Nanotechnology is one of the promising fields of research and generating new avenues and applications in medicine. Recently, marine floras such as, marine endophytes are gaining the attention of many researchers due to the myriad of bioactive molecules that they possess. In addition, they find applications in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In this study, they have studied the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from () and its antioxidant activity. was isolated from brown algae. The identity of the fungus was established by comparing its 18S rDNA sequence. AuNPs were synthesised using and were characterised by UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). AuNPs were tested for free radical scavenging activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method. The particle sizes of AuNps were determined by FESEM and DLS. The reduction of gold metal ion was confirmed from the UV-vis spectrum. AuNPs showed significant antioxidant potential and the activity was comparable to the standard ascorbic acid. Further, and studies on these AuNPs will help in developing an alternative, cost-effective and acceptable drug for various ailments.
An α‐amylase inhibitor (EC 3.2.1.1) was purified by buffer extraction, ammonium sulfate fractionation, CM‐cellulose, and sephadex G‐75 chromatography from the soaked seeds of Mucuna pruriens. The molecular weight determined by gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex G‐100 and SDS‐PAGE, both in the presence and absence of 2‐mercaptoethanol, was found to be 27.24 kDa and 25.6 kDa, respectively. The purified Mucuna pruriens amylase inhibitor showed a specific inhibitor activity of 61.18, fold purity of 36.68, and the yield obtained was 14.01%. The purified amylase inhibitor was found to be heat‐stable and retained 80.50% activity at 65°C. Inhibitor was found to have pH optima of 6.9. Hundred percent zone of inhibition was observed when added on the plated organisms of purified inhibitor. Purified amylase inhibitor was found to inhibit the activity of human salivary α‐amylase. Inhibitory activity of α‐amylase inhibitor against mammalian amylases could suggest its potential in treatment of diabetes and cure of nutritional problems, which results in obesity.
Practical applications
Purified amylase inhibitor was found to inhibit the activity of human salivary α‐amylase. The potential of this inhibitory activity from α‐amylase inhibitors, especially in the mammalian α‐amylase, could play an important role in the management of nutritional and diabetes‐related disorders. Mucuna, an underutilized legume found in tropical region and also cultivated as food by various tribal's in Asia and Africa can be used as a potential source for extraction of these beneficiary protease inhibitors, which in turn finds its applications in various human therapeutic and/or disorder management.
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