Biotechnology Journal International

Recent Advances and Applications of Compost in Soil Health and Crop Productivity: A Comprehensive Review

Aparna Gunjal — 2026-03-02

Composting is a biological process of the breakdown of complex matter into simple matter. The present review describes in detail the various applications of compost viz., effect of compost on soil properties; reduction in bulk density; compost to improve soil biological properties and nutrient uptake. Compost is important for sustainable farming. The review also highlights use of compost in agriculture for the growth of plants. The applications of compost are very eco-friendly as it there is no any impact on the environment.

Combating Sarcopenia in Older Adults: The Synergistic Roles of Protein Intake and Exercise

Shravani Kawathekar — 2026-03-13

Given its correlation with frailty, disability, and death, sarcopenia—the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and functional ability—represents a significant public health concern. According to available data, older individuals' muscle loss is hastened by inadequate protein intake, physical inactivity, and metabolic changes; the best remedies include resistance training and higher protein intake. By boosting muscle protein synthesis, improving mitochondrial function, and reducing inflammation, exercise aids in the recovery of strength and function. Combining exercise with adequate protein and minerals like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids improves muscle health even more. Although both plant and animal proteins are helpful, animal proteins frequently contain more leucine, which is necessary for muscle growth. This review examines the synergistic effects of dietary protein and structured exercise on muscle health by combining data from mechanistic research, randomized controlled trials, and epidemiological studies. Studies consistently demonstrate that the benefits of protein supplementation alone are limited, especially when there is insufficient training stimulus. However, intakes of 1.0–1.5 g/kg/day of high-quality, leucine-rich protein considerably increase muscle protein synthesis, improve strength, and lessen functional loss when combined with resistance or multicomponent exercise. Individual reactions are further shaped by other elements like the distribution of proteins, supplies derived from plants as opposed to animals, interactions between the gut bacteria, and biomarkers of anabolic resistance. The body of research indicates that the best way to prevent sarcopenia, maintain independence, and encourage healthy ageing is to combine optimal protein consumption with regular exercise.

MicroRNA-Mediated Regulatory Mechanisms in Rice: Implications for Tissue Culture and Trait Improvement

V. Nivetha — 2026-03-27

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are diminutive, endogenously produced, non-coding RNA entities, function as critical regulators of gene expression by engaging in post-transcriptional control pathways. In rice (Oryza sativa), miRNAs have become crucial molecular components in numerous physiological and developmental processes, particularly evident during the various stages of in vitro tissue culture, including callus induction, organogenesis, and somatic embryogenesis. These stages involve profound cellular reprogramming, where miRNAs coordinate the specific signalling compounds and transcriptional expression, including SPL, ARF, GRF, NAC, and MADS-box gene families. Functional studies have revealed that miRNAs, such as miR156, miR160, miR172, miR396, and miR408, influence critical traits including tiller formation, floral organ development, spikelet initiation, and grain filling. Moreover, miRNA gene expression undergoes dynamic changes in relation to tissue culture–induced stress, thereby influencing regeneration efficiency and morphogenic responses. Advances in sequencing technologies, degradome analysis, and target validation methods have enabled the discovery of novel rice-specific miRNAs with potential utility in enhancing transformation efficiency and reducing genotype dependency. The manipulation of miRNA pathways through overexpression or target mimicry holds significant promise for improving rice regeneration protocols and accelerating crop improvement strategies. Overall, miRNAs represent powerful tools for precise gene regulation and biotechnological interventions in rice.

Evaluation of Fungal Diseases Affecting Soybean Varieties (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Considered Disease-Resistant in Central Burkina Faso

Hervé Soura — 2026-02-27

Soybean (Glycine max) is a cash crop of economic and agronomic importance in Sahelian countries due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Researchers have developed several disease-resistant varieties, but yields remain suboptimal. This situation motivates this study, which aims to evaluate the diseases that attack resistant varieties, causing damage, in order to identify them and propose control methods. Identification was carried out at several levels: first, symptomatology, then macroscopic identification, and finally, microscopic analysis. Following these analyses, four (4) pathogens responsible for fungal diseases were identified. These fungi are Peronospora manshurica, Phomopsis sojae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Phialophora gregata, responsible respectively for downy mildew, soybean blight, sclerotinia leaf spot, and brown stem rot. Unfortunately, resistant varieties are no longer resistant to fungal diseases. Since resistance is not an indefinite process, the responsible genes will need to be re-evaluated, and environmental factors taken into account, to develop new, more resistant varieties.

Reclaiming Roots: The Role of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge in Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity Conservation

Sonali Bhosale — 2026-02-28

Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK) represents a sophisticated, adaptive, and locally embedded way of understanding ecological systems, developed over millennia of direct interaction between humans and their environments. This knowledge encompasses long-standing observations, practices, and belief systems, integrating metaphysical, spiritual, and ethical dimensions into landscape stewardship and resource management. Unlike fixed knowledge, IEK evolves over generations through learning, transmission, ecological testing, and adaptation to ongoing environmental changes. Despite growing recognition of its value, IEK remains underrepresented in mainstream conservation science, environmental governance, and climate policy. Its temporal depth and contextual specificity are often overlooked in favor of Western science-based approaches, limiting its contribution to ecological management at a time when climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation are accelerating. This study examines the ecological, socio-cultural, and governance contributions of IEK across three major regions: India, the Amazon Basin, and Arctic Indigenous territories. Employing an integrative methodology, including systematic literature review, cross-regional case study comparison, geospatial analysis, and policy evaluation. We find that IEK practices such as rotational grazing, agroforestry, forest gardening, sacred grove conservation, and seed preservation significantly enhance species richness, ecosystem stability, carbon storage, hydrological regulation, and climate resilience. Furthermore, IEK’s community-based governance, long-term ecological monitoring, and holistic indicators complement contemporary ecological science. However, challenges such as biopiracy, insufficient intellectual property rights, extractive research methods, marginalization from policymaking, and erosion of cultural practices persist. The study underscores the need for epistemological and structural reforms in global environmental governance, advocating legal protections for IEK, participatory community-led conservation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and recognition of Indigenous knowledge holders as active partners in climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation.

Antifungal, Antibacterial, Insecticidal and Nematicidal in vitro Activity of Four Plant-based Biopesticides

Elock Mbang Gaston — 2026-03-10

Biopesticides are natural products used in agriculture to reduce the incidence or to eliminate crop pests. They represent an ecological and sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides, the excessive use of which has serious impacts on human health and the environment. This work evaluates the efficacy of four plant based biopesticides against various plant pests, including insects (Aphidoidea, Zonocerus variegatus, Cosmopolites sordidus), fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp.), bacteria (Pseudomonas spp., Ralstonia solanacearum) and nematodes (Radopholus similis).

Laboratory of Phytoprotection and Valorization of Genetic Resources of the Centre for Biotechnology, University of Yaounde 1, between March and June 2025.

Four plant based biopesticides (BP1, BP2, BP3 and BP4) were prepared, and their effects were tested in vitro on target organisms.

The results of the in vitro tests revealed significant repellent and lethal effects on insects, with repellent and mortality rates reaching over 70% after 48 h of exposure. Similarly, the biopesticides also showed marked antifungal (90-98%), antibacterial (64-93%) and nematicidal (100%) activities, inhibiting the growth of the target organisms and enzymatic synthesis (amylase and cellulase) in the tested fungi.

These performances demonstrate that the four plant-based biopesticides (BP1, BP2, BP3 and BP4) possess strong insecticidal, antifungal, antibacterial and nematicidal potential that can be utilized in integrated pest management and sustainable agricultural production programs. Also, they reinforce the interest in biopesticides as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides, the use of which is increasingly restricted due to their toxicity to the environment and human health.

Exploring Keratin-Degrading Microbes in Poultry Soil: Isolation, Identification, and Feather Degradation Potential

Purnima Kabra — 2026-03-11

Keratin is an insoluble and protein-rich epidermal material found in feathers, hair, wool and skin but it poses a challenge in environmental waste management because of its resistance to degradation. Particularly, keratinolytic bacteria and fungi, have demonstrated the ability to break down keratin into simpler components, offering solutions for waste management and biotechnological applications. Despite their resistant structure, keratin wastes can be degraded by various microorganisms through the secretion of keratinases, which are excellent enzymes for several applications including detergents, fertilizers, leather and textile industry. In an attempt to isolate keratinolytic microorganisms that can reach commercial values as keratinase producers this project aims to delve into the mechanisms employed by various microbial species in the degradation of keratinaceous materials. Through genomic and proteomic analysis, we explore the enzymatic pathways and key proteins involved in keratin degradation.

This investigation involves morphological examination to identify and characterize the keratinolytic microorganisms from diverse ecological aspects. Also, the project focuses on the practical implications of keratin degradation. Understanding the enzymatic processes underlying keratin breakdown could pave the way for the design of innovative biocatalysts and bioremediation strategies for the efficient utilization of keratin-rich waste streams.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Nyctanthes Arbor-tristis and Study of Its Biomedical Applications

Snehal Kulkarni — 2026-03-12

Aim: The aim of the present study was to synthesize copper nanoparticles using aqueous extract of leaves of medicinal plant Nyctanthes arbor-tristis using green and ecofriendly method, and to study its bio medicinal application.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out at Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil ACS College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra State, India during January 2023-May 2023.

Methodology: The present study explores the green synthesis of copper nanoparticle using aqueous extract of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. The biosynthesized copper nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy. Further, the antibacterial and antioxidant property of the synthesized nanoparticles was checked which revealed the biomedical application of the nanoparticles.

Results: Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles was done successfully using aqueous extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves. The characterization of copper nanoparticles using UV-visible spectroscopy revealed the absorbance peak at 222 nm which confirmed the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity against Gram negative bacterium E. coli was found to be significant with 15 mm zone of inhibition and the synthesized copper nanoparticles also showed antioxidant activity through FRAP assay.

Conclusion: Overall, the present research highlighted the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using medicinal plant Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and it’s characterization using UV-visible spectroscopy The synthesized nanoparticles showed significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic E. coli and antioxidant activity which suggests its biomedical applications.

Developing Monotherapy against Hepatitis E Virus by Combining Phytochemicals Using Viro-Bioinformatics

Sanvedana Kamble — 2026-03-13

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a prominent cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide, particularly threatening pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals due to the absence of specific antiviral treatments. This research employs an integrative in silico approach to identify phytochemical inhibitors against HEV, utilizing structure-based drug design and viroinformatics. Three essential HEV proteins—ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3—were selected for virtual screening. Phytochemicals from 15 medicinal plants were computationally screened, revealing seven promising candidates (Glycyrrhizin, Withanolides A, Rosmarinic acid, Zingerone, Chicoric acid, Acetogenins, Andrographolide) with strong binding affinities and favorable ADMET characteristics. Glycyrrhizin showed the highest binding affinity to the ORF2 capsid protein with a binding energy of −13.5 kcal/mol, indicating strong antiviral potential. To enhance phytochemical production, biosynthetic genes (4CL, SDR, RAS1, CYP88D6) were in silico cloned into plant expression vectors and computationally integrated into Ocimum sanctum and Glycyrrhiza glabra. KEGG pathway analysis confirmed increased metabolite synthesis and stress tolerance. This comprehensive computational pipeline supports the development of cost-effective, plant-based antivirals for HEV, paving the way for experimental validation and clinical application.

Optimized in vitro Micropropagation Protocol for Acorus calamus L. Using Rhizome Explants

Swaranjali Gadhe — 2026-03-13

The present investigation has been conducted on “in-vitro micro propagation of Acoruscalamus L. using rhizome explants”. This study was undertaken to identify asuitable media combinations for the micro propagation of Acorus calamus L. The authenticated mother plant of Acorus calamus L. was collected from the Dhanvantari Nursery, Kedgaon. Tal - Nagar, Dist.- Ahilyanagar (Maharashtra). The surface sterilization treatments of 0.1% Bavistin along with 0.1% HgCl₂and 70% ethanol were found effective for Acorus calamus L. The MS media supplemented with different concentrations of BAP was utilized for initiation. MS medium supplemented with 2.0mg/L, 2.5mg/L and 3.0mg/L BAP shows the maximum direct regeneration. Then the well grown cultures were transferred to the new medium with different concentration of BAP and NAA. The Multiplication of shoots using 3.0 mg/L BAP + 3.0 mg/L NAA provided the highest multiplication rate, with increased number of shoots per explant. Following successful multiplication, the shoots were moved to MS media with varying IBA concentrations (1.0 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L). Both treatments showed significant rooting, with 1.5 mg/L IBA showing the greatest root length and density. These conditions collectively support efficient clonal propagation and hold promise for scalable production and germplasm conservation of Acorus calamus L. Future work could focus on improving acclimatization and field performance.

Characterization of Partially Purified Trypsin and Chymotrypsin Inhibitor of Vigna pilosa

Anil S. Khandagale — 2026-03-14

Trypsin inhibitors are often associated with their negative effect as an antinutritional factor, but it is now known that they are beneficial for human health due to their anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer activities. Vigna pilosa is a crop plant belonging to the family Leguuminosae. A proteinacious inhibitor of trypsin (VPTI) and chymotrypsin (VPCI) was isolated from Vigna pilosa seeds. Protein was extracted in 0.1 M Tris–Cl buffer (pH-8.0) and subjected to precipitation using 60% ammonium sulphate, dialyzed against 0.1 M phosphate buffer and eluted on DEAE cellulose column chromatography. Fold purification obtained was 16.79for VPTI and 12.99 for VPCI. Purified sample was analyzed on gelatin embedded native PAGE for isoform detection. Two isoforms of VPTI were observed. SDS-PAGE analysis of Vigna pilosa protease inhibitor (VPPI) showed closely related two polypeptide bands of ~20 and ~19.5 kDa. Solution assay with BApNa and BTpNa at 38 μg and 55 μg of inhibitor concentration showed 50% inhibition of VPTI and VPCI respectively. Both the inhibitors showed activity between pH ranges 6.5 to 7.5. It lost its complete activity when heated at 100°C for 50 minutes. Thermal stability of V. pilosa inhibitor was assessed to check whether it can withstand high temperatures. Preliminary results suggest that the trypsin inhibitor was not stable to heat.

Efficacy of Methyl Jasmonate and Calliette in the Management of Black Spot Disease of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Caused by Fusarium moniliforme var. Subglutinans

Yeo Navigué Abou — 2026-03-24

Pineapples play an important role in the lives of people. However, they are threatened by black spot disease caused by Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans, which destroys 30% of production. Unfortunately, chemical methods of controlling this disease have proven ineffective due to resistance, environmental pollution, health, and even biodiversity. To find more effective alternatives for sustainable agriculture, 50 mL of a solution containing calliette (5 mM) and methyl jasmonate (10 mM) was sprayed on pineapple plants 72 h before being inoculated with 2.5 mL of the fungal strain (10⁴ spores/mL). The overall objective was to stimulate polyphenol production in pineapple to effectively induce natural resistance against Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans. Disease incidence was estimated after flower inoculation and fruit opening at harvest. Ten (10) plants per treatment were used with three (3) replicates. Polyphenols isolated from leaves were identified by HPLC. The direct effect of polyphenols on mycelial growth was evaluated. The results showed that the biocontrols mobilised 654.22 mg/g of defence polyphenols to resist the disease, representing a 4.5-fold increase compared to the control. The severity of the illness has decreased to 0° (no symptoms). The chromatographic profile revealed the presence of thirteen polyphenols, including seven pre-existing amplified polyphenols and six newly synthesised ones. The use of biocontrol agents is therefore an effective way to protect pineapples against black spot disease. Looking ahead, it would be interesting to expand this study by using other biocontrols, particularly polysaccharides extracted from the pathogen. This approach opens the door to the principle of vaccination.

Expression Analysis of a Bilin-binding Protein Gene in Relation to Green and Yellow Larval Coloration in Antheraea pernyi

Yanxi Bai — 2026-03-26

Background: The larval color patterns of the wild silkworm Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) exhibit high diversity. However, the molecular basis underlying larval pigmentation in this species remains poorly understood and little pigment-related genes has been characterized so far.

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the role of BBP2 in the differentiation of body color in the larvae of Antheraea pernyi.

Study Design: The F₂ generation larvae obtained from the cross between A. pernyi strains Xuanda (green) and Shenhuang No. 1 (yellow) were analyzed to evaluate the inheritance pattern of larval coloration and the expression profile of BBP2.

Place: College of Bioscience and Biotechnology.

Methodology: Hemocyte, fat body, midgut, silk gland, and integument were obtained from 5-6 green and yellow 5^th larvae of F₂ generation, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to determine the relative expression levels of BBP2 across different tissues.

Results: The inheritance of green and yellow body color follows Mendelian segregation. However, no significant differences in BBP2 expression were detected between green and yellow larvae in more of the tissues analyzed.

Conclusions: BBP2 may not play key roles in regulating the formation of green and yellow body coloration in A. pernyi larvae.

Estimation of Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Female Patients by the TyG Index

Hayder Shareef Yaseen — 2026-03-26

Background: The development of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions is fundamentally driven by "insulin resistance" (IR). For effective preventive healthcare, it is essential to detect asymptomatic IR early in people without diabetes. Therefore, the primary objective of this investigation was to assess how reliably the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index functions as an alternative, non-invasive indicator for identifying preliminary insulin resistance specifically among non-diabetic women. This approach bridges a vital gap in early metabolic screening.

Methods: We executed an observational cross-sectional analysis comprising 75 women without diabetes at the Al-Diwaniyah Health Directorate in Iraq. Based on specific metabolic and clinical assessments, the subjects were divided into two distinct cohorts: an at-risk group for IR (n=50) and a normometabolic control set (n=25). Key physical metrics, such as waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), were documented by the research team. Furthermore, fasting blood samples were evaluated to measure insulin, triglycerides, and plasma glucose concentrations. To compute the TyG index, the standard "natural logarithm equation" was applied. The diagnostic efficacy was subsequently analyzed through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Pearson correlation techniques, providing a robust statistical framework for our findings.

Results: Compared to the healthy volunteers, women in the clinical risk category demonstrated a significantly higher TyG index (p < 0.05). Additionally, this index showed a profound positive relationship with metrics of central obesity (waist circumference and BMI) and fasting insulin levels. This clearly illustrates the strong connection between central adiposity and early metabolic disruptions. Through ROC evaluation, the index displayed remarkable diagnostic precision; an optimal threshold of 8.65 was established. This specific cut-off point successfully maximized specificity and sensitivity for recognizing preliminary IR within this female demographic.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the TyG index serves as an economical, easily accessible, and highly dependable alternative marker for uncovering hidden insulin resistance in women who do not have diabetes. By incorporating this straightforward measurement into everyday clinical assessments, medical practitioners can fundamentally alter current diagnostic protocols. This proactive identification allows for the timely application of lifestyle and dietary therapies, which is crucial for substantially decreasing the long-term risk of severe cardiometabolic diseases.

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Characterization of Latent and Activated Polyphenol Oxidase from Zrèzrou Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis rotundata) Cultivated in Ivory Coast for the Control of Enzymatic Browning

Judicaël Kouame — 2026-03-30

In the Zrèzrou yam (Dioscorea cayenensis rotundata), cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), the enzyme responsible for enzymatic browning, exists in latent and activated forms, whose properties were poorly documented. This study aims to conduct a detailed comparison of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of these two enzymatic forms. PPO extracted from fresh tubers was purified, and its activated form was obtained by adding 0.4% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to the reaction medium. Kinetic parameters (Vmax, Km, catalytic efficiency) were determined by spectrophotometry, while thermodynamic parameters (activation energy Ea, enthalpy ΔH^#, entropy ΔS^#, Gibbs free energy ΔG^#) were calculated from activity data as a function of temperature. The results revealed no significant difference between the two forms in terms of Km values. However, the latent form has a higher Vmax and catalytic efficiency than the activated form, indicating enhanced substrate affinity. Thermodynamically, the latent form shows a lower Ea (78.92 KJ) than the activated form (129.92 KJ), suggesting that the catalyzed reaction requires less energy and that the latent form has better thermal stability. The average positive ΔH^# (76.27 KJ) and negative ΔS^# (-36.41 KJ) values confirm the endothermic nature of the reaction and the formation of an ordered enzyme-substrate complex for the latent form, while the positive ΔG^# values for both forms indicate the non-spontaneity of the process. These results provide a scientific basis for the development of effective strategies to control enzymatic browning, in order to improve the food and industrial valorization of this tuber in Côte d’Ivoire.