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Item Dentifying potential drugs targeting key genes associated with glioblastoma through an in-silico approach(UMT Lahore, 2024-04-26) Hafiza Maria Usmani RanaGlioblastoma multiforme, a rare and aggressive brain disorder, has become a focal point of investigation due to its relentless growth, leading to devastating outcomes. Classified as a Grade IV neoplasm by the World Health Organization (WHO), GBM is characterized by its elusive detection, high susceptibility to coexisting health conditions, and limited treatment options. Recent attention to personalized medicine has prompted research efforts aimed at devising tailored treatment approaches based on the identification of biomarkers associated with GBM. Exploration of GBM biomarkers has garnered interest owing to their potential role in prognosis determination, which has propelled the advancement of targeted therapeutic interventions and the individualization of treatment protocols. A major and quickly-moving step forward in the treatment of glioblastoma is the disclosure of the target-based virtual drug screening technique that uses organic/natural compounds derived from plants. NPACT, a publicly available database, is being used in this project to identify potential drugs for the treatment of glioblastoma neural cancer. In this work, the assessment of a molecule's blood-brain barrier penetration is the main emphasis. Based on their favourable ADMET (distribution, metabolism, absorption, excretion, and toxicity) profiles, 10 of the 120 derivative compounds that were carefully examined were chosen. By using databases such as DisGenet and GeneCards, the study used a network-based bioinformatics technique to find candidate compounds that might be used as therapeutic agents against glioblastoma. To construct a PPI network, the pertinent genes identified in both source datasets underwent conversion into String Bioinformatics and were subsequently imported into Cytoscape. Additionally, we pinpointed the top 10 rated genes associated with GBM using the MCODE and CytoHubba Plugins. Subsequent to conducting GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on these hub genes, several crucial functionalities and signalling pathways closely associated with glioblastoma infections were unveiled. To identify the most suitable docked medications or pharmaceuticals based on binding energies, RMSD values, and maximal intermolecular interactions, the top-ranking genes underwent docking using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) against ten screening drugs. Lastly, to validate the results of molecular docking we performed molecular dynamic simulation. By building artificial environments in MD simulations, we studied biological processes, chemical reactions, molecular systems, and material behaviours in controlled, realistic, and computationally tractable settings. This leads to important discoveries and advances in a wide range of scientific fields. Molecular Dynamic simulation revealed that EGFR showed best interaction with Vismione B. The interaction between Isochaihulactone and SRC is more favourable and PIK3CA showed energetically more favourable interaction with Resveratrol phytochemicals.Item Isolation and growth optimization of heavy metal resistant bacteria for bioremediation of arsenic(UMT Lahore, 2024-10-23) LAIBA SAJJADArsenic (As) is among the most toxic heavy metals found on earth and is significantly reported as a contaminant from industrial activities. Its release into the environment has led to extreme toxicity to all life forms. This study aims to isolate and characterize arsenic-resistant bacteria from textile industrial wastewater, contributing to bioremediation strategies in heavily polluted areas. Given the increasing concerns about environmental pollution due to industrial activities, particularly in developing countries, the research focuses on identifying bacterial strains capable of surviving in high-arsenic environments. The methodology included sampling wastewater, isolating bacteria, and subjecting the isolates to various biochemical and molecular tests to assess their arsenic resistance. The findings revealed that certain bacterial strains exhibited significant arsenic resistance, indicating their potential for application in bioremediation processes. These strains were also able to tolerate varying levels of salinity, suggesting their adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. The study’s results highlight the importance of utilizing indigenous bacterial strains for environmental cleanup in industrial regions, particularly in countries like Pakistan, where textile industries are a significant source of pollution. In the future, these isolates can be taken towards molecular characterization followed by field experiments.Item Synthesis and charactrisation of magnetic nano particles conjugate with methotrexate and folate for estimation of anti bacterial and anti cancer activity(UMT Lahore, 2024-04-23) Maryam Akmal; Azka IlyasMagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have garnered substantial interest in the biomedical field, particularly for their potential in targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy. This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, conjugation of MNPs with methotrexate (MTX), and MTX combined with folic acid (FA), aiming to explore their efficacy in cancer treatment. Through a series of in vitro assays and immunohistochemistry analyses, we investigate the therapeutic potential of these conjugated MNPs. The findings contribute valuable insights into the development of MNP-based therapies for personalized medicine.Item Evaluation of Azo dyes biodegradation potential of bacteria for textile waste effluents treatment(UMT Lahore, 2024-04-08) MUHAMMAD AOURANGZAIB; NIMRA QAZAFI; AQSAAzo dyes are known to have toxic and carcinogenic properties, affecting aquatic life and human beings. Consequently, it is essential to remove this pollutant from wastewater intended for discharge into water bodies. The current research study aimed to isolate, characterize, and screen bacterial species from textile waste effluent samples and to explore the efficacy of these isolates for Azo dye bioremediation in achieving SDG targets related to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). Pretreatment of the samples and subsequent culturing were carried out with the following procedure. The morphological characteristics of the isolates were identified by exploiting the Gram staining technique and microscopy along with a series of biochemical assays were accomplished including citrate, coagulase, catalase, urease, oxidase, triple sugar iodine (TSI), motility test, etc. that led to the identification of Bacillus and Corynebacterium species. The degradation capacity of the isolated bacterial species was assessed over one week through the analytical method UV spectroscopy via utilizing various azo dyes as substrates. The findings revealed that both Bacillus and Corynebacterium isolates exhibited notable degradation capabilities. The quantitative analysis divulged that Bacillus species exhibited an impressive 82% degradation of the Sirius Orange KCF dye. Similarly, Corynebacterium displayed a significant degradation of Indosol Orange RSN dye up to 70% within the period of one week. In addition, statistical analysis was done using regression to assess the importance of these findings. The current study’s high breakdown percentages indicated that Bacillus and Corynebacterium bacterial species have the potential to be used for the bioremediation process of these dyes. This could lead to more environmentally friendly and cost-effective approaches for treating textile dye wastewater.Item Evaluation of antimicrobial potential of cichorium intybus plant extracts(UMT Lahore, 2024-04-25) IZA FATIMAChicory (C. intybus) is used in this study to explore its antimicrobial potential. The research evaluates chicory’s effectiveness against infections by examining its historical medicinal uses and scientific properties, enhancing understanding of plant-based remedies. Focusing on C. intybus, known for its traditional use in medicine and rich secondary metabolites with therapeutic benefits, the study assesses its extract's ability to combat microbial infections. This contributes to advancing herbal medicine integration into modern healthcare. The research validates C. intybus's therapeutic properties, highlighting its potential as a source of novel antimicrobial agents. Various solvents, including n-hexane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and distilled water, were used to extract substances from chicory seeds and roots. The study particularly tested the antibacterial efficacy against gram-negative bacteria (E.coli and Klebsiella sp.) using the agar well diffusion method. Results indicated that ethanol extracts had the most substantial inhibition zones against these pathogens, with significant statistical correlations found between extract types and their antimicrobial activities. Ethanol extracts of chicory roots and seeds showed pronounced antibacterial effectiveness, suggesting their significant role in treating bacterial infections.Item Catalytic reduction of 2-nitroaniline in aqueous medium using silver nanoparticles functionalized polymer microgel(UMT Lahore, 2024-04-02) FAREEHA AZHARPoly (N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels were synthesized by the free radical precipitation polymerization method in an aqueous environment. Incorporation of silver nanoparticles within the cross-linked network of microgels was carried out through in-situ reduction of silver ions using silver nitrate as a precursor salt. As a result, Ag-p (VCL) hybrid microgels were obtained. In order to analyze the pure and hybrid microgels, different methods of characterization were applied. To ascertain the chemical structure of the pure microgels and hybrid microgels, FTIR was employed. UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to study the catalytic reduction of 2-Nitroaniline utilizing hybrid microgels as catalyst and NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The catalytic reaction was carried out by studying different parameters by using hybrid microgels in an aqueous media. The apparent rate constant (kapp) for catalytic reduction of 2-Nitroaniline was also calculated. Microgels enriched with silver nanoparticles have the potential to be an effective catalyst in the catalytic reduction of 2-nitroaniline to para-phenylenediamine (p-PDA).Item Antibiogram profiling of pathogenic bacteria isolated from food and water sources in lahore(UMT Lahore, 2024-08-26) SYEDA IQRA SEHAR; HUZAIFA AHMED; JAVERIA KHANFood and water safety and consumption are facing a significant problem due to foodborne bacteria that are resistant to drugs. The goal of this study was to identify prevalent food and waterborne pathogens from locally available food and water sources in Lahore, along with a profile of resistance and susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs. This study aimed to investigate, isolate, and identify food and waterborne pathogens and analyzing their antibiogram profile, achieving SDG targets related to clean food and water and also sanitation( SDG 3 and 6). We collected 53 food and water samples (30 and 23, respectively), processed them through serial dilution and segregated 55 isolates. The isolates were identified by Gram staining and Biochemical tests. Common food and waterborne pathogens discovered were Klebsiella, Serratia, Salmonella, Citrobacter, Providencia, and Escherichia. Areas with majority of contaminated food and water were PIA Road Food Market (14 pathogenic isolates), UMT Road Food Market (7 pathogenic isolates), and College Road (4 pathogenic isolates). Antibiogram analysis was performed by introducing these isolates to certain antibiotics i.e. Azithromycin, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, Cefotaxime, and Ciprofloxacin. This analysis showed that Bacteria such as E. coli, Serratia, Proteus and Salmonella were 100% resistant to all antibiotics whereas, Providencia, Klebsiella and Citrobacter were 98, 96 and 91% resistant to chloramphenicol and azithromycin. The most prominent bacteria in our samples was Citrobacter whose susceptibility is as follows: Amoxicillin (0.6+1.1), Ciprofloxacin (15+2), Azithromycin (10+2), Chloramphenicol (15+2) and Cefotaxime (3+2). These findings underscore the necessity for improved water and food safety measures and public education on hygiene practices. As Pakistan grapples with the dual challenges of infectious diseases and rising antibiotic resistance, this research provides actionable insights that can drive policy reforms and bolster health care responses.Item Isolation and growth optimization of heavy metal resistant bacteria for bioremediation of hexavalent chromium(UMT Lahore, 2024-08-29) SABA YASIN; HAIQA FAROOQ; PARI BASHIR; LAIBA AMIRThis study aimed to isolate the chromium-resistant bacteria from industrial wastewater. With an increase in industries and the discharge of effluent directly without any treatment increasing pollution and contaminants day by day. Chromium contamination not only affecting our environment but also human health. Environmental pollution has a considerable negative impact on health outcomes, as proven by the fact that it is responsible for an estimated 90% of fatalities in low-income nations. In low-income countries, air and water pollution are the most prevalent. This is in contrast to the fast rising economies, where the damaging effects of chemicals and pesticides comprise the principal types of environmental contamination. So, in this study Six isolates that were chromium resistant were isolated and screened through different biochemical tests. RC3, RC5, and RC7 isolated strains showed the ability to reduce the chromium in a shorter period. MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) further highlighted the isolates tolerance level because selected isolates showed different growth at different chromium concentrations (3mM, 5mM, 6mM, 7mM, 20mM, 22mM, and 24mM). In chromium reduction assay, selected isolates grew with 0.25mM working concentration of Cr (VI). As a result, from the six isolated bacterial isolates RC3, RC5 and RC7 showed greater reduction ability. All these results showed that these selected isolates can be used for the bioremediation of chromium.Item Isolation and growth optimization of heavy metal resistant bacteria for bioremediation of mercury(UMT Lahore, 2024-10-02) RAHIMA GUL; AGHA HASSAM ALI KHANHeavy metals must be removed from wastewater using environmentally friendly techniques; however, these techniques are expensive. Due to human activity, chemical pollutants that are extremely dangerous to living forms have leaked into the environment. This study provides information on different heavy metal-resistant bacteria for the bioremediation of different metallic pollutants. An overview of the integrated approach is given here, which treats many heavy metals and other environmental toxins at the same time by using different heavy metal-resistant microorganisms. In this study seven isolates RH1, RH2, RH3, RH4, RH5, RH7 & RH8 were isolated. After series of biochemical test, the strains RH1, RH2 & RH5 were observed as they have the potential to resist against heavy metal. These strains show positive results again catalase test but observed as negative in case of mannitol fermentation, starch hydrolysis, TSI & simon citrate agar test. These isolates showed MIC up to 15mM concentration and reveal positive results in case of temperature, ph. The mercury reduction assay of the selected isolates showed the Hg utilization in form of changing of color from green to orange.Item Isolation, identification & characterization of bacterial strain from industrial effluents(UMT Lahore, 2024-10-04) ESHA TARIQ; M.ARSLAN NAWAZ; MAIRA KHAN; ADAN REHMANThe contamination of water bodies by industrial effluents poses significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly in developing regions. To solve these problems, bacterial strains were isolated from effluents collected from the drainage pipes of Chaman Industries, Lahore, Pakistan. To selectively isolate extremophiles, serial streaking was performed on alkaline media at pH 9. Morphological identification of the bacterial strain was conducted through various staining techniques and molecular identification through 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the strain as Exiguobacterium profundum. A comprehensive set of biochemical tests were performed to further characterized the bacterium's metabolic capabilities. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the upregulation of the gene mtlD, encoding the enzyme Mannitol-1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the conversion of D-mannitol 1-phosphate to D-fructose 6-phosphate. This enzyme, essential for mannitol biosynthesis, likely plays a key role in the bacterium’s adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. Additionally, the bacteria showed significant resistance to heavy metals, suggesting its potential application in the bioremediation of industrial pollutants. These findings, highlight E. profundum as a promising candidate for future biotechnological applications in environmental remediation.Item Exploring the potential of FDA-approved drugs against selected proteins of zika virus (ZIKV) using in-silico approach(UMT Lahore, 2024-10-15) MAHNOOR; YASHA SHAKEEL; AMNA ZAHID; AFFAN ALIZika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. It is passed through the placenta to the baby and causes neurological diseases such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). It belongs to the Flaviviridae family and was first discovered in 1947 in a Ugandan macaque monkey. However, there is no approved vaccine for Zika virus. The recent study is design to find out a potential drug against ZIKV, we selected FDA approved drugs that can be used against different proteins of ZIKV which are essential in replication of virus and immune evasion. Current approaches may possibly consist of the use of conventional medications which are not suitable to be used for zika virus. New advance techniques are required to develop such therapeutic drug which could show more safety, efficacy and immunogenicity against ZIKV. For this purpose, 2413 FDA approved drugs were docked using auto dock vina against non-structural proteins NS1, NS2, NS5 and the envelope Protein (E). The FDA approved drug which shows the highest negative binding energy was further used for molecular dynamic simulation analysis for 100ns. During MD simulation, RMSF (Rot Mean Square Deviation), RMSD (Rot Mean Square Deviation), Rg (Radius of Gyration), HB (Hydrogen Bonding) were analyzed which showed that the protein-ligand complex is stable throughout the simulation run.Item Isolation, identification & characterization of alkaliphilic bacterial strain from industrial effluents(UMT Lahore, 2024-10-28) HIRA MUNEER; TEHREEM QAMAR; LAIBA KHAN; ABDUL MANANThis thesis focuses on the biotechnological potential of industrial effluent-derived alkaliphilic bacteria that have been identified and described. Microorganisms that favor high pH settings are known as alkaliphiles. In Lahore, Pakistan, they were found in untreated textile effluents. Numerous morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods, such as Gram staining, catalase and oxidase tests, and 16S rRNA gene amplification, were used to identify and characterize various bacterial strains. Finding strains that generate important industrial enzymes, including alkaline proteases and amylases, which are essential for bioremediation and the detergent business, is the study's main goal. Amylases degrade starch, but alkaline proteases efficiently remove protein-based stains from detergents. Additionally, these enzymes are essential to bioremediation since they degrade pollutants in alkaline environments. The present investigation highlights the broader implications of these discoveries and highlights the potential of alkaliphiles to tackle environmental problems, improve industrial operations, and propel scientific advancements. Through utilizing these extremophiles' special qualities, the research aims to develop long-term wastewater treatment solutions and stimulate industrial innovation. Together, these studies shed fresh light on the diversity and resilience of microbes while demonstrating the transforming power of alkaliphilic bacteria in industrial and environmental setting.