanolic extracts, which contribute to the medicinal properties of these herbs. This study found that younger generations are less interested in traditional knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants due to modernization. Therefore, it is important to document these plants along with their phytochemical and mineral content. Due to the heavy reliance of rural communities on these medicinal herbs, there is an urgent need to implement conservation strategies to prevent their depletion in the Renukaji Wildlife Sanctuary. These plants are rich in bioactive compounds such as saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, and also contain essential minerals like Na, N, K, P, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ca, Mg, and S. Therefore, they serve not only as traditional medicines but also as potential sources of nutritional supplements. Further research on their pharmacological properties and sustainable utilization is necessary to ensure long-term benefits for both community health and biodiversity preservation.

Lycopene is a group of phytochemicals found in nature, primarily in fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is thought to protect against a variety of diseases attributed to its antioxidant capabilities. Lycopene has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity-boosting qualities, among other biological and pharmacological benefits. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has recently emerged as one of the world's leading causes of death. Patients may be asymptomatic or show signs of respiratory, cytokine release syndrome, gastrointestinal, or even multiple organ failure, all of which can lead to death. In COVID-19, inflammation, and cytokine storm are the key pathogenic mechanisms, according to SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms. ARDS develops in some vulnerable hosts, which is accompanied by an inflammatory \"cytokine syndrome\" that causes lung damage. Immunological and inflammatory markers were linked to disease severity in mild and severe COVID-19 cases, implying that inflammatory markers, including IL-6, CRP, ESR, and PCT were significantly linked with COVID-19 severity. Patients with severe illness have reduced levels of several immune subsets, including CD4 + T, NK, and CD8 + cells. As a result, lycopene can be commended for bolstering physiological defenses against COVID-19 infections

Nowadays, environmentally friendly, economical and efficient production of nanoparticles is increasingly important. The most appropriate nanoparticle synthesis that can be used in this process is green synthesis performed with biological materials (bacteria, fungi or plant). Metallic nanoparticles can be used in many applications and several studies have been conducted to use these particles as antimicrobial and anticancer agents. However, there are limited studies on the green synthesis and biocompatibility of nanocrystalline copper oxide. In this study extracts of Carica papaya leaves were used for the production of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs). UV-Vis spectral analysis showed copper nanoparticles exhibit an absorption peak at around 250 nm. The CuO NPs were analysed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The SEM and XRD analysis exposed CuO NPs are spherical in shape with an average particle size of 77 nm. Further, as-formed CuO NPs exhibit significant antioxidant and anticancer activity.

Nowadays, it is generally accepted that medicinal plants play a crucial role in traditional healthcare operations, providing hints to new research fields and in biodiversity protection. However, there is a lack of information on the medicinal uses of plants in many of the interior Himalayan regions. In light of this, the current investigation was initiated in the tribally dominant western Himalayan hinterland. The current study examined five underutilized wild edible plants, namely, Allium rubellum , Berberis chitria , Capsella bursa - pastoris, Stellaria aquatica , and Rheum emodi , for their nutritional qualities, phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity, which are consumed as food by the Gaddi community of the Bharmour region of the Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh. In this study, the nutritional makeup of these plants was examined in terms of their carbohydrate, protein, sodium, potassium, crude fiber, and fat content. As compared to other investigated species, A. rubellum has the highest nutritional content: carbohydrate (6.93 mg/g), protein (10.18 mg/g), sodium (3.21 mg/g), potassium (16.32 mg/g), and fiber (6.46%). In addition, phenols, amino acids, tannins, terpenoids, carotenoids, and phytate were found to be the least significant phytochemicals in R. emodi , i.e., 4.81 mg/g, 0.594 mg/g, 2.204 mg/g, 1.482 mg/g, 156 µg/g, and 0.680%, respectively. The methanolic extract of these wild edible plants showed significant free radical scavenging activity by using ABTS and DPPH assays. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of studied plants based on the present study suggested that R. emodi exhibits a maximum zone of inhibition of 20.8 mm against Escherichia coli , whereas S. aquatica showed a maximum inhibition zone of 19.2 mm against S. aureus . The findings of this study validated that these wild edible plants are an alternate source of medicine and are an abundant source of various phytochemicals like protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These compositions offer dietary benefits, food security, health benefits, and therapeutic advantages. Hence, in the current study, it was analyzed that there is an urgent need for documentation, conservation, characterization, and evaluation of these underutilized plants for their therapeutic purpose and nutritional supplements.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are eco-friendly and sustainable options for agrochemicals, particularly for enhancing crop productivity under stress conditions. The present research aims to isolate and characterize native PGPR from tomato rhizospheric soil and to evaluate their effectiveness as a dose-dependent response to enhance the growth of tomato seedlings. Out of 112 isolates, 10 bacterial strains were selected based on key PGPR traits, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ammonia production, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis, hydrolytic enzyme activity, potassium solubilization, antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum, and tolerance to pH and heat stress. Molecular identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that these isolates belong to the genera Serratia and Enterobacter. S. marcescens So-1 and Enterobacter sp. So-12 produced the highest levels of IAA (2.6–24.1 µg/mL). In vitro tomato seed germination tests using bacterial suspensions at three concentrations (106, 107, and 108 CFU/mL) showed dose-dependent improvements, with T1 increasing germination up to 108.3% compared to the control. In polyhouse trials using cocopeat formulations, seedling growth improved noticeably. T2 increased the root length (28.3 ± 2.98 cm) by over 1560%, and the shoot length (35.7 ± 0.57 cm) increased by 55% against the control, whose root length is 1.7 ± 0.47. The chlorophyll amount of the treated leaves further showed significant results over the control. Collectively, these findings suggest that using native PGPR in a dose-dependent way can help tomato seedlings grow better and promote more sustainable crop production.

Introduction Agricultural crops face increasing environmental stresses, such as soil salinity and heavy metal contamination, aggravated by climate change and threatening food security. While PGPRs are eco‐friendly agrochemical substitutes, their efficacy in the field is inconsistent. Integrating microbial biotechnology with green nanotechnology presents a solution. This in vitro research investigates a multifunctional Bacillus cereus strain that functions as both a PGPR and a green synthesizer of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag₂O NPs) to enhance early tomato seedling growth sustainably. Materials and Methods Bacterial isolates from tomato rhizosphere were tested for PGPR traits, biocontrol activities and stress tolerance. The most effective PGPR isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and also employed for Ag₂O NPs biosynthesis, followed by characterization using XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR. Tomato seeds were treated with Mn‐5‐derived Ag₂O NPs (1–100 ppm) and evaluated for in vitro germination and seedling growth. Results The B. cereus Mn‐5 PGPR exhibited strong growth‐promoting characteristics, including phosphate solubilization (18.91–187.47 µg/mL), siderophores production, nitrogen fixation, protease production and antagonism against Rosellinia necatrix. It tolerated 8% salinity and heavy metals up to 100 µg/mL. Mn‐5 PGPR was employed for Ag₂O NP synthesis and characterization. XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR revealed spherical, agglomerated NPs with a crystallite size of 30.26 nm and a particle diameter of 80.16 ± 1.51 nm, with FTIR bands ranging from 400 to 4000 cm−¹. In vitro, 5 ppm Mn‐5 PGPR‐derived Ag₂O NPs concentrations notably promoted tomato seed germination, shoot–root growth, seed vigour index and biomass by 200% over controls and a 44.4% over PGPR alone. Conversely, higher concentrations (50 and 100 ppm) were phytotoxic inhibiting seedling growth. Conclusion The study demonstrates the potential of B. cereus Mn‐5 PGPR and biosynthesized Ag₂O NPs as eco‐friendly bio‐stimulants for tomato growth under stress. The findings establish a baseline for future in vivo studies on dosage optimization toward sustainable agriculture.

Colloidally stable cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs), known for mimicking multiple antioxidant enzymes, are promising nanozymes for therapeutic applications targeting oxidative stress and inflammation. Although fluorescent dye labeling facilitates nanoparticle imaging and tracking, its influence on physicochemical properties and biological interactions remains insufficiently understood. In this study, poly(acrylic acid)‐coated CeNPs and their DiI‐encapsulated counterparts are synthesized to evaluate the effects of dye functionalization on catalytic performance, cellular uptake, and intracellular fate. While overall redox cycling is retained, DiI@PAA‐CeNPs show an 30% decrease in superoxide dismutase‐like activity, whereas catalase‐, peroxidase‐, and oxidase‐like activities remain largely preserved. Both formulations exhibit no cytotoxicity toward human osteoblasts. However, DiI labeling modifies surface chemistry and delays cellular uptake, particularly in the presence of serum proteins, as revealed by fluorescence microscopy. Multiscale imaging combining fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and focused ion beam‐assisted lamella preparation reveals differences in nanoparticle internalization but similar intracellular fate. Focusing on poly(acrylic acid)‐coated cerium oxide nanoparticles, DiI encapsulation can markedly alter CeNPs properties. This finding highlights the need to critically assess labeling effects in bio‐nano studies. Integrating label‐free techniques is crucial for accurate characterization and the rational design of nanozymes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The studies analyze the efficiency of Catharanthus alba and Catharanthus roseus cultivars as a natural antioxidant measuring antioxidant potential through two methods. In the first method, antioxidant activity was estimated through the sunflower oil model system in which the Peroxide value (PV) and Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) tests were performed. While in the second method, antioxidant activity estimation is done through the assay method in which 2, 2- Diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method and ammonium thiocyanate method has been performed. The thermal stability of the leaves & flowers of Catharanthus alba and Catharanthus roseus were analyzed by mixing of powdered medicinal plant and sunflower oil. Further results indicate the higher antioxidant activity of flower Catharanthus alba as compared to flower Catharanthus roseus. Relatively among the leaves, Catharanthus roseus demonstrated slightly higher antioxidant potential than the leaves of Catharanthus alba. The antioxidant activity of Catharanthus alba (Flower)> Catharanthus roseus (Flower)> Catharanthus roseus (leaves)> Catharanthus alba (leaves) has been reported. The dehydrated powders of leaves and flowers of Catharanthus alba and Catharanthus roseus have shown good antioxidant activity at 0.5% level in sunflower oil while increase in concentration up to 1% and 1.5% does not show enhanced antioxidant activity in sunflower oil. The flowers and leaves of both cultivars of Catharanthus have shown good thermal stability when heated at 80 °C continuously for 24 h considering all the parameters with statistical significance of (p ≤ 0.001). The observation of the experiment reflects efficiency of Catharanthus species as a source of natural antioxidant. Two methods were employed to measure the antioxidant potential of two cultivars of Catharanthus. In the first method, antioxidant activity was estimated through Peroxide value and Thiobarbituric acid test. While in the second method, DPPH radical scavenging and ammonium thiocyanate method has been performed. Thermal stability of the flowers and leaves of the medicinal plant was also analysed by mixing 0.5,1.0 and 1.5 concentrations in sunflower oil. The findings of study depict that the flowers and leaves of Catharanthus alba and Catharanthus roseus exhibit good potential as natural based antioxidants to inhibit peroxidation induced by lipids. The order of antioxidant potential was found to be Catharanthus alba (Flower)> Catharanthus roseus (Flower) > Catharanthus roseus (Leaves) > Catharanthus alba (Leaves) when it was analyzed by 2, 2- Diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and linoleic acid peroxidation method. The leaves and flowers of Catharanthus alba and Catharanthus roseus exhibit good potential as natural-based antioxidants to inhibit peroxidation induced by lipids. They can replace the use of synthetic antioxidants.

The creation of sophisticated fire detection systems is necessary given the rising danger of fire occurrences. The system described in this abstract uses IoT components such an Arduino board, flame sensor, buzzer, SIM800L module, and SIM800L to detect fires in real time and inform users. The flame sensor is the main element of the system, and it uses infrared radiation to identify flames when they are present. The Arduino board receives the signal from the sensor and activates the alarm system when it detects a flame. A loud audible alarm is produced by the buzzer when it is linked to the Arduino board to alert residents to a potential fire threat. The system includes the SIM800L module to support distant notifications in addition to local alerts. Once a fire has been identified, the Arduino board and SIM800L module connect to send an SMS or place a call to preset emergency contacts. This makes it possible to quickly take the necessary action, even if the affected properties are unattended. The IoT device connection with the Arduino board gives the fire detection system flexibility and scalability making it reliable and sustainable. By adding more sensors or integrating with current home automation systems, it is simple to customize and expand. Real-time fire detection, remote alerting capabilities, and IoT ecosystem integration are just a few of the advantages the suggested fire detection system has over conventional fire alarm systems.