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In this work, the production of fungal laccase was optimized from local isolate of Pleurotus ostreatus using solid state fermentation. Factorial design was used to study the effect of several nutrients on enzyme production. Purification and characterization of the enzyme and the effect of temperature, pH and gamma radiation on fungal growth and enzyme production was investigated.Optimization of production conditions yielded an enzyme with activity over 32,450 IU/g of fermented substrate. Factorial design was capable of establishing the conditions that multiplied the activity of the enzyme several folds, consequently, reducing the cost of production. The enzyme was capable of decolorizing several dyes with over 80% reduction in color confirming the aromatic degrading capability of laccase. The enzyme was also used in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, proving that laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus has a strong potential in several industrial applications.

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Selenium (Se) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties, but its bioavailability and toxicity are considerable limiting factors. The present study aimed to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of selenium nanoparticles (Nano-Se) on inflammation induced in irradiated rats. Paw volume and nociceptive threshold were measured in carrageenan-induced paw edema and hyperalgesia model. Leukocytic count, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E (PGE), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBAR), and total nitrate/nitrite (NOx) were estimated in the exudate collected from 6 day old air pouch model. Irradiated rats were exposed to 6 Gy gamma (γ)-irradiation. Nano-Se were administered orally in a dose of 2.55 mg/kg once before carrageenan injection in the first model and twice in the second model. The paw volume but not the nociceptive response produced by carrageenan in irradiated rats was higher than that induced in non-irradiated rats. Nano-Se were effective in reducing the paw volume in non-irradiated and irradiated rats but it did not alter the nociceptive threshold. The inflammation induced in irradiated rats increased all the estimated parameters in the exudate whereas; Nano-Se decreased their elevation in non-irradiated and irradiated rats. Nano-Se possess a potential anti-inflammatory activity on inflammation induced in irradiated rats.