Exploring a green chemistry approach, this study brings to the fore, the anthelmintic efficacy of gold nanoparticles, highlighting the plausible usage of myconanotechnology. Gold nanoparticles of ∼6 to ∼18 nm diameter were synthesized by treating the mycelia-free culture filtrate of the phytopathogenic fungus with gold chloride. Their size and morphology were confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS data, AFM and TEM images. The XRD studies reveal a crystalline nature of the nanoparticles, which are in cubic phase. The FTIR spectroscopic studies before and after the formation of nanoparticles show the presence of possible functional groups responsible for the bio-reduction and capping of the synthesized gold nanoparticles. The latter were tested as vermifugal agents against a model cestode Raillietina sp., an intestinal parasite of domestic fowl. Further, ultrastructural and biochemical parameters were used to corroborate the efficacy study.

Contamination of food with heavy metals is an important factor leading to serious health concerns. Rapid identification of these heavy metals is of utmost priority. There are several methods to identify traces of heavy metals in food. Conventional methods for the detection of heavy metal residues have their limitations in terms of cost, analysis time, and complexity. In the last decade, voltammetric analysis has emerged as the most prominent electrochemical determination method for heavy metals. Voltammetry is a reliable, cost-effective, and rapid determination method. This review provides a detailed primer on recent advances in the development and application of graphene-based electrochemical sensors for heavy metal monitoring over the last decade. We critically examine aspects of graphene modification (fabrication process, stability, cost, reproducibility) and analytical properties (sensitivity, selectivity, rapid detection, lower detection, and matrix effects) of these sensors. Furthermore, to our knowledge, meta-analyses were performed for the first time for all investigated parameters, categorized based on graphene materials and heavy metal types. We also examined the pass–fail criteria according to the WHO drinking water guidelines. In addition, the effects of heavy metal toxicity on human health and the environment are discussed. Finally, the contribution of heavy metal contamination to the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stated by the United Nations in 2015 is discussed in detail. The results confirm the significant impact of heavy metal contamination across twelve SDGs. This review critically examines the existing knowledge in this field and highlights significant research gaps and future opportunities. It is intended as a resource for researchers working on graphene-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of heavy metals in food safety, with the ultimate goal of improving consumer health protection.

Over the past few decades, the green synthesis of nanoparticles has gained importance for their therapeutic efficacy and eco-friendly nature. Integrating green chemistry principles into multidisciplinary nanoscience research has paved the way for developing environmentally benign and sustainable methods for synthesizing gold and silver nanoparticles. In the present study, the flowers obtained from Clerodendrum infortunatum (L.), belonging to the family Verbenaceae, have been used for biosynthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to evaluate the anthelmintic potential. UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM and TEM analyses were performed to ascertain the formation of AgNPs. Clerodendrum-derived AgNP (CLE-AgNP) has significantly affected the normal physiological functions of the poultry parasite Raillietina spp., a menace to the livestock industry. Our study manifests that CLE-AgNPs cause considerable distortion of the surface tegument of this cestode parasite leading to changes in the host-parasite interface. The histochemical localization studies of the tegument-associated enzymes viz. AcPase, AlkPase, ATPase and 5’-Nu, exposed to the drug, showed a substantial activity decline, thus establishing the anthelmintic potential of the CLE-AgNPs.

This review synthesizes research on mechanisms of microplastic-induced mitochondrial damage, focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation to address the mechanistic pathways linking microplastic exposure to mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular toxicity. Analysis of diverse in vitro and in vivo studies across aquatic, terrestrial, and mammalian systems was conducted, emphasizing molecular, cellular, and functional mitochondrial parameters. Findings reveal consistent microplastic-induced reactive oxygen species generation, disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential and bioenergetics, with smaller and aged particles exerting greater toxicity. Inflammatory signalling via NF-κB, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and immune cell necroptosis is closely associated with oxidative stress, forming a feedback loop that exacerbates mitochondrial impairment. Molecular mechanisms implicate endocytic uptake pathways, mitochondrial calcium dysregulation, and apoptosis-related cascades, though causal validation remains limited. The interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation emerges as a central driver of mitochondrial damage across models. These integrated insights highlight the critical influence of microplastic physicochemical properties and biological context on mitochondrial and inflammatory responses. The findings inform future mechanistic research and underscore the need for standardized models to assess microplastic toxicity, advancing understanding of environmental and human health risks associated with microplastic pollution.

A sensitive and cost-effective voltammetric sensor using a carbon-containing electrode (CCE) with a renewable surface modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was developed for the determination of prednisolone in pharmaceuticals and blood serum. The morphological effects of the functionalization process on the MWCNTs were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analysis of the micrographs indicated that the functionalized nanotubes exhibited a higher density of surface defects and a reduced tendency to form bundles compared to their pristine counterparts. Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) confirmed that residual iron particles were removed from the MWCNTs during acid functionalization, demonstrating their intrinsic conductivity. The MWCNTs/CCE was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electrochemical behavior of prednisolone in Britton–Robinson buffer at the MWCNTs/CCE was investigated by linear sweep cathodic voltammetry, while the quantitative determination was performed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited a linear concentration range from 0.04 to 0.6 μM with a detection limit of 8 nM. The proposed method was successfully applied in the determination of prednisolone in pharmaceutical formulations and blood serum.

Globally, traditional knowledge systems are a powerhouse of information which can revolutionise the world, if decoded accurately and logically. Plant-based ethno-traditional and folklore curatives/medicines has a firm basis in the psyche of the common masses of West Bengal and Holarrhena pubescens is a representative example of it. This article communication on depicting the anthelmintic efficacy of ethanolic extract and Ethyl acetate fraction of the stem bark of Holarrhena pubescens against the cestode Raillietina spp. through efficacy studies, ultra-structural observations, histochemical and biochemical analysis on some tegumental enzymes i.e., Acid Phosphatase (AcPase), Alkaline Phosphatase (AlkPase), Adenosine Triphosphatase (ATPase) and 5ˈ-Nucleotidase (5ˈ-Nu) along with Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) analysis of histochemical study. Praziquantel was used as the reference drug. Investigations revealed 10mg/ml dosage of crude extract was the most efficacious dose and amongst the fractions the ethyl acetate fraction showed the most anthelmintic property. Ultrastructural studies through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) clearly depicted the damage in head, sucker, proglottids, proximal and distal cytoplasm (DC), microtriches (MT), basal lamina (BL), nuclear membrane (NM), and, nucleolus (NL) in the treated worms. Histochemical studies revealed decrease in staining intensity for all the tegumental enzymes in the treated worms compared to control. The GLCM analysis strongly supported the result of histochemical studies. Biochemical studies revealed marked reduction in enzyme activity in the treated worms with maximum reduction in the activity of 5ˈ- Nu (77.8%) followed by ATPase (63.17%).