No abstract

Green synthesis of nanoparticles by using plants is an emerging class of nanobiotechnology. It revolutionizes all the fields of nanobiotechnology by synthesizing chemical-free nanoparticles for various purposes. In the present study, zinc and copper nanoparticles were synthesized by using the white leaves of Allium cepa and further characterized through Zeta analyzer and Scanning electron microscopy. Zeta analyzer elucidated that zinc nanoparticles ranged from 8-32 nm while copper nanoparticles ranged from 15-30 nm. Scanning electron microscopy clarified that zinc nanoparticles were irregular while copper nanoparticles were spherical in shape. The effects of green synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated on the germination frequency and biochemical parameters of plant tissues. The nucellus tissues were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 30 µg/ml suspension of zinc and copper nanoparticles. Green synthesized nanoparticles enhanced the in vitro germination parameters because of their low toxicity and high efficacy. Significant results were obtained for germination parameters in response to the applications of zinc nanoparticles as compared to copper nanoparticles. These nanoparticles could also induce stress in plantlets by manipulating the endogenous mechanism as a result various defence compounds are produced which have potential in treating various human ailments. Copper nanoparticles showed higher toxicity as compared to zinc nanoparticles and triggered the production of antioxidative enzymes and non-enzymatic compounds.

Plants from the start are being used for the welfare of human and animals. About 25,000 biological active compounds are reported by different scientists. Plants itself are a complete treatment bioagent. People are still using plants and their decoction for different diseases. Saussurea lappa Clarke is the member of family Compositae. This plant is famous due to its high medical importance. The plant is commonly named as Kuth root or costus and has wide use for anticancer, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anticonvulsant, antiarthritic, activities. Biologically active substance of in this plant is lactone cynaropicrin, dehydrocostus, germacrene, lappadilactone. This plant can be used to extract such bioactive compounds which can help the scientist to discover new and potential drugs. Due to such chemical composition and medicinal importance this review has been prepared for the awareness of the people to conserve their medicinal plants which can be used for potential drug discovery.

With the progression of nanotechnology, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products has increased dramatically and green synthesis is one of the cheapest and eco-friendly methods to obtain non-hazardous NPs. In the current research zinc (Zn) NPs synthesis was carried out by using the fresh and healthy leaves of Mentha arvensis L. followed by characterisation through ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the green synthesis of ZnNPs, while XRD confirmed the size of NPs, which was 30-70 nm. SEM shows that the shape of ZnNPs was irregular. The effects of green synthesised NPs on two different varieties of Brassica napus were evaluated. Exposure to ZnNPs (5, 15, and 25 mg/l −1) caused a significant increase in root and shoot length of B. napus. The application of NPs significantly improved plant germination and triggered the production of secondary metabolite and antioxidant enzymes. ZnNPs showed a significant increase in chlorophyll, superoxide dismutase, total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant enzymes while total phenolic content was decreased when TFC increased. Thus, it has been concluded from the current study that ZnNPs may possibly trigger the production of antioxidant enzymes and various biochemical compounds.

The effectiveness of electronic resources and services in select campuses of Fiji National University Library on the basis of users' satisfaction is evaluated. A survey method was employed to conduct this research. Out of sixteen campus libraries of FNU, the researcher selects eight libraries from different division of Fiji in the user's survey. 150 well-structured questionnaires were distributed to gather information related to uses of electronic resources and services. The 140 filled questionnaireswere collected from students and faculty members and analysed, classified and tabulated by employing simple statistical methods. The study reveals that majority of the users of FNU libraries keep themselves abreast of developments in electronic resources, services and their proper utilisation in the field of academic and research. The result showed a growing interest in e-resources among the users and also found that slow downloading and blockage of website is the hurdle in proper utilisation of electronic resources. The survey further reveals that the majority of respondents are aware of the usage of e-resources and services.