The most potent mycotoxin, aflatoxins are the secondary metabolite produced by fungi, especially Aspergillus, and have been found to be ubiquitous, contaminating cereals, crops, and even milk and causing major health and economic issues in some countries due to poor storage, substandard management, and lack of awareness. Different aspects of the toxin are reviewed here, including its structural biochemistry, occurrence, factors conducive to its contamination and intoxication and related clinical features, as well as suggested preventive and control strategies and detection methods.

Hydroponics and aquaponics are emergent agricultural techniques that offer several environmental solutions. It is anticipated that the hydroponic systems will result in a more significant profit from selling vegetables and other plants. The use of new technologies, such as hydroponics and aquaponics, has been demonstrated to increase the number of plants that can be grown. The recirculatory aquaculture system makes it possible to multiply fish production while consuming fewer resources. Essential factors of this technology include higher yield, safety, and water management. In addition, the scope of potential future research in hydroponics and aquaponics has been discussed. Furthermore, the paper identifies and discusses the various applications of hydroponics and aquaponics in agriculture.

REVIEW ON TRANSDERMAL MICRONEEDLE-BASED DRUG DELIVERY

Aquaculture is a fast growing food sector with an annual growth rate of about 10%, outpacing terrestrial livestock and capture fisheries. The Asia-Pacific region alone contributes over 80% of the world's aquaculture production. It has an important role in the development of many national economies and a key role in rural development. Poor environmental management has led to mangrove deforestation, land degradation, habitat loss and disease. If aquaculture is to continue being such an important source of livelihood for the community and the market at large, the practices employed must become more sustainable. Sustainable development means the management and conservation of natural resource base and focus on technological and institutional charge responsibilities to ensure continued supply of human needs for present and future generations. The objectives of such sustainable development would include the optimal allocation of resources, minimization of social conflict, minimization of environmental impact and the conservation of natural resources. While developing sustainable options, it also becomes important to keep the uplift of communities involved in mind and to consider innovative means of capturing a major share in the world market in aquaculture. This article discusses such issues and the options available. We also propose a comprehensive score-sheet based feedback system for the development of sustainable aquaculture which directly involves the farmer as the key player.

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of certain fungi like Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nomius and Aspergillus parasiticus. Food products like cereals, milk, milk products, nuts, oilseeds and spices are reported for aflatoxins contamination. Among the fourteen aflatoxin types reported so far, aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, and M2 are commonly studied. Aflatoxins are known to cause various diseases including aflatoxicosis in livestock and domestic animals and cancer in humans. Recently aflatoxin B1 has reported binding with Glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK-3β). This prompted to carry out the present study, where Glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK-3β) was evaluated on the docking behaviour of 13 aflatoxin analogues using Patch Dock. In addition, molecular physicochemical, drug-likeness, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion analyses) were also carried out. The molecular physiochemical analysis revealed that aflatoxin analogue showed nil violation and complied well with the Lipinski’s rule of five. ADME analysis indicates all thirteen aflatoxin analogue predicated to have high gastro-intestine (GI) absorption property. Docking studies, with GSK-3β, revealed that aflatoxin G2 analogue showed the largest atomic contact energy (-224.82 kcal/mol) and Aflatoxin P1 analogue had the least (-160.33 kcal/mol). In addition, aflatoxin P1 analogue has interacted with Asp200 amino acid residue of GSK-3β. Thus, the present study showed the potential of GSK-3β as aflatoxin binder.