Four factors three level face centered central composite response surface design was employed in this study to investigate and optimize the effect of process variables (liquid-solid (LS) ratio (10:1-20:1ml/g), pH (1-2), sonication time (15-30min) and extraction temperature (50-70°C)) on the maximum extraction yield of pectin from waste Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit) peel by ultrasound assisted extraction method. Numerical optimization method was adapted in this study and the following optimal condition was obtained as follows: Liquid-solid ratio of 15:1ml/g, pH of 1.6, sonication time of 24min and temperature of 60°C. The optimal condition was validated through experiments and the observed value was interrelated with predicted value.

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The present work deals with the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (Nps) using the biocompounds extracted from leaves (MD L.) and zinc acetate as precursors. The choice of the precursors was based on the intention to use the synthesised ZnO Nps for the healthcare applications. In this line, the antimicrobial property of ethanolic extract of MD L., uncalcined ZnO Nps and calcined ZnO Nps has been assessed and compared. The prepared particles have been characterised by comparing their Fourier transform infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD) diffractogram and TEM images. The presence of ZnO has been confirmed using IR spectrum. The crystal structure and crystallite size have been found out using XRD diffractogram, and the obtained crystallite size was confirmed using TEM images. Finally, an attempt has been made to correlate the structure with the antimicrobial property of the material.

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BACKGROUNDSurprisingly 30% of Indian blinds lose their sight before the age of 20 years, which makes early detection and treatment of visual impairment for children mandatory. School going children, therefore, form an important large target group and school vision screening plays an important part in early detection of amblyopia and institution of appropriate therapy, which is of immense value towards preventing the development of lifelong visual morbidity. The concept of "critical period" which explains the reversibility of amblyopia at younger age groups when the brain and visual system are immature and connections between neurons are still being formed and stabilised, stresses the importance of introducing the treatment at an early age thereby enhancing the visual outcome.