Category Archives: c_review_articles

Review Articles

Nanobiosensors: application in healthcare, environmental monitoring and food safety

Qaisar Mahmood1*, Shahida Shaheen2, Muhammad Azeem1

1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir 32028, Bahrain

2Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohsar University, Murree, Pakistan

Abstract

This review article summarized the diverse kinds of nanobiosensors along with their uses in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety, while also defining present challenges and opportunities for future investigation and augmentation. In healthcare, for instance, they have been employed for glucose monitoring, cholesterol detection, antibiotic monitoring, and the production of new types of antibiotics that are effective against resistant strains. This enables a highly efficient method that is both accurate and reliable when detecting biomarkers. Nanobiosensors have been overwhelmingly successful in aiding in environmental monitoring. With its ability to effectively screen groundwater, detect pollutants, and monitor toxicity, this emerging technology has become a force to be reckoned with for detecting hazardous substances. Similarly, the food industry has seen remarkable benefits from nanobiosensors as well. The use of nanobiosensors for dynamic food safety monitoring enables prompt detection of dangerous foodborne pathogens and spoilage issues while providing real-time data on the quality of consumables. Even though nanobiosensors possess enormous potential, there are still numerous limitations to overcome.

Keywords: Nanobiosensors, Healthcare, Environmental monitoring, Food safety, Diagnosis, Monitoring, Antibiotics, Pollution

A review on stingless bee (kelulut) honey composition and its contribution to quality of honey products

Muhammad Nur Shazwan Jamzuri, Muhammad Amirun Che Hassan, Fisal Ahmad, Amir Izzwan Zamri, Muhamad Fauzi Mahmud, Shamsul Bahri Abdul Razak, Tuan Zainazor Tuan Chilek*

Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

 

Abstract

The kelulut farming industry in Malaysia has experienced exponential growth, driven by the increasing demand for kelulut honey, which can be attributed to the widespread dissemination of information about its benefits. Previously, many researchers worked out on factors responsible on improving the quality of honey. However, the data of honey as a food ingredient and its functions is lacking and should be retrieved in order to have a clear picture on the importance of the specific composition of honey-based products.  The composition of kelulut honey such as sugar contents, acidity, antioxidants, water content, minerals and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) play an important role in determining the quality of kelulut honey. The illustrious Malaysian Standard MS2683: 2017 was firmly established with the noble objective of safeguarding the pristine purity and unparalleled excellence of both raw and processed kelulut honey, assuring their unwavering compliance with the exalted guidelines and unrivalled standards set forth. Generally, the utilization of kelulut honey as a preservative in food products are not fully discovered yet. In addition, the presence of good bacteria such as Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) contributes to a special attribute in kelulut honey. However, kelulut honey is also highly susceptible towards harmful bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus and Shigella as reported in previous work. This may occur due to inappropriate handling of the kelulut honey during harvesting. Furthermore, kelulut honey as food ingredient which contains antibacterial value is very useful and can be used in food preservation due to its function in prolonging the shelf life. Therefore, the shelf life of honey and honey-based products are related with the composition, handling practice and the method of storage implementation throughout the food supply chain.

Keywords: Composition, Food ingredient, Food preservation, Kelulut honey, Shelf life

A review of current aspects of sars family, genome, database, drug, vaccine and its pathogenic member SARS-CoV-2

Rawaa AlChalabi1, Basma Kh. Alani1, Taisir K. Ibrahim2, AhmedAbdul Jabbar Suleiman3 

1Al-Nahrain University, College of Biotechnology, Baghdad, Iraq

2Tikrit University, College of Science, Biology Department, Saladin, Iraq

3Biotechnology Department, College of Science, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Anbar, Iraq

Abstract

The coronaviruses (CoV) show great diversity with respect to their genomic structures and the ability to infect animals and human beings. Multiple omics studies have been conducted to understand and identify the genome organization, immunological responses, and molecular markers for vaccine and drug development. However, due to constant mutational changes in the CoV-2 genome, the drug and vaccine development is becoming a challenge to target new variants. A tremendous amount of research is being carried out for vaccine development by utilizing bioinformatics and immunoinformatics, however, most of the developed vaccines are under trial. In this review, SARS family members are systematically illuminated for their differences, infections and mechanism of action along with recommendations to counter the new variants of CoV-2 through multi-omics, machine learning and structural bioinformatics techniques.

Keywords: SARS, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Pandemic, Coronaviruses, RNA viruses, MERS-CoV

Breeding wheat for leaf rust resistance: past, present and future

Muhammad Ijaz1, Amir Afzal1, Ghulam Shabbir2, Javed Iqbal1, Muhammad Rafique1

1Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal, Pakistan

2Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

Leaf rust of wheat caused by (Puccinia triticina Eriks) proliferate under optimum weather conditions and causes severe damage. Diseases appeared in form of epidemics pose a real threat to food security rising the cost of food production. Breeding for development of resistant varieties against disease has advantages for ecological and monetary reasons, predominantly for peasants in the developing world. Sufficient research work has been conducted regarding pathogen host interaction mechanism. Two mechanisms of resistance are acquainted very well. Complete resistance function from seedling to adult growth stages whereas partial resistance becomes effective at the pre-booting stage and is more durable. Eighty leaf rust-resistant genes have been documented. Among these leaf rust-resistant genes Lr12, Lr13, Lr22a, Lr34, Lr35, Lr37, Lr46, Lr48, Lr49, Lr67, Lr68, Lr74, Lr75, Lr77, and Lr78 are adult plant resistant (APR) genes. Fear of genetic erosion is also well known. It means cultivars grown on a wide range with narrow genetic backgrounds and this situation is undesired as it may invite an epidemic. It has been experienced repeatedly in past decades. Wide genetic diversity in parents can promise to achieve maximum output from the breeding programmes. Sources of resistance other than Triticum aestivum are rich in diversity and consequently have been addressed adequately. Usage of relatives of wheat plant as a source of novel genes belonging to genera Triticum, Aegilops, Thinopyrum and Secale has generated more desired output. Molecular markers are being applied to explore diversity in pathogen as well as in host effectively although conventional approaches are being used as well. Status of research work carried in Pakistan has also been discussed in abridged form. This review has been conducted with an objective to summarize research work academic as well as applied, carried to develop strategies to incorporate genetic resistance in wheat against leaf rust.

Keywords: Leaf rust, Brown rust, Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt), Disease resistance, Molecular markers, Genetic erosion

Metabolomics approaches for early cancer diagnosis: a review

Ali Zineddine Boumehira1,2, Yasmine Fatima Akchiche2, Wissam Cherfi2, Oualid Talhi3, Reda Djidjik4,5, Daniel Joe Dailin6, Ting Ho7, Hesham Ali El Enshasy6,8*

1Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique – ENSA, El Harrach, Algiers, Algeria

2University of Algiers, Faculty of Sciences, LVBRN, Algiers, Algeria

3Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques CRAPC, Bou-Ismail, Tipaza, Algeria

4University of Algiers, Faculty of Medicine, LVBRN, Algiers, Algeria

5Department of Immunology, Issaad Hassani Hospital, Beni Messous, Algiers, Algeria

6Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor, Malaysia

7Global Agro Innovation (HK) Limited, Hong Kong

8City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, New Burg Al Arab, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Cancer remains a major burden on global public health with high mortality rates worldwide. Current diagnosis can detect cancer in late stages when therapy options become limited. Early diagnosis is broadly recognized as the key to a better treatment to save lives. The metabolomics approach provides a better understanding of the different types of cancer. They offer promising and potential interventions in biomarkers discovery which eventually will be better suited for individualized medicine. It elucidates endpoint products for other omic processes while significantly improving the understanding of pathogenesis and mechanisms yet to be discovered. Metabolomics offers a less-invasive, cost-effective for predicting, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring therapeutic responses of the disease. There are two methods to study the metabolism and metabolites: targeted and untargeted. The workflow of these approaches requires different analytical platforms, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and different bioinformatic tools. This review provides a systematic summary of metabolomics methods in identifying metabolic biomarkers of cancers (colorectal, prostate, breast, bladder, pancreas, lung, and buccal cancers). In addition, the current review will try to shed light on DNA lesions as a potential metabolic biomarker for cancer.

 

Keywords: Cancer, Metabolomics, NMR, Early diagnosis, DNA lesions

Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on livestock industry and food security: A review

Sharmeen Islam1, Md. Tanvir Rahman2, Syed Md. Ehsanur Rahman1, Md. Rokibul Islam Khan1*

1Department of Animal Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

2Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract

COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic that spread over 192 countries and caused more than 3 million people deaths by 2021. It arises a concern on livestock cultivation, their production, and maintaining the supply chain to sustain the existing economy worldwide. The prediction of potential consequences on livestock production and food security is unexpected. Numerous cases among workers in animal farms and product processing plants are evolved during the panic situation, leading to a negative impact on livestock management, and the distribution of products to human doors simultaneously. One of the significant contributions to the drastic decline in livestock operation is the high cost of animal feed. Social distance also slows down all regular activities in livestock farms, resulting in a considerable upset on outcomes. Not only that shutting down transportation flexibility leads to be a burden for farmers in case of high production costs. In the context of consumers, the sublime price of meat, milk, and eggs has addressed the exacerbating risk to worldwide nutrition security. Hence, the world is experiencing an outbreak challenge in resilient, fair, and flexible animal production systems and ensuring food safety globally.

Keywords: COVID-19, Food security, Livestock production, Supply chain, Economy

Recent advances in molecular characterization of Sarcocystis species in some meat producing animals: an updated review

Sara Omar Swar1, Bushra Hussain Shnawa2, 3*

1College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University, Kurdistan, Iraq

2Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Soran University, Kurdistan, Iraq

3Scientific Research Center, Soran University, Kurdistan, Iraq

Abstract

Sarcocystosis is a parasitic disease caused by Sarcocystis species that infect humans and animals. It is prevalent in small ruminants like sheep and goats worldwide and causing pathogenic impacts that lead to economic losses owing to carcass condemnation, abortion, and death. Recently, several molecular and phylogenetic analyses have been developed to differentiate Sarcocystis species including, the 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, 18S rDNA, and ITS-1 region. In recent years, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1) was successfully used for this purpose. The DNA barcoding using the cox1 gene is a reliable tool to distinguish and identify the main Sarcocystis genotypes. Therefore, several studies confirmed that the cox1 gene is a promising DNA marker for studying the genus Sarcocystis. The current review aims to highlight the molecular methods that exist for the identification of Sarcocystis species. The results showed that the Sarcocystis species of sheep and goats were genetically close related and may be considered as sibling strains, as well as the cross-infection may happen among them. Consequently, the host specificity of several Sarcocystis species is questionable. The findings additional emphasized that experimental transmission investigations within the proposed definitive host are required to confirm the characteristics and host ranges of the Sarcocystis spp. in sheep and goats. The current review represents updated knowledge about molecular discrimination of Sarcocystis species in small ruminants by reviewing and analyzing the recent articles in this aspect.

Keywords: Sarcocystis species, Small ruminants, Molecular identification, PCR

Antimicrobial disinfectants and sanitizers: An effective tool for breaking the circle of pandemic disease

Nur Izyan Wan Azelee1,2*, Hesham El-Enshasy1,2,3, Daniel Joe Dailin1,2, Nor Hasmaliana Abdul Manas1, Roslinda Abd Malek2, Mohd Akmali Mokhter3, Nurrulhidayah Salamun3, Roshanida A. Rahman2

1Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

2School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

3Bioprocess Development Department, City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications (CSAT), New Burg Al Arab, Alexandria, Egypt

4Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

Abstract

The recent outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic has triggered the world in finding and developing efficient disinfectants and sanitizers. This deadly contagious virus has urged all scientist to study the natural characteristic of the virus and thus, to be able to produce the suitable antiviral drug. As developing vaccine is long time-consuming process, the development of disinfectants and sanitizers are necessary to reduce the spread of this pandemic disease. Many types and version of these products have developed and marketed. Several issues, such as the high percentage of alcohol, the high flammability of the product, and many more have arisen. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the type of chemicals used as antimicrobial in general and antiviral in specific agents. In addition, it also discusses the chemical and herbal formulations, factors affecting the performance of antimicrobial agents, the safety precautions, and the future trend of sanitizers and disinfectants. Ultimately, the choice for the best disinfectants and sanitizers formulation would depend on the sensitivity of the surfaces regardless of on skin or other surface materials.

 Keywords: Sanitizer, Disinfectant, Pandemic, Antimicrobial, Antiviral

Plant Cis-regulatory elements: methods of identification and applications

Usman Ijaz1, Tehreem Pervaiz1, Temoor Ahmed1, Riffat Seemab1, Muhammad Shahid1, Muhammad Noman1, Majid Nadeem2, Farrukh Azeem1*

1Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

2Wheat Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan

 Abstract

Biotic and abiotic factors badly affect the productivity and growth of plants and found the major yield-limiting factor in agriculture. In recent years, various cis-regulatory elements have been identified that can function as molecular switches to regulate the expression of stress-related genes. They comprise of insulators, silencers, promoters and enhancers. These elements mediate not only functional diversity, but also modulate plant physiology at all developmental stages. Thus, identifying and characterizing cis elements that are intricated in plant stress response is essential for the development of plants tolerance to stress. This review article presents characteristic properties of cis-acting regulatory elements. Two aspects of cis-elements are targeted; one is properties and examples of condition-specific cis-elements while the other is techniques used for their identification. This review will be helpful in elucidating recent advancements in ciselements studies.

Keywords: Regulatory elements, Tissue specific, Promoter, Plants, Gene regulation

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the agricultural habitat in Indonesia

Yani Maharani1, Purnama Hidayat2*

1Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University (UNPAD), Indonesia

2Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University), Indonesia

Abstract

A considerable number of aphid species has been reported from the agricultural habitat in Indonesia by many authors, including those that regarded as important pests or even vectoring viruses. However, a complete record of all reported species is yet to be found. We conducted a literature study to determine aphid species that are associated with and become pests in the agricultural habitat in Indonesia. A total of 112 species are compiled, 24 of them are found on food crops, 50 on horticultural crops, 18 on estate crops, and 62 on weeds. Twenty-three species are reported as major pests of agricultural crops while 21 of them vector viruses. Two other species, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii Cockerell and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) are currently listed as the quarantine pests in Indonesia. These results suggest that holistic and detail studies on Indonesian aphids are necessary to provide the information to be considered in their management.

Keywords: Plant disease, Plant viruses, Sucking insect, Virus vector