2018

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Analysis of microbial contamination in drinking water of saggiyan, lahore and its impacts on public health
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) HINA AFTAB
Water is the main element of human body as it constitutes one third of the body weight. No life would be possible without water. The global climate variations caused by increased urbanization and industrialization, mostly in those countries which are not developed caused the scarcity and unavailability of clean and safe drinking water. Among major Asian countries Pakistan is the one which depend upon ground water for its drinking water source. The utmost purpose of this research work and study was to analyze the quality of drinking water in the area of Saggiyan, Lahore. As this area is on high depression sites of River Ravi as well as lack proper sewage and disposal systems that causes degradation of water quality and pathogenic organisms in ground water. Total Thirty (30) water samples of ground water/ drinking water were collected from different places of the Saggiyan area and transferred to Pak Green Environmental-Engineering laboratory (PGL) for analyses. Microbial contamination majorly Total coliforms, fecal coliforms and E.coli was analyzed and calculated by the MPN method (most probable number) given by American Public Health Association (APHA) method. In all samples, Total coliform, fecal coliform contamination was more than 95% and 27% of all samples were contaminated with E.coli. Health reports related to microbial and water related diseases were the main reason of this work
Antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of Triticum aestivum sprout and hedera helix l.
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) FAIZA KHALID
Medicinal plants are in use since old times for the treatment of human diseases, because of their reliable and powerful chemical composition. Triticum aestivum (wheat sprout) and Hedera helix L (ivy) are an oldest therapeutic plants. The aim of current work was to evaluate in vivo antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, using Triticum aestivum sprout and Hedera helix. L. To evaluate antidiabetic potential, acarbose was used as standard and was checked against alpha amylase enzyme. Using different concentrations of (extract of Triticum aestivum sprout and Hedera helix. L), inhibition percentage are observed. For methanolic extracts, the inhibition ranges of Triticum aestivum sprout was 26.05% to 77.41% and Hedera helix. L ranges from 34.29% to 82.45%. These inhibitions were closely associated with that of acarbose inhibition percentages ranged from 38.20% to 86.20%. In case of antioxidant activity, BHT was used as positive control. Using different concentrations of Triticum aestivum sprout and Hedera helix. L inhibition percentage was observed. For methanolic extracts, the inhibition ranges of Triticum aestivum sprout was 20.20% to 70.31% and Hedera helix. L ranges from 38.55% to 84.84%. These inhibitions were closely related with that of BHT ranges inhibition percentages ranged from 50.11% to 90.32%.Results showed that these methanolic extracts revealed significant α-amylase inhibition action with an IC50 value of 0.027 and 0.023 Triticum aestivum sprout and Hedera helix. L respectively as associated with acarbose (IC 50 value 0.0197). Whereas in antioxidant the IC50 value of Triticum aestivum sprout and Hedera helix. L is 0.0321 and 0.0223 respectively with standard (BHT) having IC 50 value 0.0197. It is concluded that extract of Triticum aestivum sprout and Hedera helix. L concentrations were active against both activities and this potential increased as the concentration of extracts increased. However, percentages of inhibition were less than standard drugs.
Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity of cotula anthemoides linn.
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) KHADEJA-AL-KUBRA
Medicinal plants have been used in old times for the treatment of human diseases, because of their reliable and powerful chemical composition. Cotula anthemoides L. is a unique oldest therapeutic weed but have some beneficial practices such as paralysis, headache, scabies, ophthalmia, wound healing and stimulant. It produces a diverse range of different phytochemical constituents like phenolic acids such as ursolic acid and gibberellic acid, flavonoids such as luteolin, apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside including glucosides (sulfonyl flavonol glucoside, vanillic acid-4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside) and coumarins derivatives which make it effective for various infections. The aim of current work was to evaluate in vitro antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities, using entire plant of Cotula anthemoides L. (Family: Asteraceae).To evaluate antidiabetic potential, acarbose was used as standard to inhibit the activity of alpha amylase enzyme. Using different concentrations of C.anthemoides extracts, inhibition percentage was observed. For methanolic extracts, the inhibition ranges from 28.36% to 73.85%. These inhibitions were closely associated with that of acarbose inhibition percentages ranged from 33.00% to 82.20%. In case of hypolipidemic effect, orlistat was used as positive control to inhibit the activity of lipase enzyme. Using different concentrations of C.anthemoides extracts, inhibition percentage was observed. For methanolic extracts, the inhibition ranges from 34.17% to 80.31%. These inhibitions were closely related with that of orlistat inhibition percentages ranged from 41.23% to 87.59%. Results showed that the methanolic extracts revealed significant α-amylase and lipase inhibitory action with an IC50 value of 0.0293 and 0.0241 as associated with acarbose (IC 50 value 0.023) and orlistat (IC50 value 0.0178) respectively, which disclosed that methanolic extracts of C. anthemoides inhibition percentages were directly proportional to the concentrations. However, percentages of inhibition were less than standard drugs.
Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity of euphorbia prostrata
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) IQRA MUSHTAQ
In past medicinal plants had been used for the treatment of diabetes and hyperlipidemia because of their antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties but there was no scientific evidence of it. Aim of present study was to investigate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of Euphorbia prostrata. It is a small, prostrate, green annual herb and belongs to family Euphorbiaceae. It is applicable for the treatment of wound healing, bleeding hemorrhoids, breathing disorders, tumors, severe diarrhea (dysentery), gonorrhea, and digestive problems etc. Many phytochemicals isolated from this plant such as phenolic acids like gallic acid, ellagic acid ,flavonoids like apigenin, quercetin, luteolin (and their glucosides) and tannins that were responsible for antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities. Acarbose used as positive control that resists the activity of alpha amylase enzyme. For methanolic extracts of plant inhibition percentages ranges from22.02% to 76.20% against different concentrations that were close to the acarbose inhibition percentages ranged from 33.00% to 82.20%.Orlistat used as positive control that resist the activity of lipase enzyme. For methanolic extracts of plant inhibition percentages ranges from 35.88% to 82.08% against different concentrations that were close to the orlistat inhibition percentages ranged from 41.23% to 87.59%. It was estimated by statistical analysis that IC50 value of acarbose and orlistat was 0.023 and 0.017 and that of plant extracts was 0.029 and 0.022 for antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity. Results showed that with the increase of concentrations of standards and plant extracts inhibition percentages also increases.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of ziziphus mauritiana
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) RABIYA BIBI
Ziziphus mauritiana is an important medicinal and traditional plant that has been used in the treatment of various diseases. This research work evaluated the phytochemicals from the leaves and pulp of Ziziphus mauritiana and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Methanolic extract of leaves and pulp of Ziziphus mauritiana was prepared through maceration by using methanol. Qualitative phytochemical evaluation showed the presence of tannins, saponins, phlobatanins, alkaloids and flavanoids in methanolic extract of leaves and pulp of Ziziphus mauritiana while steroids were absent in both samples. The percentage of sugar contents in pulp and leaves was 57.3 % and 37.89 % respectively. Total phenolic contents were measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometry method at 765 nm by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The contents of TPC in pulp and leaves extract of Ziziphus mauritiana were 29.8 mg GAE/g and 25.8 mg GAE/g respectively. Antioxidant activity of leaves and pulp extracts was determined by using DPPH radical-scavenging activity assay and measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometer at 517 nm. The percentage inhibition at different concentrations 25 μL, 50 μL, 75 μL and 100 μL was measured for both pulp and leaves extract of Ziziphus mauritiana. Pulp extract showed maximum percentage inhibition of 82 % at maximum concentration of 100 µL whereas leaves extract showed maximum inhibition of 74 % at maximum concentration of 100 µL. Ascorbic acid was used as reference standard, which gave 96% antioxidant activity with the same concentration. Antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves and pulp was tested by Agar well diffusion method against two Gram positive bacteria including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus and three Gram negative bacteria including Klebsiella pnemoniae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Salmonella typhi. Imipenem was used as reference standard. For pulp extract, the best antimicrobial activity has been shown against Bacillus subtilis with measured zone of inhibition 17 mm and for leaves extract, the best antimicrobial activity has been shown against Klebsiella pnemoniae with measured zone of inhibition 20 mm. The results of the present study show that pulp and leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana are sources of various secondary metabolites, are strong antioxidants and also possess antimicrobial activity.
Bioconversion of fruit seeds to gallic acid
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) RIDA ARSHAD
Gallic acid is phenolic compound present in many plants as secondary metabolite. Gallic acid has industrial importance because of its many uses in foods, healthcare, dyes, paints, photography and inks. The demand of gallic acid internationally is around 8000 tonnes per year. Different microbes have ability for the production of tannase enzyme that is accountable for gallic acid hydrolysis of tannins. Thus the purpose of this research work was to discuss the possibility for gallic acid production from different tannin rich substrate using A.oryzae as tannase source through solid state fermentation. Various fruit seeds were tested for the suitability of the tannase and gallic acid synthesis including apple, guava tamarind jamun and watermelon seed. Amongst various substrate tested, jamun seeds give the highest activity of tannase(30.05 U/g) and gallic acid (16.65 mg/g) at optimized physicochemical parameters i.e.1:3 substrate moisture ratio, 30°C, 96h incubation period with pH 5.5. Addition of 0.2% glucose as source of carbon and ammonium sulphate as source of nitrogen increases the yield of gallic acid. The gallic acid produced was extracted by soxhlet apparatus and identified by FTIR spectroscopy. Quantitative estimation was done by HPLC and was found to be 98.5% pure. This study will be useful for economically and feasible production of gallic acid.
Chemical analysis of bullet holes and environmental impacts
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) IRFAN HUSSAIN
In the past, there is little work done on chemical analysis of bullet holes. No work is revealed about microscopic detailed analysis of bullet hole on clothing materials. This study focuses on microscopic and chemical analysis of bullet holes on the clothing material. The holes were produced by using 9 mm caliber ammunition having round nose bullet configuration. The holes were analyzed microscopically and chemically by two different colorimetric spot tests. The sodium rhodizonate test which involves the direct spraying of sodium rhodizonate solution over the area having the bullet hole followed by the treatment with the buffer solution produces pink coloration. At last, followed by treatment with the HCl solution that indicates violet coloration corresponding to the presence of traces of Pb metal residues at the margins of the bullet. The dithiooxamide test involves the direct application of aqueous ammonia solution over the area having the bullet hole followed by the treatment with the dithiooxamide solution that indicates dark greenish grey coloration corresponding to the presence of traces of Cu metal residues at the margins of the bullet.The bullet holes were also analyzed microscopically for fine visual details. The microscopic examination reveals that margins of the bullet hole are split apart in irregular manner. Moreover, the periphery of the bullet hole fibers of the clothing material is transformed into spike shaped structure and bears a characteristic greyish to black bullet wipe. This is not observed in ordinary sharp tools made holes on clothing material.This microscopic and colorimetric analysis successfully establishes the identification of bullet hole consistent with the passage of the bullet. This method can be applied successfully to identify a bullet hole as a projectile entrance hole. Hence, it can differentiate between the bullet entrance and exit holes. This methodology makes it possible to differentiate that a sharp tool e.g. knife and firearm projectile made hole can be differentiated. This method can be applied successfully to eliminate a glowing cigarette burn hole on the clothing material. In future, such analysis can be performed on variety of materials such as polyethylene packing material, rubber surfaces, and plastic such as HDPE etc.
Computational studies of n-alkyl benzothiazolium iodides
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) TAYYABA JAMIL
Computational studies on organic salts such as, N-Alkyl Benzothiazolium Iodides has been carried out with various level of DFT theory and using two different computational codes i.e. GAMESS and Gaussian. Seven organic salts with different alkyl chain have been computationally studied first through Gaussian program using Def2-TZVP basis set at B3LYP level of theory. The molecules containing N-Methyl and N-Ethyl were computationally evaluated through GAMESS-US(2017) package, in which B3LYP level of DFT theory was used along with 3-21G and 6-31G(d,p) basis sets respectively. The computational work of these molecules has been compared with experimental work done by another researcher and the results were found in good agreement to that. This may lead to conclusion that these levels of theories, basis sets and program packages can be successfully applied to predict the IR and Raman spectra of similar organic salts.
Detection and analysis of various textile products for heavy metal contents
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) SHAISTA KHANAM
A total of nineteen textile accessories were tested for total metal concentration and results were compared with European Union/ United State regulated safety limits. Total Aluminum, Boron, Copper, Iron and Zinc concentrations were 187.54-330.064, 22.88-30.40, 50.97-13683.14, 27.402-121.98 and 38.015-3090.14 mg/kg respectively. In metallic textile sample category, Copper concentration in 4 out of 7 samples and Zinc concentration in 2 out of 7 samples exceeded safety limits. Copper and Zinc concentrations were found highest in metallic samples as compared to non-metallic and surface coating samples. The reason behind their highest concentration was the composition of these samples as these samples were made of brass which is an alloy of Copper and Zinc. Non-metallic samples contained Al, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn in considerable amounts but only chromium in only 2 samples exceeded the European Union safety limit. However, in 2 out of 6 surface coating samples, only Copper crossed its safety value. Al, Fe and Zn were also detected in sufficient amounts in these coatings. The reason behind detection of these metals in coating samples was that they were scratched from the surface of metallic accessories from where heavy metal get adsorbed. Cadmium, Cobalt, Mercury, Nickel and Lead were not detected in any of these nineteen samples. The data of this research work suggest the importance of quantification of metals in textile products that are more frequently encountered and easily available in local markets to evaluate the health risk these products can cause and besides Lead, Nickel and Mercury other metals also deserve attention.
Detection of pesticides in different matrices using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) MUHAMMAD MUNTAZIR IQBAL
Detection of pesticides in different kind of samples had started since their production and utilization. It was necessary to do so because they are very harmful to worthy lives especially humans. Sometimes, they harm, destroy and kill human beings when used un-carefully. The farmers dealing with pesticides are exposed to them when they do not consider the recommended self-protection guidelines. Some peoples are affected by pesticides when they are exposed accidently. Peoples die when they take pesticide to commit suicide as well as in homicidal attempts. So, considering all these issues, many extraction and detection techniques have been developed over time. Liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction have been the most useful extraction methods. For detection, gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorus detector, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer detector, gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer have been the most prominent tools. Purpose of this study was to develop a detection method on GC-MS for the quantitation of nine organic pesticides including sulfotep, phorate, carbofurane, pyriproxyfen, chlorpyrifos, profenophos, triazophos, lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin in anti-mortem and post-mortem specimens and water. A new efficient and robust extraction method was developed for the extraction of target analytes from blood, urine, liver, stomach contents and water samples. It included modified QuEChERS method using brucine as internal standard at basic pH. Quantitative method was developed on GC-MS. The extraction method was robust with better recovery and minimum organic solvent use. Nine organic pesticides could be quantitated simultaneously on GC-MS with a short analytical run time of 14 minutes only. The LOD and LOQ of the method both were 0.01 mg/L. The validated method was applied for the quantitation of target pesticides in stomach contents of deceased women who committed suicide by taking pesticide.
Dye degradation by nanophotocatalysis
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) ZUNAIRA ARSHAD
TiO2/Graphene oxide nanocomposites have been prepared by TiO2 nanoparticles deposition on graphene oxide sheets via liquid phase deposition. This chemical method of Liquid phase deposition has been used for composite preparation due to hydrophobic/hydrophilic incompatibility of graphene oxide with metal oxides.TiO2/GO nanocomposites have larger surface area than that of prepared TiO2 nanoparticles and showed enhanced rate of photocatalytic activity. Crystallinity, dislocation density, specific surface area and anatase phase of TiO2 are estimated by XRD. Average crytallite size of TiO2 calculated from XRD is 12.42 nm and that of GO is 4.01 nm. Characteristic peaks in XRD at 2Ѳ =25.3° and 47.9° are for anatase phase of TiO2. Successful synthesis of GO, TiO2 and TiO2/GO nanocomposites is confirmed by FTIR. Morphology and size of composites and TiO2 nanoparticles are estimated by SEM. The synthesized nanoparticles have uniform distribution on graphene oxide sheets. TiO2 nanoparticles with diameter range of 10-100nm, are found deposited on graphene oxide sheets. 8% nanocomposites showed fastest and highest rate of dye degradation among all composites and pure TiO2 nanoparticles.Excellent photocatalytic activity is attributed to thin two dimensional sheet support, larger surface area, higher adsorption capacity and good electron acceptability of graphene oxide.
Dyeing of fabric using biodegradable salts or dyeing without using any salt
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) Hamid Mahmood
The presented research work deals with pad steam method used for the dyeing of cotton fabric using different biodegradable salts i.e. Potassium Acetate, Tri-sodium Citrate. Continuous dyeing method used in this research work and results produced as compared to conventional inorganic salt (sodium sulphate) which is being used in the industry for the dyeing of cotton by reactive dyes. Different test methods (color fastness to laundering, color fastness to water and perspiration, color fastness to light and crocking) were performed to compare the results between conventional salt (sodium sulphate) and biodegradable salts (Potassium Acetate and Tri-sodium Citrate). All the results exhibited that biodegradable salts showed excellent results as compared to inorganic salts, resulted a continuous dyeing of cotton fabric by eco-friendly biodegradable salts. Nylon/Cotton blended fabrics are mostly dyed by two bath or one bath two step dyeing techniques. This research focuses on dyeing of nylon/cotton blend in one bath dyeing method by using one dye without salt and any other auxiliaries. In this research fabric was treated with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl tri methyl ammonium chloride to modify cotton part of blend to make it positively charged.
Epoxidation of ethylene with peracetic acid using heterogeneous catalyst
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) RAAZIA ABRAR SUMRA
Ethylene Oxide (EO) is a generally utilized modern natural intermediate with an overall production of more than 22 million tons in recent years. It is one of the most important raw materials utilized in vast scale chemical productions and also an excellent disinfectant, sterilizing agent, and fumigant. Various processes were utilized for the commercial synthesis of EO but had not proved to be appropriate for a few reasons, including low proficiency and lower yield or selectivity of ethylene oxide per unit of ethylene feed consumed. So the idea for homogeneous liquid phase epoxidation of ethylene to produce EO using developed heterogeneous catalysts has been practically executed which yields high selectivity under gentle conditions. This was the first attempt to produce EO by homogeneous liquid phase epoxidation of ethylene using heterogeneous catalysts with peracetic acid (PAA), a strong oxidizing agent. Au/TiO2 catalyst was prepared in which Au was supported on TiO2 by the deposition-precipitation (DP) method, and its catalytic activity for ethylene epoxidation was tested. The results showed that Au/TiO2 have excellent performance for the selective oxidation of alcohols. The analyses of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) further showed that the presence of Au@TiO2 not only increased its surface area and restrained the growth of TiO2 crystallites, but could also enhance the microstrain of TiO2. All catalysts displayed far better catalytic activity for EO formation, however maximum EO selectivity (94.53 %), EO yield (42.69%) and maximum ethylene conversion per pass (45 %) were obtained utilizing AuTiO2-4 at 6h reactivity time, 50 bar and 60 oC by using PAA as oxidant.
Estimation and removal of arsenic from drinking Water using tree barks
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) SAMREEN TARIQ
In the present study the utilization of tree barks (such as wheat bagasse, barks of burr and sheesham) have been utilized for the absorbance of As3+ in aqueous media. For this purpose the standard samples of As3+ were prepared with different concentrations (i.e. 20 ppb, 40 ppb, 60 ppb and 80 ppb). The three barks were obtained from local trees (Triticum aestivum (wheat bagasse), Ficus benghalensis (Burr) and Dalbergia sissoo (Sheesham) from the area of Lahore. The tree barks were broken down into small pieces, air dried and then ground in a mortar pestle. The material obtained was studied for adsorbance of As3+. The percentage of adsorbance of As3+ was calculated by adding the bark powder 5.0 g into 100 ml of 20, 40, 60, and 80 ppb As3+ solutions separately. Arsenic solutions containing barks dipped in, were allowed to stand for 3 hours. After that the concentrations of arsenic were determined colorimetrically using two methods, one standard method given in vogel’s text book of quantitative analysis 5th edition and the same method has been reported by Mary Sohn(2009) as given in vogel’s text book of quantitative analysis 6th edition and by use of gold nanoparticles. The results demonstrated 73% reduction of As3+ by Ficus benghalensis (burr) tree bark, 45% by Triticum aestivum (wheat) and 55% reduction of As3+ by Dalbergia sissoo (sheesham) in water. This study illustrates that Ficus benghalensis (burr) tree bark is more effective adsorbant of As3+ in aquous media among the three barks utilized, and potentially a good adsorbent for arsenic i.e. easy to use and cost effective.
Estimation of blends of candelilla wax and plant extracts for fruit storage
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) AQSA FARZAND
Now a days there is high demand for healthier and fresh food consumption by society. In recent years, naturally occurring substances have been mainly focused to process fruits and vegetable being as alternative antioxidants and antimicrobials. Blending of plant extracts of medicinal plants with Candelilla wax used for edible coating has been experimented by different researchers. In this study two medicinal plants are selected who are known to have antifungal potential. Cassia Fistula commonly known as Amaltash phal is one of most versatile medicinal plant of Fabaceae family which have great attraction for scholars. Studies showed the presence of antifungal activity present in leaves extracts. Its active components have reported pharmacological effects like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepaprotective and hypoglycemic potential. The powdered leaves of C. fistula were extracted in Soxhlet extractor with methanol. Achyranthes aspera belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. The plant are used to cure antirhematic, diuretic, dental pain or menstrual discomfort. Studies reveals that antifungal properties are depicted in plant leaves extracts. The well knowns ingredients which were isolated from this plant are flavones derivatives (astragalin, isoquercetin), phenolic acids, sterols, quinones, polysaccharides, saponins. The powdered leaves of A. aspera and C. fistula were extracted with methanol. This study will be useful to explore the application of blended wax to prolong the freshness of fruit on industrial scale. In this study, Films formulated with edible natural wax, and additives A. aspera and C. fistula were applied to evaluate their effects on the quality of fruits. Weight loss activity was performed against all samples. ECAA and ECCF showed a lowest weight loss as compared to ECC and WOC. In ECAA film there was less weight loss started from 0.3g to 1.5g after 150h in apples. In ECCF, 0.2g to 1.2g weight loss was found after 150 in apples, but on the other hand weight loss activity in ECC 0.3 to 3.0 and WOC 0.4 to 1.8 after 150h, that was higher as compared to ECAA and ECCF. ECAA and ECCF showed good result in apples but in bananas and lemons, due to sensitivity of fruits it’s showed higher weight and pH loss.
Estimation of medicinal potential of guaiacum officinale
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) JASIA MUNNASS
Many plants have significant therapeutic potential with least side effects. Guaiacum officinale is one of these medicinal plants which have been used as a source of remedies for thousands of years. This plant is commonly known as “the tree of life” because of its medicinal properties. Antibacterial activity was performed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of aqueous, n-hexane and methanolic extracts of G. officinale against four bacterial strains using Amoxicillin as standard drug by agar well diffusion method. The zones of inhibition produced by the extracts at different concentrations showed significant variation in regards to four bacterial strains tested. The diameter of inhibition zones against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, and S. mutans was in the range of 2-14 mm, 1-13mm, 1-11mm and 2-6mm respectively. FRAP and TPC assays were performed to evaluate antioxidant activity of aqueous, n-hexane and methanolic extracts of G. officinale. Results showed that the total phenolic contents of three samples showed variation, ranging from 6.24-38.76 mg of (GAE)/100g. The FRAP values of three samples varied from 0.99-3.88 mM/mL of extracts. Furthermore methanolic extracts of G. officinale were applied on oranges, bananas and lemons to prolong their freshness. The effects of these coatings were evaluated by measuring their weight loss, change in pH and physical appearance. Weight loss percentage in extract coated oranges, bananas and lemons were in the range of 2.5-10.3%, 5.3-13.5% and 6-11.3% respectively monitored for 240 hours while the pH of the selected extract coated fruit showed slight variation during monitoring for 240 hours. The change in pH of oranges was in the range of 3.9-4.4 while the change in pH of bananas and lemons were in the range of 5.2-5.5 and 1.7-2 respectively. Results suggested that extracts of G. officinale possess potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties and could be used as edible coatings to enhance the shelf life of fruits.
Evaluation of antimicrobial and anti-diabetic potential of parthenium hysterophorus
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) NOOREEN ASGHAR
Parthenium hysterophorus is an aggressive and harmful weed but have some beneficial features. It produces a diverse range of bioactive molecules such as flavonoid, terpenoids, tannins, amino sugars and other phenolic derivatives which make it active against various infections. The aim of current work was to evaluate in vitro anti-microbial and anti-diabetic activities, using P. hysterophorus organic extract concentrations. To evaluate the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal potential, different concentrations of methanolic and wax extracts of P. hysterophorus were used against bacterial strains such as E.coli, K.leb, S.pseduo, S.Aureus and fungal strains S.cerevisiae and C.albicans. Gentamycin and Nystatin were used as positive control for bacteria and fungi respectively. All concentrations were active against all pathogenic organisms. Varied zones of inhibition were observed due to bioactive constituents that disperse at different rates. Range of inhibition zones 11- 21mm in diameter were recorded using methanolic extract whereas zones of 7-18mm indiameter were observed using wax extract for bacterial strains. For fungal strains range of inhibition zones by using methanolic extract were 10-20mm in diameter and 8-15mm in diameter with wax extract. In case of anti-diabetic potential, acarbose was used as standard to inhibit the activity of alpha-amylase enzyme. Using different concentrations of P. hysterophorus extracts, inhibition percentage was observed. For methanolic and wax extracts, the inhibition ranges from 26.02% to 76.20% and 22.08 to 73.85% respectively. These inhibitions were closely associated with that of acarbose inhibition percentage ranged from 33.00% to 82.20%. It is concluded that P. hysterophorus methanolic extract exhibited highest anti-microbial and anti-diabetic potential compared to its wax extract and this potential increased as the concentration of extracts increased. However, Zones of inhibition and percentage of inhibition were less than standard drugs.
Evaluation of plant extract based candelilla wax formulation to improve shelf life of fruits
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) AALIA IRSHAD
Most of fruits and vegetables are available in some specific season and not in others. So techniques have been developed to preserve such seasonal foods intact for later use. Blending extracts of medicinal plants with Candelilla wax as edible coating has been experimented by different researchers. So in present study two medicinal plants were explored because of their reported antifungal activity. Aloe vera (A. vera) is one of the liliaceous plants that has been a commonly used in skin care and pharmaceutical products. A. vera can be a good choice in protecting and prolonging the shelf life of food products. Toona ciliata (T. ciliata) is a large deciduous tree. It has vast application for treatment of chronic dysentery, ulcer, fever and headache. In present work two protecting films are formulated by mixing the extracts of A. vera separately T. ciliata with naturally occurring edible candelilla wax obtained from E.antisyphilitica. This wax was applied on fresh fruits including Golden apples, banana and lemon to estimate the effect of wax for promoting the shelf life of fruits under room temperature at 25o C for about 10 days and analyzed after every 30 hours. To calculate the performance of edible coating different parameters were observed including skin appearance, pH and weight loss. Weight loss in apples coated with ECC ranged from 0.3%-1.9%, ECAV 0- 2.6% and ECTC 0.3-1.9%. In case of Banana weight loss reached to 22.7% in ECC, 19.5% in ECAV and 28% in ECTC. In lemon 18.3% in ECC, 28.9% in ECAV and 44.42% in ECTC. pH values were also determined in apples reached to 6.0 in ECC, 5.5 in ECAV and 5.0 in ECTC. In banana pH values of all films were reached to 6.3 and in lemon all films showed slight difference in pH value i-e 3.0, 2.8 and 2.9 respectively. Fruits were stored at room temperature only banana showed the fungal attack. This application is industrially as well as economically beneficial in terms of maintaining the nutritional quality and browning of skin.
Exploitation of microbes for degradation of plastic
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) AFREEN BAKHT
The present study aimed at isolation of a novel microorganism capable of degrading polyethylene. Soil and plastic samples were isolated from different dumpsites and landfill sites of Bhera and Lahore. This study comprises of identification of potential strains by biochemical characterization as well as by ribotyping for their potential to degrade polymer. Exploitation of microbes for the degradation of plastic and to increase the biodegradation process by adding effective microbes which increase degradation process as compared to natural degradation that takes long time are main objectives of following study. Total forty samples were collected from different dumpsites and landfill sites consisting plastics with some soil present over it. Soil was inoculated in media for overnight to get maximum growth of microbes. Next day one ml from overnight media is taken and put in enriched media having pre weight small plastic strips to analyze degradation of polyethylene for one week. Only nine samples showed positive results out of forty i.e. loss of weight of polyethylene strips. The study was proceeded with only two samples (ID: 2A and 6) which have high degradation capacity. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing sample 2A was identified as Bacillus wudalianchiensis_UMT and sample 6 was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa_UMT. Bacillus wudalianchiensis_UMT degraded 6.6% polymer and Pseudomonas aeruginosa_UMT degraded 4.8% polyethylene. This study reveals that Bacillus wudalianchiensis_UMT has high potential to degrade polyethylene. Growth temperature of the microorganisms ranged from 37°C to 60°C. Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa_UMT were highly motile rods but Bacillus wudalianchiensis_UMT was non motile. The full-length 16S rRNA sequence was 99% homologous to that of Bacillus wudalianchiensis_UMT and there was also 99% homology with Pseudomonas aeruginosa_UMT. These two strains were identified and characterized in this study. The microbes characterized in this study are potential candidates for degrading plastic.
Glucose biosensors based on nanomaterials
(UMT, Lhr, 2018) ISHWA ARSHAD
Diabetes mellitus is the main reason of disability and death in Pakistan. About 200 million people are suffering from this disease. Development of low cost, sensitive and reliable glucose biosensor has been subject of concern for decades. Enzyme based glucose biosensors with metal oxides are now used extensively due to their sensitivity, fast time response and stability. Graphene has received intension due to unique physiochemical properties and high surface area. Its activity is further increased by nano-scale metal oxides. Titanium dioxide has superior properties due to excellent biocompatibility, architecture and uniformity. A single one stage hydrothermal technique was used to synthesize reduced graphene oxide and titanium dioxide nanocomposites. Triethanolamine(TEA) was used as reducing agent for the reduction of graphene oxide to reduced graphene. These composites immobilized the enzyme for sensing. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman Spectroscopy and Fourior Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR) was done to check the properties. Results showed 11.42nm crystal size. To check the sensing properties, voltammetry and amperometry was done using glucose oxidase on carbon glassy electrodes in phosphate saline buffer. Voltammetry showed decrease in current as we increase the glucose concentration. Time current response showed increase in current due to the efficient electron transfer. Linear calibration curve response from the peak current shows excellent linear range (0.993) with relative standard deviation 1.7% which is greater than other metal oxides. These responses show promising features for immobilizing god and glucose sensing for detecting higher glucoses concentrations.

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