Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field because of its wide range of applications in science, nanoscience and biotechnology. Nanobiotechnology deals with nanomaterials synthesised or modified using biotechnology. Fungi are used to synthesise metal nanoparticles and they have vast applications in wound healing, pathogen detection and control, food preservation, textiles, fabrics, etc. The present review describes the different types of fungi used for the biosyntheses of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), along with their characterisation and possible biological applications. AgNPs synthesised by other physical and chemical methods are expensive and have toxic substances adsorbed onto them. Therefore, green, simple and effective approaches have been chosen for the biosynthesis of AgNPs, which are very important because of their lower toxicity and environmentally friendly behaviour. AgNPs synthesised using fungi have high monodispersity, specific composition and a narrow size range. In this regard, among the different biological methods used for metal nanoparticle synthesis, fungi are considered to be a superior biogenic method owing to their diversity and better size control. To further understand the biosynthesis of AgNPs using various fungi and evaluate their potential applications, this review discusses the antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidermatophytic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, cytotoxic, hypotensive, and immunomodulatory activities of these AgNPs. The synthesis of AgNPs using fungi is a clean, green, inexpensive, eco-friendly, reliable, and safe method that can be used for a range of applications in real life for the benefit of human beings.
Pakistan is one of the most populous nations in the world, with an annual growth rate of 2.8 and high total fertility rate, even among developing nations. The Pakistan Reproductive Health and Family Planning Survey highlighted the wide gap between knowledge (97%) and use of contraceptives (28%) among currently married women. Our actual need is to enhance contraceptive practice in our country. This study was designed to investigate contraceptive knowledge and practice in Pakistani women attending a tertiary care hospital. This questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Gynaecology Unit II of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 204 married women of reproductive age were interviewed by a registrar to record their age, occupation, educational status, number of children, knowledge about contraceptive methods, source of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of contraception. About 57% of women were between 26 and 35 years of age, while 52% of men were between 31 and 40 years. Educational status of the majority of females was below matriculation (33%), while 34% males were above matriculation; 88% of females were housewives and less than 1% of men were out of work. Regarding the social status of couples, 64% were living on income less than 5000 rupees /month (about 60 pound sterling). Of the women, 67% were para 2-5; 68% had some sort of awareness regarding contraception. The main source of information was television (26%) and relatives (24%). The majority knew about the pill (68%) and IUCD (55%). Only 47% were using some sort of contraception. The most common method chosen was the barrier method (15%), followed by IUCD (10%) and the pill (10%). The least common methods were sterilisation (2%) and the rhythm method (2%); 85% of the women and 74% of the men in the study group had a positive attitude toward contraception. In order to improve contraceptive use in Pakistan we need to use multiple media sources to educate couples and their parents regarding contraceptive services, strengthen the perceptions that religion not only allows but also recommends family planning and to create awareness among women to have their rights and opinions about the size of family. The concept of differentiation between sons and daughters should be discouraged. In addition government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should organise groups to provide counselling and promotion of contraceptive services at the doorstep. We must act as a team to control our growth rate for economic stabilisation of the country and to raise the living standards of our people.
In the present era, the global need for food is increasing rapidly; nanomaterials are a useful tool for improving crop production and yield. The application of nanomaterials can improve plant growth parameters. Biotic stress is induced by many microbes in crops and causes disease and high yield loss. Every year, approximately 20%–40% of crop yield is lost due to plant diseases caused by various pests and pathogens. Current plant disease or biotic stress management mainly relies on toxic fungicides and pesticides that are potentially harmful to the environment. Nanotechnology emerged as an alternative for the sustainable and eco-friendly management of biotic stress induced by pests and pathogens on crops. In this review article, we assess the role and impact of different nanoparticles in plant disease management, and this review explores the direction in which nanoparticles can be utilized for improving plant growth and crop yield.
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