Browsing by Author "Joginder Singh Duhan"

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Biopolymer and polymer precursor production by microorganisms: applications and future prospects
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2024) Baljeet Singh Saharan; Neel Kamal; Prerana Badoni; Ramesh Kumar; Mayuri Saini; Dharmender Kumar; Deepansh Sharma; Swati Tyagi; Poonam Ranga; Jagdish Parshad; Chhaya Goyal; Ravinder Kumar; Manju Nehra; Chandra Shekhar Seth; Joginder Singh Duhan; Neelam Kumari Mandal
Polymers have been used in various industries over the past few decades due to their tremendous applications. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates and poly(lactic acid) are easily biodegradable biopolymers derived from bacteria, including recombinant Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes eutrophus, Alcaligenes latus, Azotobacter vinelandii, methylotrophs and Pseudomonas. Conventional petroleum-derived polymers have become potentially harmful to the environment due to their complex degradation process. The nonbiodegradability of synthetic polymers has become a global issue of concern. There is an urgent need for a substitute to tackle the increasing environmental stress. Microorganisms are small factories for producing different types of polymers during their growth cycle. Various features like biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity and wide substrate spectrum make such microbial polymers highly reliable. Biopolymers such as alginate, cellulose, cyanophycin, levan, polyhydroxyalkanoates, xanthan, poly(lactic acid) and poly(γ-glutamic acid) can be obtained from different microorganisms like Aureobasdium pullulans, Acetobacter xylinum, Bacillus thermoamylovorans and Cupriavidusnecator. These are extensively used in various fields like food, medicine, wastewater treatment, biofuel production, packaging and cosmetics. Despite being advantageous in several ways, the biopolymer market still faces several hurdles. This review mainly emphasizes the different types of biopolymers, production by microorganisms and various applications of these biopolymers in different fields. The main drawback limiting the development of these polymers is the high production cost and low efficiency of the microbial strains. Genetic recombination is an efficient technique to enhance the microbial yield and to expand the biopolymer market size. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Characterization of Langra Mango Peel Powder and Assessment of Its Prebiotic and Antioxidant Potential
(Wiley-Hindawi, 2024) K. Hinokali Jakha; Chhaya Goyal; Priya Dhyani; Dinesh Chandra Rai; Baljeet Singh Saharan; Sanju Bala Dhull; Joginder Singh Duhan
The possibility of developing waste by-products of food processing into functional food additives along with probiotics is an interesting avenue to research. This study investigated the nutritional and functional attributes of dried mango peel powder (MPP) of Langra cultivar and its putative potential to act as a prebiotic in the presence of two probiotic strains Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NCDC347 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC143 @ 2.5 & 5% after 24 to 48 h fermentation. Proximate analysis revealed that the MPP contains 6.45 % moisture, 6.34 % protein, 3.88 % fat, 2.50 % ash, 32.86 % crude dietary fiber, and 47.97 % of total carbohydrate content. MP displayed substantial antioxidant potential with 54.6% DPPH inhibitory activity, 15.67 mg GAE/g TPC, 8.88 mg QuE/g TFC, OHC of 1.47 g oil/g, and a WHC of 4.7 g water/g. MPP could selectively stimulate the growth of two probiotic strains over enteric bacteria. It was revealed that a combination of MPP @5% with L. fermentum NCDC143 after 24 h fermentation had the best in vitro prebiotic activity score of 3.35 and 3.53 against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Enterococcus faecalis NCDC114, respectively. The prebiotic activity score of MPP was better than commercial prebiotic malto-dextrin for all combinations of probiotic and enteric strains tested. The percentage DPPH inhibition activity of MPP increased during fermentation with L. fermentum NCDC143, highlighting its role as a source of antioxidants. These findings contribute to the formulation of synbiotic products that are able to maintain selected healthy microbiota in the human gut. © 2024 K. Hinokali Jakha et al.
Development and characterization of probiotic Ragi-based composite dairy product
(Springer, 2024) Shweta Kumari; Priya Dhyani; Aayushi Mishra; Chhaya Goyal; Dinesh Chandra Rai; Baljeet Singh Saharan; Joginder Singh Duhan
This study aimed to develop and optimize a ragi-based probiotic dairy beverage (RPDB) using two probiotic strains, Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC143 (LF) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NCDC347 (LGG). The ragi amount and fermentation duration were optimized through laboratory-scale trials based on sensory characteristics and antioxidant activity. The final optimized product, fermented with either strain, was acceptable to consumers, with average sensory scores above 7 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Proximate and physicochemical analyses were performed. Both fermented beverages (RPDB-LGG & RPDB-LF) showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition activity (44% & 46%), Total Phenolic Content (359.83 µg GAE/ml & 374.94 µg GAE/ml), and Total Flavonoid Content (14.58 mg QE/ml & 15.36 mg QE/ml) compared to the non-fermented control. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis characterized the functional groups in the samples. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole high-resolution accurate mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRAMS)-based metabolomics revealed important biologically active metabolites in the probiotic beverage. Shelf-life analysis showed both beverages maintained recommended viable probiotic counts (at least 6–7 log CFU/ml) for 21 days at 4 °C. Notably, RPDB-LF exhibited better microbiological stability than RPDB-LGG during storage. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Development and characterization of probiotic Ragi-based composite dairy product
(Springer, 2025) Shweta Kumari; Priya Dhyani; Aayushi Mishra; Chhaya Goyal; Dinesh Chandra Rai; Baljeet Singh Saharan; Joginder Singh Duhan
This study aimed to develop and optimize a ragi-based probiotic dairy beverage (RPDB) using two probiotic strains, Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC143 (LF) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NCDC347 (LGG). The ragi amount and fermentation duration were optimized through laboratory-scale trials based on sensory characteristics and antioxidant activity. The final optimized product, fermented with either strain, was acceptable to consumers, with average sensory scores above 7 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Proximate and physicochemical analyses were performed. Both fermented beverages (RPDB-LGG & RPDB-LF) showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition activity (44% & 46%), Total Phenolic Content (359.83 µg GAE/ml & 374.94 µg GAE/ml), and Total Flavonoid Content (14.58 mg QE/ml & 15.36 mg QE/ml) compared to the non-fermented control. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis characterized the functional groups in the samples. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole high-resolution accurate mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRAMS)-based metabolomics revealed important biologically active metabolites in the probiotic beverage. Shelf-life analysis showed both beverages maintained recommended viable probiotic counts (at least 6–7 log CFU/ml) for 21 days at 4 °C. Notably, RPDB-LF exhibited better microbiological stability than RPDB-LGG during storage. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Emerging Trends and Advancements in the Processing of Dairy Whey for Sustainable Biorefining
(Wiley-Hindawi, 2023) Chhaya Goyal; Priya Dhyani; Dinesh Chandra Rai; Swati Tyagi; Sanju Bala Dhull; Pardeep Kumar Sadh; Joginder Singh Duhan; Baljeet Singh Saharan
Increased milk production has boosted the market of milk-driven products, and as a result, the by-product production has also increased, which is a challenge to dispose of. Whey, a cheese by-product, is also increasing yearly, and its disposal in water bodies is responsible for water pollution and thus is an issue for the dairy sector. In this context, extensive research has been going on to valorize this by-product and create alternative ways to remove the organic load in whey rather than disposing of it. Recently, exciting developments have been made to convert whey into value-added commodities such as biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, and biohydrogen), bioplastics, bacterial cellulose, food colors and flavors, bioprotective solutions, bioactive peptides, and single-cell proteins. In this review, we aim to comprehend the recent developments and challenges in producing a whole range of value-added ingredients with whey as feedstock through microbial fermentation. Particular focus was paid to the potential of novel genetically engineered or adapted microbial strains to valorize bovine whey economically and sustainably. © 2023 Chhaya Goyal et al.
Exploring the Benefits of Nutrition of Little Millet: Unveiling the Effect of Processing Methods on Bioactive Properties
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Annu Kumari; Pardeep Kumar Sadh; Ajay Kamboj; Babli Yadav; Anil Kumar; Subbarayan Sivakumar; Surekha; Baljeet Singh Saharan; Basanti Brar; Chhaya Goyal; Sanju Bala Dhull; Joginder Singh Duhan
Many terrible illnesses and disorders that modern man is dealing with today were not even known to ancient man. The only factor contributing to this disastrous situation is dietary habits. Thus, by avoiding and controlling them, replacing meals high in empty calories with nutrient-dense millets helps to alleviate the combined burden of contemporary metabolic illnesses and malnutrition. Because millet contains various nutrients, including proteins, minerals, lipids, vitamins, phytochemicals, dietary fiber, and complex carbohydrates, it positively impacts the immune system. Among whole millets, little millet (Panicum sumatrense) is one nutritious millet that contributes significantly to the supply of macro- and micronutrients and bioactive substances, including phenols, tannins, and phytates. However, some processing techniques, such as germination, fermentation, milling, and extrusion, impact little millet’s nutrients and bioactive chemicals by increasing or decreasing these phytochemicals. These nutrients and bioactive substances have physiological and beneficial properties related to health, such as weight management, antioxidants, antidiabetics, anticancer, antiobesity, and cardiovascular disease potential. It is also beneficial in preventing the risk of inflammatory, antirheumatic, and chronic disorders, as it possesses various value-added bioactive compounds such as kaempferol, luteolin, and apigenin. Little millet also contains some antinutrients such as tannins, oxalate, trypsin inhibitors, and phytate. These substances bind to the necessary nutrients, rendering them unavailable or limiting their utilization. The nutrients, processing effects, bioactive compounds, and health advantages of these compounds in little millet are all summarized in this paper. © © 2025 Annu Kumari et al. Journal of Food Biochemistry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Exploring the promise of psychobiotics: Bridging gut microbiota and mental health for a flourishing society
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Neel Kamal; Baljeet Singh Saharan; Joginder Singh Duhan; Ashwani Kumar; Payal Chaudhary; Chhaya Goyal; Mukesh Kumar; Nikita Goyat; Meena Sindhu; Priti Mudgil
Mental health problems have become one of the major issues worldwide. People of every age group and gender are facing psychological issues. Conventional medicines are not reliable due to their adverse effects like altered sleeping pattern, addiction and health problems throughout the entire body. Psychobiotics is a new class of probiotics that is serving a wide range of applications in psychological health. Psychobiotic refers to the biological formulation which when consumed in right amount, confers psychological benefits. A lot of studies have supported the function of gut microbiota in mood cognition and controlling anxiety. The mechanism of action of psychobiotics has not been completely investigated. However, it may confer benefits by modulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, by directly influencing immune system and through production of various neurotransmitters and neurohormones like proteins and short fatty acids chains. This review highlights the potential of different bacterial strains in human and animal trials. It latter also covers various psychobiotics formulations marketed by different companies. In addition to this, we also tried to cover the various hurdles in psychobiotic research that need to be addressed in the future to build a prosperous society. © 2024 The Authors
Functional Diversification and Mechanistic Insights of MYB Transcription Factors in Mediating Plant Growth and Development, Secondary Metabolism, and Stress Responses
(Springer, 2025) Safoora Mariyam; Vinay Kumar; Aryadeep Roychoudhury; Gajanan Sampatrao Ghodake; Sowbiya Muneer; Joginder Singh Duhan; Faheem Ahmad; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Joginder P. Singh; Chandra Shekhar Seth
Gene expression at transcriptional stage regulates several vital life processes. Transcription factors (TFs) are essential for guiding these cellular functions. MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) TF family possesses a broad spectrum of biological functions, involving growth and differentiation, metabolism, defence mechanisms, as well as reactions to environmental stressors. Additionally, MYB transcription factors are recognized for involvement in manufacture of plant secondary metabolites. MYB proteins’ functions are extensively regulated at translational level, comprising mechanisms such as ubiquitination, sumoylation, and phosphorylation. MYB TFs’ vital role in controlling plant development is due to their capacity of precisely binding with cis-elements located in promoter domain of eukaryote targeted genes, influencing gene expression. This review delves into the evolution and critical roles of MYB proteins under various environmental stress conditions. Furthermore, it examines how these proteins control downstream target gene networks in response to abiotic stressors. It investigates the probable mechanisms that control MYB protein regulation at multiple stages, including transcription, post-transcriptional processes, and protein levels. It also investigates how these proteins control downstream targeted gene cascades during responses to environmental stresses in developing stress-resilient crops. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.
Nanotechnology, a frontier in agricultural science, a novel approach in abiotic stress management and convergence with new age medicine-A review
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Safoora Mariyam; Sudhir K. Upadhyay; Koushik Chakraborty; Krishan K. Verma; Joginder Singh Duhan; Sowbiya Muneer; Mukesh Meena; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Gajanan Ghodake; Chandra Shekhar Seth
Climate change imposes various environmental stresses which substantially impact plant growth and productivity. Salinity, drought, temperature extremes, heavy metals, and nutritional imbalances are among several abiotic stresses contributing to high yield losses of crops in various parts of the world, resulting in food insecurity. Many interesting strategies are being researched in the attempt to improve plants' environmental stress tolerance. These include the application of nanoparticles, which have been found to improve plant function under stress situations. Nanotechnology will be a key driver in the upcoming agri-tech and pharmaceutical revolution, which promises a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural and medical system Nano-fertilizers can help plants utilise nutrients more efficiently by releasing nutrients slowly and sustainably. Plant physiology and nanomaterial features (such as size, shape, and charge) are important aspects influencing the impact on plant growth. Here, we discussed the most promising new opportunities and methodologies for using nanotechnology to increase the efficiency of critical inputs for crop agriculture, as well as to better manage biotic and abiotic stress. Potential development and implementation challenges are highlighted, emphasising the importance of designing suggested nanotechnologies using a systems approach. Finally, the strengths, flaws, possibilities, and risks of nanotechnology are assessed and analysed in order to present a comprehensive and clear picture of the nanotechnology potentials, as well as future paths for nano-based agri-food applications towards sustainability. Future research directions have been established in order to support research towards the long-term development of nano-enabled agriculture and evolution of pharmaceutical industry. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Perspectives of millets for nutritional properties, health benefits and food of the future: a review
(Springer Nature, 2024) Pardeep Kumar Sadh; Ajay Kamboj; Suresh Kumar; Prince Chawla; Ravinder Kumar; Baljeet Singh Saharan; Dharmender Kumar; Surekha Duhan; Manju Nehra; Chhaya Goyal; Basanti Brar; Seema Joshi; Joginder Singh Duhan
In recent years, the increased prevalence of diseases associated with altered lifestyles, poor diet, and related awareness of natural therapies to treat these ailments has emphasized the study of bioactive compounds and natural small molecules. After the COVID-19 pandemic, people have become more concerned with their diet and healthy lifestyle. We need to replace grains with fortified foods that can help us fight nutritional security and provide a disease-free environment. Millets are nutritionally better than other cereals for human health. Millets are gluten-free, high in fiber content, and rich in minerals. Fiber-rich foods have a low glycaemic index and can reduce the risk of oxidative stress and metabolic illnesses. The 2023 year was dedicated to the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). Hence, Millet varieties contain a large number of bioactive products like protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, catechin, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, quercetin, apigenin, taxifolin, kaempferol, luteolin and myricetin, β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and ergosterol etc. These bioactive compounds have potential health benefits, including various biological properties like anti-diabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-hypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties. The fermentation of millet can have the potential for an upsurge in their nutrient availability. Therefore, fermented foods have attracted much attention because of their potential health benefits. This review primarily focuses on recent developments in millet as a food, nutritional, and bioactive compound. It can potentially boost health and has implications for various fermented millet varieties. © The Author(s) 2024.
Psychobiotics for Mitigation of Neuro-Degenerative Diseases: Recent Advancements
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Priya Dhyani; Chhaya Goyal; Sanju Bala Dhull; Anil Kumar Chauhan; Baljeet Singh Saharan; Harshita; Joginder Singh Duhan; Gulden Goksen
Ageing is inevitable and poses a universal challenge for all living organisms, including humans. The human body experiences rapid cell division and metabolism until approximately 25 years of age, after which the accumulation of metabolic by-products and cellular damage leads to age-related diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases are of concern due to their irreversible nature, lack of effective treatment, and impact on society and the economy. Researchers are interested in finding drugs that can effectively alleviate ageing and age-related diseases without side-effects. Psychobiotics are a novel class of probiotic organisms and prebiotic interventions that confer mental health benefits to the host when taken appropriately. Psychobiotic strains affect functions related to the central nervous system (CNS) and behaviors mediated by the Gut-Brain-Axis (GBA) through various pathways. There is an increasing interest in researchers of these microbial-based psychopharmaceuticals. Psychobiotics have been reported to reduce neuronal ageing, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cortisol levels; increase synaptic plasticity and levels of neurotransmitters and antioxidants. The present review focuses on the manifestation of elderly neurodegenerative and mental disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and depression, and the current status of their potential alleviation through psychobiotic interventions, highlighting their possible mechanisms of action. © 2023 The Authors. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Unravelling the potential of sugarcane bagasse: An eco-friendly and inexpensive agro-industrial waste for the production of valuable products using pretreatment processes for sustainable bio-economy
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Ajay Kamboj; Pardeep Kumar Sadh; Babli Yadav; Annu Kumari; Ravinder Kumar; Surekha; Baljeet Singh Saharan; Basanti Brar; Dharmender Kumar; Chhaya Goyal; Joginder Singh Duhan
Sugarcane processing industries produce environmentally hazardous by-products in addition to desired production, and disposing of these by-products is a considerable problem. Developing a viable system for sustainable management of agro-industrial waste is imperative. Efficient and cost-effective technologies for turning biowaste into value-added products, as well as an assessment of soil quality and productivity, are needed in this approach. The biomass of agro-waste produced while sugarcane processing, sugarcane bagasse (SCB), is abundant worldwide. The abundance of this biomass in nature harnesses researchers to fulfill its various objectives, including energy and environmental sustainability. To scale this up for industrial applications, thorough research, scale-up studies, and evaluations of both techno-economic and ecological feasibility are critical. Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is a biomass with great potential to help meet global energy needs, particularly in producing biofuels such as bioethanol and biogas, while contributing to environmental sustainability. Microorganisms, acting as bio-factories, are highly valuable due to their ability to produce various essential metabolites, including alcohols, enzymes, antibiotics, and other compounds. Fermenting SCB with microorganisms yields several industrially relevant enzymes, such as amylases, chitinases, and phytases, and demonstrates bioactive properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-ageing, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review focuses on recovering value-added products from the SCB using various microbes, their short- and long-term impacts on the environment (air, water, and soil), living creatures, and their potential for sustainable bio-economy. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd