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Item Exploitation of microbes for degradation of plastic(UMT, Lhr, 2018) AFREEN BAKHTThe 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.Item Analysis of microbial contamination in drinking water of saggiyan, lahore and its impacts on public health(UMT, Lhr, 2018) HINA AFTABWater 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 workItem Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic application of p(aac) microgels and its composites of ni doped zno nanorods(UMT, Lhr, 2018) SIDRA ARSHADZnO nanorods and Ni doped ZnO nanorods with various nickel 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% (mol%) concentration were prepared by co-precipitation method, by adding zinc acetate dihydrate and nickel nitrate dihydrate as zinc and nickel precursor in presence of ammonia solution. Microgels of p(AAc) and its composites of Ni doped ZnO nanorods were synthesized by inverse phase polymerization method under N2 gas atmosphere. Morphology of Ni doped ZnO nanorods and its composite with p(AAc) were determined by XRD, TEM, SEM, FTIR and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was testified by using Tungsten lamp of 500 W via photo-degradation of methylene blue (MB) as a standard dye. It was observed that the composite of p(AAc) microgels with Ni doped ZnO nanorods show much enhanced photocatalytic performance upto 93% as compared to any other individual particle acting as alone. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is due to enhanced surface area, surface roughness and decreasing band gap.Item Estimation and removal of arsenic from drinking Water using tree barks(UMT, Lhr, 2018) SAMREEN TARIQIn 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.Item In vitro antidiabetic activity of cichorium intybus(UMT, Lhr, 2018) Muhammad HassanCichorium intybus L is a plant which is common name as chicory and belongs to the family asteraceace. All parts of this plant are used in medicines. It is mostly used to cure diabetes mellitus, skin diseases, dysentery, diarrhea, wound healing and hepatic disorder. Current research was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Cichorium intybus. Antidiabetic activity can be checked in Vivo and in Vitro, this project was designed to check the activity in vitro via α-amylase enzyme using spectrophotometer. Cichorium intybus has a great ability to controlled alpha amylase. Increased concentration of methanolic extract of Chicory increases the alpha amylase activities. The IC50 values rank from 4 to 0.5 mg/ml. leaves extract exhibited the lowest IC50 value and roots extract has shown highest value. The C. intybus extracts were also screened for their antioxidant activities by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The IC50 values rank from 1000 µg/ml to 60 µg/ml. Then lowest IC50 value 100µg/ml was exhibited by seeds extract and highest value 1000µg/ml by root extract. This study proved that Cichorium intybus acts as an indigenous plant which is highly effective for the diabetic problems. Further work on Cichorium intybus is needed to isolate biological and chemical components from the seeds and to evaluate the biological activity of refined constituents.Item Estimation of blends of candelilla wax and plant extracts for fruit storage(UMT, Lhr, 2018) AQSA FARZANDNow 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.Item Synthesis, characterizations and photocatalytic activity of sulphur doped zno and its composite with graphene oxide for dye degradation(UMT, Lhr, 2018) SAADIA IQBALEnvironmental pollut¬ants such as organic dyes are of major focal areas of current era because of their numerous health hazards to living organism. Consequently, excellent photocatalytic substances are the need of time to degrade such water bodies and get pollution free water. Transition metal oxides are of great interest in this regard being economical, highly reactive and eco-friendly. In the present study, sulphur doped zinc oxide nanoparticles are prepared by using ecofriendly solution free method and graphene oxide is synthesized by modified Hummer’s method. Sulphur doped zinc oxide nanoparticles are combined with graphene oxide in the weight percent of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% to obtain a range of various composites. The photocatalytic composites are characterized by using the techniques namely; TEM, SEM, EDXS, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry to find out their chemical nature and morphological features. Photocatalytic activity of the composites is determined by using the methylene blue as a standard pollutant. The newly formed composite (S-doped zinc oxide composite with 10 % graphene oxide) showed up to 90% enhanced photocatalytic activity than that of individual nanoparticles and graphene oxide. Effect of concentration of dopant in composite, initial concentration of methylene blue, photocatalyst loading, initial pH of the suspension and the irradiation time for dye degradation have also been investigated in detail.Item Chemical analysis of bullet holes and environmental impacts(UMT, Lhr, 2018) IRFAN HUSSAINIn 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.Item Detection of pesticides in different matrices using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(UMT, Lhr, 2018) MUHAMMAD MUNTAZIR IQBALDetection 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.Item Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Applications of S-doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanocomposites with Nickel doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles(UMT, Lhr, 2018) DURRAYSHAHWARCoprecipitation method was adopted for the synthesis of undoped and Ni-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of undoped and nickel doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were examined by degradation of methylene blue under UVVisible light. The S-doped graphitic carbon nitride was obtained by calcination of thiourea. After that, composites were formed with S-doped graphitic carbon nitride and nickel doped zinc oxide nanoparticles using liquid exfoliation method. The ethanol and water were used as solvents for the liquid exfoliation. The photocatalytic activity of composites of S-doped graphitic carbon nitride with various mol% of doped ZnO nanoparticles were performed under UV-Visible light for the degradation of methylene blue. The characterization was performed by XRD and FTIR techniques. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by the UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The lowering and broadening of peaks in XRD diffractograms confirmed the doping of nickel on zinc oxide nanoparticles and formation of sulfur doped graphitic carbon nitride composites. In FTIR the peak at 838cm-1 showed the presence of Ni-O bond. The peaks at 3649cm-1 and 3735cm-1 confirmed the presence of amide group. The absorption band shifted from the 364 nm to 376 nm and showed red shift in UVVisible spectra. The different concentrations of composites showed great impact on the degradation of methylene blue.Item Evaluation of plant extract based candelilla wax formulation to improve shelf life of fruits(UMT, Lhr, 2018) AALIA IRSHADMost 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.Item Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic applications of p(aac) microgels and its composites of ag doped cuo nanoparticles(UMT, Lhr, 2018) MADIHA AHMADCuO and Ag doped CuO nanoparticles were synthesized through co-precipitation method. Copper sulphate pentahydrate was used as Cu precursor to synthesized CuO nanopaticles. Microgels was synthesized through poly(Acrylic acid)-co-MBA in organic solvent and nitrogen atmosphere. Photocatalytic activity of CuO nanoparticles, Ag doped CuO nanoparticles, microgels and composite were studied. XRD technique was used to verify the size of CuO, Ag doped CuO nanoparticles microgels and composite. TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR and UV techniques were also used to study the structure and morphology of the CuO nanoparticles, Ag doped CuO nanoparticles, microgels and composites of microgels with Ag doped CuO nanoparticles. FTIR technique was used to determine the functional group and impurities in sample. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to measure the photocatalytic study of the composite. SEM and TEM techniques were used to determine the image of nanoparticles. The size range of CuO nanoparticles were 15-30nm, Ag doped CuO nanoparticles size range were 25-40nm, microgels and the composite of microgels with Ag doped CuO size were less than 200-300nm. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanomaterials was successfully tested for photodegradation of methylene blue as model pollutant. The photocatalytic activity results confirm that the synthesized composite photocatalyst show higher activity than the individual particles.Item Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Photocatalytic Application of S-doped g-C3N4 Nanocomposites with zno and Cu-doped zno Nanostructure(UMT, Lhr, 2018) Salma AsifInvestigation of the doping influence on structures and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanostructures at optimum concentration is presented. Moreover enhanced photocatalytic performance making composite with sulfur doped g-C₃N₄ is also presented. Copper (Cu) is used as dopant on ZnO nanostructures. Undoped and doped (1, 3, 4 and 5 %) doped nanoparticles were prepared by wet chemical method and annealing was done at 450 ᵒC for 3 hours. Sulfur doped graphitic carbon nitride nanosample was prepared by using thiourea. Nanocomposites of sulfur doped graphitic carbon nitride with pure zinc oxide and copper doped zinc oxide were prepared. Two types of composites were prepared. (a) Composites of pure ZnO with graphitic carbon nitride. (b) Composite of copper doped ZnO with graphitic carbon nitride. Different characterization techniques were used to analyze the structural properties like (SEM) scanning electron microscopy, (XRD) X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activities of all the samples were checked by UV- Visible spectrophotometer. Methylene blue (MB) was employed as an organic pollutant for the photocatalytic activities and mercury lamp was used for irradiation of visible light. All the samples showed a good photodegradation of methylene blue. Cu-4 % doped ZnO was very good sample among all dopant concentrations. ZnO composites with g-C₃N₄ and Cu 4 % doped ZnO nanocomposites with g-C₃N₄ showed considerable degradation.Item Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Applications of p(aac) Microgel and Its Composite with Cu Doped zno Nanoparticles(UMT, Lhr, 2018) MUHAMMAD FAYYAZZnO and Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight Cu doping) were synthesized using co-precipitation method. CuSO4.5H2O and ZnSO4.7H2O were used as Cu and Zn precursor respectively. Poly (Acrylic Acid) microgel and composite of 15 % Cu doped ZnO with Poly (Acrylic Acid) microgel were synthesized through Free Radical Polymerization method under Nitrogen environment. Photocatalytic activity of ZnO, Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles and their composite with Poly (Acrylic Acid) microgel was studied using UV Visible Spectroscopy by considering Methylene Blue as a standard pollutant. SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR and XRD were used to characterize ZnO, Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles, Poly (Acrylic Acid) Microgel, and Composite of Cu doped ZnO with microgel. SEM and TEM results confirm that the synthesized nanoparticles were about 30-40 nm in size, and spherical in shape. FTIR Analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in synthesized materials, The Photocatalytic activity reveals that the synthesized composite show much better photocatalytic activity than the individual nanoparticles and microgel.Item Phytochemicals from the seeds of peganum harmala l. And their antioxidant and antibacterial activity(UMT, Lhr, 2018) GHAZALA RAFIQUEPeganum harmala L. (P.harmala) is an important medicinal and traditional plant using in variety of diseases belongs to family zygophyllaceae, usually known as harmal, Esphand or wild rue. This research evaluated the phytochemical analysis, in vitro antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of P. harmala seed extracts against different polarity solvents including methanol, hexane, benzene, chloroform and dichloromethane. Extraction of P. harmala is done by solvent extraction method. A preliminary qualitative phytochemical study showed the presence of secondary metabolites alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins and glycosides in different extracts of P. harmala seeds while in methanol extract glycosides was absent. Tannins were absent in all extract of P. harmala seeds. Total phenolic content was also determined by Spectrophotometry method by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Antioxidant activity of different extracts of plant seed was checked by using DPPH radical method and ascorbic acid as standard. Dichloromethane extract of plant seed was found to have strong antioxidant activity of 85.4% at 50 µg/mL. Antibacterial activity of plant seeds extracts was also tested by disc diffusion method against three bacterial strains. Chloroform, dichloromethane and benzene extract showed mild antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium while methanol extract showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Hexane extract failed to inhibit the growth of bacteria. The result have shown that Peganum harmala Linn is rich source of secondary metabolites, a strong antioxidant and possess mild antibacterial activity.Item The prevalence of respiratory illnesses among the workers of crushing industry in pakistan(UMT, Lhr, 2018) AISHA ASIF BUTTRespiratory illnesses are considered to be the main burden of work-related diseases in Pakistan which occurs mostly in the form of cardiovascular diseases, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchitis, neurotoxicity and different types of cancers. The major contributors of these illnesses are dusty occupations. The lack of literature on respiratory illnesses shaped the rationale of this study. A survey was conducted in a crushing unit located in the province of Punjab. The main survey encompasses questionnaire and few measurements. Different factors including sociodemographic, smoking status, indoor air quality and occupational health and safety components were also analyzed by bivariate and multiple regression analysis performed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings suggested the prevalence of four main types of diseases including chronic form of asthma 15%, bronchitis 20%, rhino sinusitis 24% and peak flow impairment 42% respectively. It was found that major contributing predictors are lower education level, rural residence, use of non LPG fuels, smoking status, poor compliance with OHS practices. Compliance with OHS guidelines and training along with awareness can be a short-term solution. But for a holistic approach, changes in living standards and linking of socioeconomic inequalities are needed.Item Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of ziziphus mauritiana(UMT, Lhr, 2018) RABIYA BIBIZiziphus 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.Item Bioconversion of fruit seeds to gallic acid(UMT, Lhr, 2018) RIDA ARSHADGallic 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.Item Theoretically computed ir and raman spectra of cyclohexane and some derivatives using gamess(UMT, Lhr, 2018) IQRA SHARIFInfrared (IR) and Raman spectra of cyclohexane (C6H12) and some of its derivatives of group IVA members i.e. silacyclohexane (C5H12Si), germacyclohexane (C5H12Ge) and stannacyclohexane (C5H12Sn) have been determined theoretically using two different software GAMESS and Gaussian 09. Density Functional Theory (DFT) approach was used for the theoretical infrared and Raman spectra of all the mentioned molecules. For the Infrared and Raman spectra of cyclohexane and silacyclohexane DFT computations, using 3-21G, 6-31G(d,p) basis sets with B3LYP level of theory were performed using GAMESS (U.S 2017). Similarly in Gaussian 09, Def2-TZVP basis set with B3LYP level of theory was used. The results of theoretical infrared spectra of cyclohexane and silacyclohexane have been compared with experimental infrared spectra provided in literature and a good agreement was found between the results. Both Def2-TZVP and 6-31G(d,p) basis set used in Gaussian and GAMESS produced good results. On the basis of the good agreement of theoretical and experimental results of cyclohexane and silacyclohexane we extended our work to predict the theoretical IR and Raman spectra (which have not been explored yet) of other molecules of group IVA, germacyclohexane and stannacyclohexane using the same (Density Functional Theory with B3LYP level using 3-21G, 6-31G(d,p) and Def2-TZVP basis set) approach.Item Evaluation of antimicrobial and anti-diabetic potential of parthenium hysterophorus(UMT, Lhr, 2018) NOOREEN ASGHARParthenium 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.
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