Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology
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Electrochemical Sensing of Textile Dyes Using Graphene Oxide: A Comprehensive Review
Full text linkThe widespread use of synthetic textile dyes has raised grave environmental and public health concerns owing to their persistence, toxicity, and prevalence in industrial effluents. Electrochemical sensing offers a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective method for detecting toxic dyes at trace levels. Graphene oxide (GO) — with its large surface area, abundant oxygenated functional groups, excellent electrical conductivity after reduction, and facile chemical tunability — has emerged as a versatile material for constructing high-performance dye sensors. This review highlights the successes in real-sample analysis (wastewater, industrial effluents, and textile rinse waters). It identifies persistent challenges, such as fouling, matrix interferences, long-term stability, and scale-up for field deployment. This comprehensive overview aims to guide researchers and practitioners towards robust, field-ready GO-based electrochemical sensors for sustainable dye monitoring and remediation
Preparation and Evaluation of Herbal Body Scrub Cubes for Revitalizing Skin
Full text linkThe present work, herbal body scrub cubes, was prepared with a suitable size and shape, weight, exfoliation, cleansing, and antioxidant properties. Herbal Body Scrub Cubes were prepared for removing dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover, and improving skin texture and appearance. Herbal body scrub cubes work through a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation where sugar is used as a physical exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and promoting turnover. These scrub cubes are versatile in nature because they provide both the chemical and physical exfoliation characteristics The extract of the Clitoria ternatea flower contains the ingredient anthocyanin, which is responsible for providing chemical exfoliation. These formulations are the ones that contain the uniform content of the active ingredients, which help in providing better action on application. This formulation provides an effective moisturization due to the presence of shea butter. As these preparations are in the form of cubes, they are very handy and easy to use; the wastage of product is also eradicated due to the specific shape. Five different formulations, F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5, were prepared by the melt and pour base method, and the formulations were characterized for different evaluation parameters like washability, foam ability, pH, grittiness, scrubbing, Cleansing test on human volunteers, and antimicrobial tests. Based on the study, it can be concluded that herbal body scrub cubes show satisfactory results and are safe and cost-effective
Acyclovir Cream: A Compressive Review of Development, Characterization and Therapeutic Efficacy
Full text linkAcyclovir cream is a widely utilized topical antiviral agent for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including cold sores and genital herpes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the development, formulation, characterization, and therapeutic efficacy of acyclovir cream. The evolution of acyclovir formulations, from oral to topical applications, is discussed, highlighting advancements in drug delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and skin penetration. Key factors influencing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of acyclovir cream are reviewed, including the role of excipients, the mechanism of action, and the influence of formulation characteristics such as viscosity, pH, and stability. Furthermore, therapeutic outcomes from clinical studies are summarized, demonstrating the efficacy of acyclovir cream in reducing lesion size, pain, and healing time in HSV-infected patients. Finally, challenges such as patient adherence, resistance, and the need for further improvements in formulation for enhanced therapeutic effect are addressed. This review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the current status and future directions for acyclovir cream as a primary treatment for localized HSV infections
Green Chemistry Approaches for Environmental Pollution Mitigation
Full text linkThe problem of environmental pollution nowadays is one of the most acute issues on the planet in the 21 st century, and it considerably poses a threat to the ecosystem, the health of people and economic development. Despite the fact that industrialisation and the development of technology has led to increase in economic growth, it has contributed to the pollution in an increased extent through the heavy exploitation of hazardous chemicals, fossil raw material and also through the energy consuming processes. In the traditional approach, chemical production usually causes toxic by-products, heavy metal, and persistent organic pollutants to enter the atmosphere, water and land, thus causing an irreversible environmental degradation. It is in this environment that Green Chemistry provides a paradigm that attempts to re-innerverse chemical processes and products in the effort to avoid pollution at its origin. Green chemistry was pioneered by Paul Anastas and John Warner, who initially proposed green chemistry in the 1990s, emphasizing the use of safer reagents, minimisation of waste, use of renewable resources and ensuring that all aspects of the life cycle of a chemical product are energy-efficient. This is a critical review of the many green chemistry approaches that have resulted in the minimization of pollution such as solvents innovation, catalytic processes, renewable feeds, as well as environmentally friendliness technologies to air, water and soil treatment. The technologies discussed in the paper are nanotechnology-driven green processes, AI-enhanced chemical design, and the models of a circular economy that encourage the efficiency in the use of resources. A number of case studies demonstrate how industries have managed to adopt these practices in order to have less environmental footprint. Also, the review concerns the matters of the policy implementation, cost structure, and scalability. Finally, it gives a prognosis on how green chemistry might be anchored as a pillar of sustainable development, which will result in a healthier planet, and scientific innovation and competitiveness in industries
Phytoremediation of Textile Effluent from Navi Mumbai MIDC Zone Using Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth)
Full text linkTextile effluents from industrial hubs such as Navi Mumbai MIDC are complex, chemically diverse wastewaters characterized by high organic loads (COD, BOD), suspended and dissolved solids (TSS, TDS), synthetic dyes, and trace heavy metals. In this study, the phytoremediation potential of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) was evaluated under controlled laboratory-scale batch conditions. Raw effluent was treated in 10-L reactors containing 300 g fresh biomass per unit, with parallel plant-free controls. Water quality parameters including pH, COD, BOD₅, TSS, TDS, dissolved oxygen (DO), colour, and selected heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Zn) were monitored at 0, 7, 15, and 30 days. After 30 days, treatment systems demonstrated substantial improvements in effluent quality: COD decreased from 1200 ± 35 to 360 ± 22 mg/L (70%), BOD₅ from 500 ± 20 to 140 ± 12 mg/L (72%), and TSS from 600 ± 28 to 120 ± 10 mg/L (80%), whereas control systems exhibited only minor reductions. Dissolved oxygen increased from 0.6 ± 0.05 to 4.2 ± 0.15 mg/L in planted systems, and pH shifted toward neutrality. Heavy metals showed significant removal from water (Cr, Fe, Zn: 70–76%), with roots accumulating higher concentrations than shoots (Cr: 420 mg/kg⁻¹; Fe: 5200 mg/kg⁻¹; Zn: 350 mg/kg⁻¹), indicating root-mediated sequestration and rhizofiltration as primary mechanisms. The combined effects of physical filtration, rhizosphere-enhanced microbial degradation, and adsorption/uptake of organics and metals highlight the efficacy of E. crassipes as a low-cost, environmentally benign treatment option. These findings support the application of water hyacinth for pre-treatment or polishing of textile effluents in industrial zones, offering potential to enhance the performance of centralized effluent treatment plants
Bipolar Disorder in the Era of Precision Psychiatry: Biomarkers, Digital Innovations, and Global Challenges
Full text linkBipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, recurrent psychiatric illness characterized by episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression, with profound consequences for individuals, families, and societies. Affecting an estimated 1–2% of the global population, BD ranks among the top contributors to years lived with disability and premature mortality. High suicide risk, cognitive impairment, and substantial functional disability compound its impact, while comorbid conditions such as anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance use disorders amplify diagnostic challenges and worsen prognosis. Diagnostic delay—often 6–10 years from illness onset—remains a major barrier, reflecting overlapping transdiagnostic symptoms and the absence of reliable biomarkers in routine clinical use. Over the past decade, advances in neuroscience and translational psychiatry have begun to reshape the landscape of BD research and care. A growing body of evidence implicates dysregulated circadian rhythms, immune-inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, and polygenic liability as key drivers of illness course. These insights are now converging with precision psychiatry initiatives that aim to integrate genomic, neuroimaging, and peripheral biomarker data into individualized treatment strategies. In parallel, the rapid growth of digital psychiatry and artificial intelligence–enabled tools provides unprecedented opportunities for real-time mood monitoring, early relapse detection, and personalized intervention delivery. Importantly, these technologies may bridge long-standing gaps in access to care, although concerns around privacy, equity, and algorithmic bias must be addressed. Therapeutic innovation has also accelerated, with evidence supporting the adjunctive use of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents, alongside chronotherapeutic approaches that target circadian instability. These interventions complement, rather than replace, existing pharmacological and psychotherapeutic frameworks, reflecting a shift toward multimodal and mechanism-informed treatment paradigms. At a systems level, global mental health perspectives highlight persistent disparities in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the treatment gap exceeds 70%. Policy reforms, equitable digital infrastructure, and culturally tailored care models will be essential to ensure that advances in precision psychiatry and therapeutics are accessible worldwide. This review synthesizes emerging insights across biological, clinical, technological, and policy domains, highlighting both achievements and unmet needs in BD research and care. By emphasizing biomarkers, digital psychiatry, novel therapeutics, and global health imperatives, it outlines a roadmap for translating discovery into improved outcomes, ultimately moving toward individualized, equitable, and sustainable care for those living with bipolar disorder
Synthesis and Characterization of Biodegradable Polymer Blends in Food Packaging
Full text linkThe study involves the production and overall description of biodegradable polymer blends that mainly consist of polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and as a reinforcement material, chitosan. The research overcomes the weaknesses of single biodegradable polymers which include brittle nature, lack of thermal stability and variable degradation through polymer blending and compatibilization designs that can modify material performance. Melt mixing and solvent casting were used to make blends with various ratios of PLA and PBAT and concentrations of compatibilizers. The mechanical testing revealed that the ductility was improved with the addition of PBAT content and the tensile strength and interfacial adhesion was enhanced with the addition of compatibilizer. Thermal analyses (DSC and TGA) showed that compatibilized blends had lower glass transition temperature, lower crystallinity and better thermal stability. SEM morphological analysis confirmed that the presence of compatibilizer resulted in finer phase dispersion and reduced interfacial voids and then improved mechanical behaviour.
FTIR also showed chemical interactions between blend components. Experiments of Biodegradation done under compost-soil conditions depicted that; the more the PBAT content, the faster the mass loss and compatibilizer slightly delays the early onset of the degradation through enhancing the continuity of the phases. The results point out that the blend composition, the degree of compatibilizer, and morphological control are important parameters in designing materials with balanced performance and regulated biodegradation. Suggestions to further work include long-term degradation research, testing in a wide range of environmental conditions, and scaling up of the blends to processing in industry to allow extended adoption of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics
Case Report: Conservative Management of Degenerative Thoracolumbar Scoliosis with Vertebral Compression Fractures in an Elderly Patient
Full text linkBackground: Elderly patients with degenerative thoracolumbar scoliosis face difficult care issues, especially if they have spinal stenosis and vertebral compression fractures. Conservative care is still the primary strategy for older patients with stable neurological condition and substantial surgical risk factors, even if surgical intervention is frequently recommended for symptomatic spinal abnormalities.
Case Presentation: We describe the case of an 88-year-old man who has had increasing lower back discomfort for the past three years due to bilateral spinal compression fractures (D10, D11, and burst fracture of D12), multilevel disc desiccation, and thoracolumbar scoliosis. The patient had intact neurological function (normal motor strength 5/5, preserved sensory function, and normal deep tendon reflexes) despite severe spinal canal stenosis with anterior thecal sac depression and bilateral neural foramina constriction on MRI. A thorough conservative treatment that included neuroprotective supplements (methylcobalamin, alpha-lipoic acid, and benfotiamine), multimodal physiotherapy, nutritional optimization, and pharmaceutical pain management with NSAIDs and antihypertensive medication was helpful in managing the patient.
Results: The patient showed notable symptom relief, preserved neurological integrity, and improved functional mobility following five days of hospital care and ongoing outpatient conservative therapy. At the one-month follow-up, the patient was able to manage their discomfort, move around freely, and maintain their quality of life without the need for surgery.
Conclusion: When neurological function is maintained, this case demonstrates the efficacy of properly chosen, multimodal conservative treatment for older individuals with degenerative thoracolumbar scoliosis and spinal compression fractures. While avoiding the significant perioperative risks associated with spine surgery in advanced age, comprehensive physiotherapy, neuroprotective supplements, nutritional optimization, and constant neurological monitoring yield good results
Impact of Marble Industry Effluents on Soil: A Study of Contaminant Dynamics and Pesticide Interactions
Full text linkThe marble company generates significant effluents including heavy metals, alkaline chemicals, and suspended particles, which might greatly change soil properties and influence agricultural sustainability. Emphasizing contamant dynamics and pesticide interactions, this study investigates how marble industry effluents affect soil contamination. Obtained at various distances surrounding marble manufacturing sites, soil samples were investigated for heavy metal contents, physicochemical properties, and pesticide dynamics. The results revealed that in certain areas the amounts of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) were much higher in contaminated soils than WHO safety limits. The effluents changed organic matter content, raised soil alkalinity (pH > 8.5), and reduced the availability of key minerals. Pesticide adsorption was raised in polluted soils, leading to longer breakdown rates and maybe environmental risks. The findings show that marble industry effluent cause extended soil degradation and disrupt natural pesticide interactions, thereby affecting agricultural productivity and environmental well-being. Reducing these consequences calls for the use of sustainable agricultural methods, soil remedial technology, and wastewater treatment. This study emphasizes the urgent necessity of greater research on remedial techniques to restore soil quality in affected areas as well as of legislative actions
Religious Demographics and Unregulated Antibiotic Distribution in Assam: Implications for Antimicrobial Resistance and Public Health Security
Full text linkBackground in Brief: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most critical global health security threats of the 21st century, with unregulated antibiotic access significantly contributing to its acceleration. This study investigated the relationship between religious demographic patterns and unauthorized antibiotic distribution in Assam, India, with particular attention to weekly markets (haats) as potential distribution hubs.
Methods in Brief: We conducted a sequential mixed-methods investigation across five districts in Assam with documented religious demographic asymmetry. Data collection included structured market audits (n=67), simulated client visits (n=215), semi-structured interviews with key informants (n=43), geospatial mapping, and quantitative analysis of antibiotic dispensing patterns. The investigation was subsequently expanded to additional districts (n=12) for validation using comparative case analysis. Multi-level regression models were employed to isolate demographic effects while controlling for confounding variables. All procedures received ethical approval, with sensitive data anonymized to protect community identities.
Results in Brief: Unauthorized antibiotic distribution showed significant correlation with religious demographic composition (r=0.78, p<0.001), with structured distribution networks operating predominantly along community lines. Weekly markets demonstrated 3.7-fold higher unregulated antibiotic availability compared to permanent establishments (p<0.001), with distinct seasonal variations corresponding to local disease burden cycles. Analysis of dispensed antibiotics revealed concerning patterns: inadequate treatment duration (78.3%, 95% CI: 72.4-84.2%), incorrect dosage instructions (63.9%, 95% CI: 57.2-70.6%), and absence of contraindication information (90.7%, 95% CI: 86.9-94.5%). Broad-spectrum antibiotics including fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins comprised 42.3% of unauthorized sales, with significant regional variations corresponding to religious demographic patterns. Laboratory analysis revealed substandard concentration in 37.2% of samples, creating ideal conditions for resistance development.
Conclusion in Brief: Our findings demonstrate systematic circumvention of pharmaceutical regulations with community-specific distribution patterns that raise significant public health security concerns. This study provides the first empirical evidence linking religious demographic compositions to structured antibiotic distribution networks in India. The correlation between religious demographics and unregulated antibiotic distribution underscores the complex sociocultural dimensions of AMR development. Urgent multisectoral interventions are needed, including targeted regulatory enforcement, community-engaged education, enhanced pharmaceutical supply chain integrity, and improved access to legitimate healthcare services. These findings have implications for pharmaceutical governance beyond Assam, particularly in regions with complex religious demographics and limited regulatory capacity