Browsing by Author "Monisha Soni"

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Advances in Designing Essential Oil Nanoformulations: An Integrative Approach to Mathematical Modeling with Potential Application in Food Preservation
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023) Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Akash Maurya; Somenath Das; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
Preservation of foods, along with health and safety issues, is a growing concern in the current generation. Essential oils have emerged as a natural means for the long-term protection of foods along with the maintenance of their qualities. Direct applications of essential oils have posed various constraints to the food system and also have limitations in application; hence, encapsulation of essential oils into biopolymers has been recognized as a cutting-edge technology to overcome these challenges. This article presents and evaluates the strategies for the development of encapsulated essential oils on the basis of fascination with the modeling and shuffling of various biopolymers, surfactants, and co-surfactants, along with the utilization of different fabrication processes. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have enabled the preparation of different nanoemulsion formulations, synthesis strategies, stability, and release kinetics of essential oils or their bioactive components from nanoemulsions with improved efficacy in food systems. Different mathematical models for the stability and delivery kinetics of essential oils in food systems have also been discussed. The article also explains the advanced application of modeling-based encapsulation strategies on the preservation of a variety of food commodities with their intended implication in food and agricultural industries. © 2023 by the authors.
Antifungal resistance in dermatophytes: Essential oil-based nanoformulations as new generation therapeutics against dermatophytes
(Academic Press, 2025) Arati Yadav; Kishor Kumar Paul; Monisha Soni; N. K. Dubey; Rajendra Prasad; Ragini Tilak; A. K. Dwivedy
Dermatophytosis is the most prevalent infection globally, affecting the stratum corneum of the skin, nails, and hair with a high recurrence rate. It transmits between humans and from humans to animals. Despite progress in medicine, its prevalence continues to increase. Therefore, current treatments, such as terbinafine, fluconazole, and other antifungal drugs, face challenges related to the emergence of fungal resistance, side effects, and toxicity associated with prolonged use, thereby highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. Medicinal plants are a never-ending source of bioactive chemicals, and their volatile and non-volatile extracts are widely acknowledged for therapeutic healthcare. Natural plant-derived products, especially essential oils (EOs) exhibit multiple modes of action that reduce the chances of resistance development in fungi. EOs have been reported as highly efficacious plant-based antifungals against different dermatophytes. Nanoencapsulation of EOs has emerged as an innovative strategy for maintaining and managing the volatile and reactive properties of EOs. The review presents current information on the emergence of resistance development in dermatophytes and investigates the potential of EOs and their nanoformulations as next-generation nano-therapeutics against dermatophytic infections. It also highlights advancements in nanosystems, along with findings from animal and clinical studies to improve treatment efficacy and address the limits of traditional therapy by combining diverse antifungal medicines with novel delivery methods. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd
Aromatherapy in combating human pathogens and diseases: Impact and prospects
(Har Krishan Bhalla and Sons, 2025) Monisha Soni; Manish Kumar Jha; Umakant Banjare; Arati Yadav; Prem Shankar Upadhyay; Deepak Kumar Gautam; N. K. Dubey; A. K. Dwivedy
The article deals with a comprehensive understanding of the origin, application, status quo, and therapeutic significance of aromatherapy and provides a better and more systematic understanding of the potential therapeutic effects of essential oils (EOs) as aromatherapeutants against human pathogens. EOs used in aromatherapy have significant therapeutic effects over physical, psychological, and behavioural problems in addition to having antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. Looking into a large number of cases of antimicrobial resistance caused due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, aromatherapy holds a promising future and vapours of different EOs can be used to treat human diseases. However, the lack of standardized formulations is the major obstacle in broad-scale application of aromatherapy. Hence, future research should focus on optimizing the best concentrations and delivery systems for EOs to ensure its efficacy and safety before using it as an aromatherapeutant. Through nanotechnology, more efficacious and cost effective nanoformulations of traditional aromatherapeutants may be prepared. The integration of aromatherapy with modern medicine will contribute greatly towards reshaping the existing health care system by increasing the collaboration between modern allopathy and certified aromatherapists. This may result in increased public interest and accessibility of aromatherapy around the globe. © 2025 Har Krishan Bhalla & Sons.
Chitosan-based Illicium verum Hook. f. essential oil nanoemulsion as an edible coating for shelf-life enhancement of custard apple
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Monisha Soni; Stanzin Deachen; Somenath K. Das; Arati Yadav; N. K. Dubey; A. K. Dwivedy
The present study aims to encapsulate Illicium verum essential oil (IVEO) into chitosan nanoemulsion (IVNPs) using different ratios of chitosan: IVEO (1:0, 1:0.2, 1:0.4, 1:0.6, 1:0.8, 1:1) through the ionic gelation approach and evaluate its efficacy as a novel coating agent with a unique delivery system to protect custard apples from fungi-mediated post-harvest biodeterioration and to enhance their shelf-life. The chitosan nanoemulsion and IVNPs were characterized using SEM, AFM, and DLS to observe their morphology, mean particle size, and polydispersity index. The results showed spherical nanocapsules with a uniform distribution. FTIR and XRD analysis showed effective loading of IVEO into IVNPs. The antifungal efficacy of IVEO against Aspergillus flavus (AFLHP-C3), A. luchuensis, A. niger, Fusarium chlamydosporum, Penicillium expansum, Colletotrichum acutatum, Curvularia lunata, and mycelia sterilia was enhanced after its encapsulation into the chitosan biomatrix (MIC values recorded as 0.1, 0.7, 0.8, 0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 0.25, 0.2 μL/mL, respectively). The fungal plasma membrane was detected as a potential target site of IVNPs. Furthermore, IVNPs coating (1:1) was able to preserve the rate of weight loss, pH, titrable acidity, total soluble solids, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05), and sensorial attributes of custard apples during post-harvest storage, thereby acting as a novel coating agent. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
Efficacy of Cymbopogon khasianus essential oil infused chitosan nanoemulsion for mitigation of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 contamination in stored Syzygium cumini seeds
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Jitendra Prasad; Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Kishor Kumar Paul; Manish Kumar Jha; Umakant Banjare; Somenath Das; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
This research developed a novel chitosan nanoemulsion infused with Cymbopogon khasianus essential oil (CKEO-ChNe) and characterized through Dynamic light scattering, Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray diffractometry analyses followed by its efficacy testing against fungi and aflatoxin B1 contamination in Syzygium cumini seeds. The CKEO-ChNe inhibited Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production at 0.32 and 0.28 µL/mL with enhanced antioxidant activity and controlled delivery strategies. The inhibition of methylglyoxal and ergosterol biosynthesis, leakage of ions and molecular interaction of geraniol with Ver-1 (Versicolorin A dehydrogenase) and Omt-A (O-methyl transferase) proteins suggested the antifungal and anti-AFB1 mechanism of action. Further, the in situ protection of Syzygium cumini seeds against fungi, AFB1 contamination and lipid peroxidation (p<0.05) without altering the sensory characteristics, and favorable safety profile in mammalian model recommend the potentiality of encapsulated CKEO nanoemulsion as smart nano-fungitoxic preservative in agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. © 2024 The Authors
Encapsulation of Cymbopogon khasiana × Cymbopogon pendulus Essential Oil (CKP-25) in Chitosan Nanoemulsion as a Green and Novel Strategy for Mitigation of Fungal Association and Aflatoxin B1 Contamination in Food System
(MDPI, 2023) Jitendra Prasad; Somenath Das; Akash Maurya; Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Bikarma Singh; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
The present study deals with the encapsulation of Cymbopogon khasiana × Cymbopogon pendulus essential oil (CKP-25-EO) into a chitosan nanoemulsion and efficacy assessment for inhibition of fungal inhabitation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in Syzygium cumini seeds with emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanism of action. DLS, AFM, SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses revealed the encapsulation of CKP-25-EO in chitosan with controlled delivery. The CKP-25-Ne displayed enhanced antifungal (0.08 µL/mL), antiaflatoxigenic (0.07 µL/mL), and antioxidant activities (IC50 DPPH = 6.94 µL/mL, IC50 ABTS = 5.40 µL/mL) in comparison to the free EO. Impediment in cellular ergosterol, methylglyoxal biosynthesis, and in silico molecular modeling of CKP-25-Ne validated the cellular and molecular mechanism of antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity. The CKP-25-Ne showed in situ efficacy for inhibition of lipid peroxidation and AFB1 secretion in stored S. cumini seeds without altering the sensory profile. Moreover, the higher mammalian safety profile strengthens the application of CKP-25-Ne as a safe green nano-preservative against fungal association, and hazardous AFB1 contamination in food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. © 2023 by the authors.
Food packaging testing, safety, and quality control: Standards, protocols, and best practices
(Elsevier, 2025) Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Umakant Banjare; Somenath K. Das; Kishor Kumar Paul; Manish Kumar Jha; A. K. Dwivedy
Food packaging plays a vital role in protecting products from environmental and microbial contamination while maintaining their sensory attributes and extending shelf life. As consumer lifestyles and dietary preferences continue to evolve, the food packaging industry is undergoing rapid technological advancements. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of food packaging with a specific focus on testing methods, safety protocols, and quality control practices. Key topics include types of packaging materials, regulatory standards (ASTM, ISO, FDA, EFSA), and analytical techniques used to evaluate physical, mechanical, chemical, and biodegradable properties of packaging systems. Special attention is given to smart, active, and intelligent packaging technologies that enhance product quality and shelf life. The chapter also highlights current challenges such as nanomaterial migration and the need for sustainable packaging solutions. Emphasis is placed on aligning innovations with safety regulations to meet consumer expectations and promote environmental responsibility. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Laurus nobilis essential oil nanoemulsion-infused chitosan: A safe and effective antifungal agent for masticatory preservation
(Elsevier B.V., 2023) Akanksha Singh; Somenath Das; Anand Kumar Chaudhari; Deepika; Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy; Nawal Kishore Dubey
The present study reports the first time investigation on encapsulation of Laurus nobilis essential oil into chitosan nanoemulsion (CS-Ne-LNEO) and assessment of its efficacy to inhibit fungal infestation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in stored masticatories food system. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed m-Eugenol (46.23%) and D-Limonene (8.89%) as the most abundant components of LNEO. The CS-Ne-LNEO was physico-chemically characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and x-ray diffractometry (XRD) analyses. The CS-Ne-LNEO exhibited broad range of antifungal activity against food contaminating fungi including inhibition of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus (AF-LHP-PE-4) and AFB1 production at lower concentrations as compared to unencapsulated LNEO. The CS-Ne-LNEO caused impairment in ergosterol biosynthesis and enhancement in leakage of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ ions and 260, 280 nm absorbing materials along with inhibition of methylglyoxal production suggesting the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action. The DPPH antioxidant activity of CS-Ne-LNEO was noted with IC50 value of 0.004 µL/mL. In addition, the CS-Ne-LNEO caused complete protection of stored Phyllanthus emblica (model masticatories) fruit samples against fungal and AFB1 contamination without altering their sensory characteristics and exhibited high LD50 value (13,504 µL/Kg body weight) mammalian system. Overall, these results indicated that LNEO loaded chitosan nanoemulsion could be promoted as an eco-friendly preservative for complete protection of stored plant masticatories against fungal and AFB1 contamination. © 2023 The Authors
Nanoencapsulated Essential Oils for Post-Harvest Preservation of Stored Cereals: A Review
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Akash Maurya; Arati Yadav; Monisha Soni; Kishor Kumar Paul; Umakant Banjare; Manish Kumar Jha; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy; Nawal Kishore Dubey
Cereal grains are frequently attacked by microorganisms and insects during storage and processing, which negatively affects their quality, safety, and market value. Therefore, protecting stored grains from microbial contamination is crucial for food industries, farmers, public health associations, and environmental agencies. Due to the negative impact of synthetic gray chemicals, antimicrobial plant-based essential oils (EOs) can serve as alternative, safer, environmentally friendly preservatives that can prolong the shelf life of cereals. However, high volatility, low solubility, hydrophobicity, and quick oxidation limit their practical applicability. Using nanotechnology for the nanoencapsulation of EOs into polymeric matrices allows sustained release and ensures targeted delivery without significantly altering the organoleptic attributes of cereals, making EOs a new-generation green preservative. This ultimately overcomes the challenges of practical applications. The application of nanoencapsulated EOs in grain storage provides an effective and novel defense against microbes, insects, and other contaminants. Hence, the current review thoroughly examines the preservative potential of nanoencapsulated EOs in terms of antimicrobial and insecticidal efficacy for protecting stored cereal grains. It also highlights the challenges encountered during application and the safety concerns of using nanoencapsulated EOs in protecting cereal grains during post-harvest storage. © 2024 by the authors.
Nanoencapsulation strategies for improving nutritional functionality, safety and delivery of plant-based foods: Recent updates and future opportunities
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Monisha Soni; Akash Maurya; Somenath Das; Jitendra Prasad; Arati Yadav; Vipin Kumar Singh; Bijendra Kumar Singh; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
Currently, food industries largely based on animal products including egg, meat, and fish are facing a burning challenge to meet the continuously increasing consumer demand. The greater availability of plant-based foods has aided the transition from animal foods to plant foods due to its sustainable, convenient, and affordable nature. Different plant derived ingredients like globular proteins, oligosaccharides, dietary fibres, starch, amylopectin, short and long chain unsaturated fatty acids are used to develop plant based foods, however, selection of most important ones being critical for creating a successful end product. Most notably, when the use of bioactive ingredients is targeted, some challenges like instability and reaction with other food matrices persist in development of plant based foods. In this context, nanoencapsulation of food components is an emerging and innovative field for controlled and targeted delivery with various prophylactic activities. The technology encompassing nanoencapsulation facilitates the release of food components, improvement in bioaccessibility, and digestion in the human body. Moreover, the plant-based foods are gaining cumulative attention in the scientific community due to development of various analogues of meat, egg, and milk. This review describes the recent updates in scientific understanding of plant based foods highlighting their prophylactic measures, market demand, and plant based ingredients with physical, functional, and molecular properties, and encapsulation strategies for elimination of various hurdles, maintenance of food quality, and insurances of safety as well as bioavailability of beneficial nutrients. © 2022 The Author(s)
Natural pigments: a sustainable approach to utilize agroindustrial waste
(Elsevier, 2024) D. Deepika; Akash Maurya; Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Akhilesh Kumar Pandey; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
The study explores an innovative and environmentally sustainable approach for the production of biopigments using agroindustrial waste as a primary resource and also investigates the feasibility of extracting and synthesizing biopigments from agricultural wastes such as peels, whey, seeds, waste liquid, bagasse, molasses, and others. These substrates can be utilized as a source for biopigment production, employing microorganisms as useful biofactories to produce primary and secondary metabolites. Since the use of synthetic pigments causes various types of allergies and toxicity, biopigments produced by bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, and algae are highly promising. These naturally derived pigments possess antioxidant activity as well as antimicrobial properties, making them attractive for industrial applications. Moreover, the commercial benefits of producing biopigments from agroindustrial wastes extend beyond mere cost savings. This sustainable and innovative approach can positively impact a company's market position, financial performance, and overall competitiveness in an evolving business landscape that increasingly values environmental responsibility and natural product attributes. This approach of bioconversion of agroindustrial wastes to value-added products is a significant step toward the principles of zero waste and circular economy. Furthermore, the utilization of inexpensive agroindustrial wastes for the synthesis of biopigments can result in economical and environmentally sustainable processes. This review highlights the current state of research on the production of microbial pigments from agricultural waste, advantages and challenges of the approach, and potential for further research and commercialization in this field. Moreover, this work not only contributes to the sustainable utilization of waste resources but also offers a promising avenue for ecofriendly pigment production in various industrial applications. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.