The present study focused on the isolation of individual caseins (a, b and j) from defatted cow's milk using lactic acid-mediated isoelectric precipitation coupled with cold extraction technique, followed by purification using sucrose-based density gradient centrifugation method. In vitro characterisation of the isolated casein fractions confirmed preservation of micellar morphology throughout the experimental conditions with anionic surface charge and wider particle size range. The RP-HPLC analysis showed a peak at retention time of 25.13 min and 27.84 min for a-casein and b-casein, respectively. Results confirmed isolation of pure casein fractions from cow's milk which could serve as a rich source of bioactive peptides for nutraceutical/pharmaceutical applications.

The present work deals with the preparation and characterization of lignin based macromolecular polymeric composites and applications thereof. Here lignin is complexed with pectin and/ or gellan gum, to form two different macromolecular green composites LP and LPG. The best ratios screened out through evaluation of nanoparticle characterization and rheology, then confirmed by surface morphology. The superior thermal stability is proved by DSC analysis. The reaction groups involving in complexation are confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopic evaluation where the methoxy or methyl group of lignin interacts with the hydroxyl group of pectin and gellan gum to form nanocomposites. The reduced particle size and surface charge confirm the complexation due to interaction between ionizable functional groups. The applications of these composites are validated by their dye adsorption capacity and anti‐microbial properties (after loading of green silver nanoparticles) which proves the multifunctional properties of novel composites. The maximum dye removal efficiency of both composites is independent of initial dye concentration. Dye adsorption capacity is best fitted by Freundlich adsorption isotherms that follow pseudo‐second‐order adsorption kinetics. The antibacterial study of developed silver nanoparticle loaded and unloaded composites shows wide spectrum activity against E. coli and S. aureus, with higher inhibition efficiency against gram‐negative organism.

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The COVID-19 pandemic is a major threat worldwide. Since it is a contagious disease and there are no established treatment procedures, the situation demands stronger preventive measures. Thus, an effective and reliable prevention method is important. The use of gargles and nasal rinses are well-known ancient Ayurvedic procedures that have been an effective weapon against many infections related to the throat and nasal path. Thus, their role in preventive management of COVID-19 should be investigated. Soaps and detergents are proven to be very effective in destroying the virus outside the body, but can this be useful in the throat? Most of the virus passes to the lungs via the throat and nasal route, so inactivation or flushing out of the virus from the throat and nasal path itself may prevent its entry to the lungs. The use of gargles and nasal rinses consisting of saponins as natural surfactants may provide antiviral action. The virus is said to remain in the throat for 3 to 4 days. Gargling allows these natural surfactants to come directly into contact with the adhering virus in the throat, thereby flushing out or inactivating the virus. Many studies have shown that constituents like glycyrrhizin (liquorice), curcumin (turmeric) and methylglyoxal (manuka honey) etc. have potential activity against life threatening viruses. Thus, a medicated gargle and nasal rinse incorporating these natural surfactants along with potential antiviral drugs may be able to exert an acceptable result in preventive management of SARS-CoV-2.

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