Ni filled flexible multi-walled carbon nanotube–polystyrene composite films as efficient microwave absorbers

In this letter, we report flexible, non corrosive, and light weight nickel nanoparticle@multi-walled carbon nanotube–polystyrene (Ni@MWCNT/PS) composite films as microwave absorbing material in the frequency range of S band (2-4 GHz). Dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of composites having 0.5 and 1.5 wt. % filler amount were measured using the cavity perturbation technique. Reflection loss maxima of 33 dB (at 2.7 GHz) and 24 dB (at 2.7 GHz) were achieved for 0.5 and 1.5 wt. % Ni@MWCNT/PS composite films of 6 and 4 mm thickness, respectively, suggesting that low concentrations of filler provide significant electromagnetic interference shielding

In vivo screening of mangrove plants for anti WSSV activity in Penaeus monodon, and evaluation of Ceriops tagal as a potential source of antiviral molecules

The objective of the study was to find out a natural way to fight white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in cultured shrimps, as the present scenario necessitated an organic remedy for the devastating pathogen in crustaceans. Under this research programme seven mangrove plants were collected, identified and aqueous extracts screened for their protective effect on the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon against WSSV. The experimental design consisted two modes of application, such as exposure of the virus to the extract and injection challenge, and oral administration of the extract coated feed followed by oral challenge. All experimental animals were monitored through a nested diagnostic PCR analysis. Of the seven mangrove extracts screened aqueous extract from Ceriops tagal imparted total protection to shrimp from WSSV when challenged by both methods. Shrimps administered with the aqueous extract from C. tagal were devoid of virions. The HPLC fingerprint of the aqueous extracts from C. tagal showed more than 25 peaks and 7 of them were larger and well separated. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenolics, cardiac glycosides, saponins and sterols. The study indicated suitability of the aqueous extract of C. tagal as a possible prophylaxis for WSSV infection in shrimp. This is the first report on the anti WSSV property of the mangrove plant C. tagal

Investigation on phytochemical constituents and biological potential of some traditional medicinal plants

Plants and microorganisms provide the pharmaceutical industry with some of the most important sources of components for the research of new medications This thesis involves the study of three medicinal plants belonging to three different important families viz, Cyperus rotundus (Cyperaceae), Stereospermum colais (Bignoniaceae) as well as the well known medicinal plant Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) as the third. The first chapter gives an overview of biologically active natural products with special reference to antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial molecules from terrestrial sources. Chapter 2 of the thesis deals with the isolation of phytochemical constituents of the medicinal plant Cyperus rotundus and its antioxidant and radical scavenging potential. Chapter 3 of the thesis describes the studies on the roots of Stereospermum colais, A Bignoniaceae plant belonging to the genus Stereospermum which is used extensively. Chapter 3 of the thesis describes the studies on the roots of Stereospermum colais, a Bignoniaceae plant belonging to the genus Stereospermum which is used extensively in Ayurveda. Chapter 4 describes the biological potential of rhizomes of Zingiber officinale. Ethyl acetate extract of ginger (EAG) possessed antioxidant activity as is evident from the results of various in vitro assays compared to other extracts .In conclusion, medicinal plants Cyperus rotundus and Stereospermum colais have been analysed for their phytochemical constituents. Also, the positive results obtained from biological activity studies such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity on the isolated compounds/extracts add on to the medicinal properties of these plants. Apart from that, ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizomes has been shown to have very good biological potential including glucose lowering and adipocyte differentiation inhibitory effect.