Journal of Innovative Solutions for Eco-Environmental Sustainability
Journal of Innovative Solutions for Eco-Environmental Sustainability is dedicated to publishing high-quality, cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that address pressing challenges in environmental sustainability through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. The Journal of Innovative Solutions for Eco-Environmental Sustainability is a double-blind peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Faculty of Biology of Yerevan State University quarterly (4 issues per year). It presents original research, review, short communication articles of high standards in all areas of innovative solutions for management of ecology and environment for sustainable future.
Effectiveness of Natural Farming and Organic Inputs on Agronomic Performance of French Bean
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of natural farming inputs on the growth of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The field experiment was conducted during 2024 at Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior. The experiment consisted of nine treatments in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were used T1- Control, T2- RDF (60:120:50 kg ha-1), T3- Vermicompost + 70% R.D.F., T4- Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Jeevamrit (100 %) at weekly interval, T5- Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Ghanjeevamrit (100 %), T6- Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Jeevamrit (75 %) + Ghanjeevamrit (25 %), T7- Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Jeevamrit (50 %) + Ghan-jeevamrit (50 %), T8- Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Jeevamrit (25 %) + Ghanjeevamrit (75 %) and T9- Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Jeevamrit (80 %)+ Ghanjeevamrit (80%). Treatment no. 7 i.e. Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Jeevamrit (50 %) + Ghanjeevamrit (50 %) showed fastest 50 % germination and 50 % flowering days. Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Jeevamrit (50 %) + Ghanjeevamrit (50 %) stands out with the highest mean among all treatments for leaf area and number of pods per plant. Maximum bacterial count was recorded in treatment with Beejamrit (1 litre/kg seed) + Ghanjeevamrit (100 %).
Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Biofilm Formation in the Food Industry Under Changing Climatic Conditions
Given the profound implications of biofilm formation in the food industry, including its role as a major driver of food spoilage, foodborne disease outbreaks, and the deterioration of processing equipment, a comprehensive understanding of the factors governing bacterial growth and biofilm development is indispensable. These factors, however, cannot be considered in isolation. Emerging evidence suggests that climate change, through rising global temperatures, altered humidity, fluctuating water availability, and shifts in nutrient dynamics, may further modulate microbial behaviour, enhancing the propensity of biofilm formation by pathogens and spoilage organisms. Understanding that biofilms can influence and are influenced by climate change is crucial to their effective management in the food industry. Climate-driven shifts in biofilm behaviour may complicate existing safety and hygiene protocols, necessitating more stringent control measures such as climate-adaptive sanitation technologies, infrastructure redesign, and updated monitoring frameworks capable of responding to the rapidly changing microbiological landscape of food-processing environments. Therefore, as the environment becomes more variable and extreme, it is critical to investigate biofilm dynamics to protect public health, manage ecosystems, and ensure sustainable industrial practices. This review aims to describe how climate-driven environmental pressures make biofilm eradication in the food industry particularly challenging, and to address innovative strategies for biofilm management and future research directions towards effective management.
A Combined Approaches of Biochar and ZnO Nanoparticle-Based Nanopriming for Enhancement of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seed Germination Indices Under Salinity Stress
Soil salinization is a significant ecological issue that reduces soil fertility, inhibits plant growth, and decreases crop productivity. The impact of biochar and ZnO nanoparticle (ZnO-NP) based nanopriming on early seedling growth in wheat under salinity stress was investigated. Experimental trials were conducted in (i) a soil-based bioassay under greenhouse conditions with 1.3% (w/w) biochar, (ii) a greenhouse seed bioassay to assess the effects of ZnO-NPs, and (iii) at different concentrations of biochar and ZnO-NPs (50 mg/L and 100 mg/L), either alone or in combination, to determine which treatment was most effective under varying salinity levels (low, medium, and high) for wheat genotypes (V1: Gohar and V2: Van). Results showed that germination rate (GR), germination percentage (GP), mean daily germination (MDG), germination vigour index (GVI), stress tolerance indices including PI and GSTI, as well as seed content, were significantly reduced by increasing salinity levels. The V1 (Gohar) genotype showed that the combined application of 1.3% biochar and 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs was most beneficial for seed germination; in contrast, the V2 (“Van”) genotype responded best to individual treatments of either 1.3% biochar or ZnO-NPs at 50 or 100 mg/L, depending on the salinity level. Overall, the V2 genotype exhibited the highest salinity stress tolerance. These findings demonstrate that biochar and ZnO nanoparticles, applied separately or together, have great potential for improving wheat seedling establishment in saline environments. The research highlights the emerging role of biochar and pre-sowing nanopriming in the agro-industry for soil enhancement, stress management, and crop productivity.
Effect of foliar application of processed sulfur fertilizer on morphological and Antioxidant characters of Medicago sativa L.
Sulfur plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins, chlorophyll, and specific amino acids in plants. This study explores the impact of processed sulfur fertilizer on leaf and stem length, relative growth rate (RGR), quercetin content, and antioxidant levels in Medicago sativa L. through a greenhouse pot study conducted using a completely randomized design over 60 days. The experiment involved four levels of sulfur fertilizer (0, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 mL L-1) applied across three replications. Statistical significance level (p ≤ 0.05) was determined by Duncan’s test. The findings showed significant improvements in growth parameters, RGR, and quercetin antioxidant content with sulfur fertilization, particularly at 10 and 12.5 mL L-1 dosages. On average, sulfur fertilizer enhanced leaf length by 86.66% and stem length by 52.38% compared to the control. Additionally, positive and significant correlations between sulfur-induced growth metrics and yield emphasize its importance in improving the productivity and quality of M. sativa. Sulfur application increased the SPAD number, RGR, antioxidant levels, and quercetin content by 61.90%, 89.47%, 50%, and 1450%, respectively. Therefore, processed sulfur fertilizer emerges as a promising practice for achieving higher yields and economic benefits from M. sativa cultivation.
Recent Advancement in Bioremediation of Pollutants Using Green Synthesized Nanoparticles
Advancements in agricultural approaches, increased population and industrial development have created the problem of environmental pollution. This pollution causes loss of biodiversity and several serious health diseases. Therefore, several approaches have been utilized to remove environmental pollution. However, most of these methods have drawbacks. Nanotechnology is an extensively growing field that has various applications in decreasing the adverse effects of toxic pollutants. Nanotechnology is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to solve the problem of environmental pollution. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by traditional chemical and physical techniques. However, these traditional methods have several drawbacks, such as being expensive and producing toxic substances. The natural bioremediation method removes pollutants at a slow rate, and thus the removal process takes more time. Thus, it is important to introduce alternate techniques, which is nanobioremediation. Nanobioremediation includes the role of both microorganisms and NPs; as a result, the removal of pollutants by this method occurs within a shorter time. Biogenic resources such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, yeast and plants are used to synthesize NPs. Biogenic method for the synthesis of NPs is a clean, safe, environmentally gentle, and sustainable method. The objective of the present review is to highlight the application of green synthesized NPs for the removal of pollutants such as dyes and heavy metals from wastewater. However, more research is required to study the toxic effects of green synthesized NPs, reusability and their commercialization at larger scale. It is expected that the use of green-synthesized NPs for the removal of pollutants will expand in the future.
Constraints to Effective Pesticide Utilization Among Vegetable Growers in Jaipur District
Pesticide misuse in vegetable farming poses significant environmental and health risks in Jaipur District, Rajasthan, driven by constraints such as limited knowledge, high costs, and inadequate administrative support. This study employed a multivariate and machine learning approach to investigate constraints among 120 vegetable growers, to identify and rank technological, economic, environmental, and administrative constraints to pesticide use; to examine their variation by socio-economic characteristics; and cluster farmers by constraint profiles. A structured questionnaire assessed 28 constraint items, analyzed using descriptive statistics, MANOVA, K-Means Clustering, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Results revealed severe knowledge gaps and environmental concerns. Education significantly influenced economic constraints with Middle-level educated farmers reporting the highest barriers. Clustering identified three groups i.e., a small outlier group with low soil and market concerns, a moderate group focused on pest resistance, and a large group emphasizing administrative and health issues. EFA extracted five constraint dimensions, explaining 68.23% of variance. Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including enhanced extension services, subsidies for eco-friendly pesticides, and education on sustainable pest management, to promote safe pesticide practices and mitigate risks in Rajasthan’s vegetable sector.
Mitigation Strategies for Cadmium Toxicity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal and a widespread environmental contaminant in paddy fields, where its accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) poses significant risks to plant health, agricultural productivity, and human consumption. Cadmium toxicity adversely affects various physiological and biochemical processes in rice, including seed germination, root and shoot growth, nutrient homeostasis, photosynthetic efficiency, and grain yield. Additionally, Cd exposure induces oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage and metabolic disruptions. To mitigate Cd toxicity, various agronomic, physiological, and biotechnological strategies have been explored. The application of essential nutrients such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), silicon (Si), and lime has been shown to alleviate Cd stress by modulating metal uptake and reducing Cd bioavailability in soils. Organic amendments, including compost and biochar, enhance soil properties and immobilize Cd, thereby limiting its translocation to rice tissues. Furthermore, the exogenous application of phytohormones, osmolytes, and signaling molecules has been demonstrated to improve rice tolerance by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms and stress response pathways. Genetic and breeding approaches, such as the development of low Cd-accumulating rice cultivars, offer a promising long-term solution for reducing Cd accumulation in edible plant parts. Additionally, utilizing beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), can further aid in mitigating Cd toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current mitigation strategies and highlights the need for an integrated approach combining soil amendments, genetic improvements, and sustainable agronomic practices to minimize Cd contamination in rice ecosystems.
Analogue Between Nanotechnology Intellectual Property Rights and Research & Development Investments in Asian Continent
This comprehensive meta-analytic study explores the relationship between nanotechnology patenting trends and research and development (R&D) expenditures, focusing on the dynamic Asian markets. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research integrates rigorous quantitative data analysis using SPSS Statistics and Microsoft Excel and a thorough review of existing literature. The study addresses three key questions: 1) The nanotechnology patenting trends evolution across different Asian countries, 2) Correlation between R&D expenditure and the number of patents granted and Variance among countries, 3) Patterns emerge in the ratio of nanotechnology patents to nanoscience research articles, and the share of nanotechnology patents influences overall patent activity in Asian countries. The findings reveal a robust positive correlation between higher R&D expenditure and increased patent application numbers across major patent offices, such as the EPO, Germany, and USPTO. However, the data also highlights substantial disparities in the emphasis and strategic prioritisation of nanotechnology across the region, as evidenced by the ratio of nanotechnology patents to nano-articles and the share of nanotechnology patent applications to total patent applications. Importantly, the reliability of the data was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, which yielded a high-reliability score of 0.734, ensuring the integrity and consistency of the findings. Furthermore, regression analysis was employed to explore the influence of R&D expenditure on nanotechnology patent activity. The study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between R&D investments, patent outputs, and the strategic positioning of nanotechnology within the broader technological landscape. These findings can inform policymakers and industry stakeholders in fostering innovation, intellectual property generation, and technological progress, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology.
Utilizing Green Technology for a Sustainable Future
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underscores the urgent need for environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient technologies to address global challenges related to food security, energy demand, environmental degradation, and climate change. This review aims to critically evaluate the role of sustainable biotechnology as a green technological approach for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The literature for this review was systematically selected from peer-reviewed research articles, review papers, and authoritative reports indexed in major scientific databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies were screened based on relevance, scientific rigor, and their contribution to sustainability-oriented biotechnological applications across agriculture, energy, environmental remediation, and industrial processes. Key findings highlight those biotechnological interventions such as biofuels, biofertilizers, biopesticides, bioplastics, bioenzymes, bioremediation, and waste valorization offer effective alternatives to conventional chemical-based technologies. These approaches contribute to reduced environmental pollution, enhanced resource efficiency, improved soil and crop productivity, waste minimization, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Collectively, these innovations support multiple SDGs, including zero hunger, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and ecosystem conservation. Despite notable progress, significant gaps remain in terms of large-scale implementation, cost competitiveness, regulatory standardization, lifecycle sustainability assessments, and public acceptance. Future research should focus on interdisciplinary approaches, integration of biotechnology with circular economy models, development of standardized performance metrics, and supportive policy frameworks to facilitate commercialization and adoption. Overall, sustainable biotechnology represents a promising pathway for achieving long-term environmental sustainability and socio-economic resilience.
Emerging Role of Nanotechnology in Biofortification, Plant Growth, and Crop Protection
Global climate change and rapid population growth pose challenges to food security and also require crop improvement techniques to improve the quality and quantity of crops. To ensure food security, advanced nanotechnology and nano-engineering are tools to increase crop yields and ensure sustainability in the face of climate change, where the agricultural world is facing many unprecedented challenges. and reduce losses to achieve production. Nano-particles and nano-materials provide a wide scope for fertilizers and pesticides. Nano-materials are also creating specialized products for agrochemicals, simplifying and controlling delivery and improving crop protection. Due to the current and considered use of nanotechnology in the management and control products (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.), in this review we list recent information on the new use of nanotechnology in agriculture that will help to meet food and agricultural needs as well as ensures environment security. Although nanotechnologies contribute to the development of the world in many ways, they also face some limitations. Although nanotechnology is at the forefront of modern scientific progress, its negative effects cannot be ignored.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Mitigation Strategies to Reduce the Climate Change Impact in Agriculture
Climate change and agriculture are closely interrelated and their effects on each other can be seen in the present-day agriculture. Global warming exerts a significant impact on agriculture because of rise in temperature, diminished precipitation, glacial melting, and uneven monsoon etc. Increment in the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) has both impeding and valuable effects on crop yields. Therefore, in agriculture, a proper evaluation of unfriendly impact of climate change is required. An increase in temperature, shortage in rainfall, the incidence of flood and longer dry spells especially in non-ordinary pockets are confirmations of climatic dangers. Thus, appropriate mitigation strategies to reduce GHGs emissions and adaptation of resource conservation technologies (RCTs) are required to make the agriculture sector more resilient to climate change.
Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment with Glucose Boosts the Photosynthetic Efficiency, Metabolic Enzymes and Antioxidant Defense System to increase the Growth of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench
Glucose (Glc) accumulates in leaves as minor product, synthesized during photosynthesis and is famous to control a wide array of plant physiological processes. Hence, is required to assess the role of Glc, when it is supplied exogenously. Seeds of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench were soaked in different concentrations of Glc (0, 20, 30 and 40 mM) for 4, 8, or 12hrs and later sown in pots with soil and farmyard manure (6:1). Sampling was done at 45-day stage of growth to assess the various biological and biochemical parameters. Pre-sowing treatment of Glc enhanced the growth and metabolism of plants in the following order: 30 mM> 20 mM> 40 mM> 0 mM. Glc promoted gaseous exchange parameters including net photosynthetic rate. It also augmented the activities of enzymes of carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Moreover, it boosts the defence system by increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes along with proline content. Maximum response was noted in the plants emerging from the seeds soaked in 30 mM of Glc for 4hrs. The elevation in photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant generation proved beneficial in improving the growth of the plant.
The Combined Influence of Intercropping and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae on Cauliflower Growth and Yield
A field study was undertaken during the winter season of 2024–2025 at CRC-3, Turari, Department of Horticulture, ITM University, Gwalior (M.P.), to assess the influence of intercropping and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the performance of cauliflower. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications, comprising eleven treatments: T₁—cauliflower as sole crop without AMF; T₂—cauliflower as sole crop with AMF; T₃—cauliflower (without AMF) + coriander; T₄—cauliflower (with AMF) + coriander; T₅—cauliflower (without AMF) + fenugreek; T₆—cauliflower (with AMF) + fenugreek; T₇—cauliflower (without AMF) + carrot; T₈—cauliflower (with AMF) + carrot; T₉—coriander as sole crop; T₁₀—fenugreek as sole crop; and T₁₁—carrot as sole crop. The results revealed that intercropping systems significantly influenced the growth and yield of cauliflower, and these effects were further enhanced by the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at the time of transplanting. Application of AMF at 10 kg ha⁻¹ significantly improved growth and yield attributes of cauliflower. Among the treatments, T₆ (cauliflower + fenugreek with AMF) recorded the highest gross curd weight, net curd weight, yield per plot, and yield per hectare. This treatment also exhibited the highest values of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria population, land equivalent ratio (LER), and monetary advantage index (MAI), indicating the biological and economic superiority of the system.
Soil CH4 Fluxes in Typical Tundra of the Taimyr Peninsula, Siberia
Among the most climate-vulnerable biomes, Arctic tundra contains large amounts of soil organic carbon stored in perennially frozen ground (permafrost), which can be released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in a warmer climate. Given the 25–30 times higher global warming potential of CH4 compared to CO2, CH4 release from permafrost degradation could account for ~ 50% of the future total radiative forcing. Currently, tundra ecosystems constitute a weak CH4 source, however strong spatio-temporal variations of CH4 fluxes observed across the tundra biome contribute the uncertainty range in predicting climate feedbacks in the Arctic. We investigated spatial patterns and magnitudes of soil CH4 fluxes within different landscape units and vegetation types in typical tundra of the Taimyr Peninsula, Siberia. CH4 fluxes were measured during the growing seasons of 2023 – 2024 using the chamber method. In general, mean soil CH4 flux reached 0.86 µmol m-2 h-1, ranging across tundra landscapes from -0.01 µmol m-2 h-1 (consumption) in patches of barren ground to 9.75 µmol m-2 h-1 (source) in sedge vegetation. The highest mean rates (2.39 µmol m-2 h-1) were attributed to the overwetted marsh tundra, while significantly lower records were observed across frost-heaved (0.09 µmol m-2 h-1) and moss tundra (0.19 µmol m-2 h-1). In areas disturbed by all-terrain tracks, the mean CH4 flux was 3-fold higher than in the undisturbed tundra and achieved 2.24 µmol m-2 h-1, ranging from 0.97 to 2.99 µmol m-2 h-1 in moss and marsh tundra, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alexey V. Panov, Anatoly S. Prokushkin, Ilya R. Putilin, Mikhail A. Korets, Elena A. Kukavskaya (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Combating ESKAPE Pathogens: Metabolomic Exploration of Marine Sponge-Derived Fungi Through OSMAC and Epigenetic Induction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in ESKAPE pathogens—Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.—continues to pose a major threat to global health, while the discovery of novel antibiotics lags behind. In this study, we explored a culture collection of marine sponge-associated fungi at University College Cork to unlock their untapped chemical diversity and identify potential antimicrobial leads. A total of 25 fungal strains exhibited antibacterial activity against at least one member of the ESKAPE panel, with 30% showing inhibition of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Media optimization using the OSMAC (One Strain–Many Compounds) approach revealed that Czapek Dox and Potato Dextrose Broth were the most effective in inducing secondary metabolite production, yielding the broadest antimicrobial profiles. Epigenetic modulation using histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors had limited impact on inducing bioactive metabolite production under the tested conditions. However, treatment with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), an HDAC inhibitor, resulted in visible changes in colony morphology and pigmentation in several fungal isolates, indicating latent epigenetic responsiveness. These observations suggest that higher concentrations or alternative epigenetic modulators may be required to elicit significant metabolic changes. Overall, this study underscores the effectiveness of the OSMAC strategy in expanding the chemical space of marine-derived fungi. Coupled with metabolomic profiling, this approach offers a powerful platform for tracing and categorizing bioactive metabolites, paving the way for downstream scale-up and structural elucidation of promising antibiotic candidates.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shivankar Agrawal, Pauline Scanlan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Modeling of Nerve Impulse Conduction in the Myelinated Nerve Fiber
Myelination of a nerve fiber done by oligodendrocytes or Schwann cells is essential for the correct nervous system function, particularly for the sufficient speed of nerve impulse propagation, which is termed saltatory signal conduction. It is believed that the action potentials in myelinated nerves are only generated at the nodes of Ranvier, this conserves energy and facilitates electrical impulse propagation. The clinical significance of such demyelinating diseases as multiple sclerosis leads to the necessity of studying the characteristics of nerve impulse transmission to elucidate the effects of demyelination on conduction and development of pathological symptoms. Meanwhile, the precise mechanism of the process is still under investigation due to the considerable complexity of direct experimental evaluation, which, nevertheless, can be circumvented by mathematical modeling methods. The purpose of this study is to model the mechanisms of nerve impulse propagation along a nerve fiber depending on various parameters. A 3D model of the myelinated nerve fiber of a human optic nerve was built using the COMSOL Multiphysics software package, incorporating known geometric characteristics. The transmission of the action potential along it was simulated. Currents of sodium, potassium and chlorine through voltage-dependent and mechanosensitive ion channels were taken into account. The obtained modeling results can clarify the underlying mechanisms of action potential conduction in the nervous system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anzhelika N. Semenova, Elena V. Mashkovtseva, Yaroslav R. Nartsissov (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Analysis of Ion-Binding Sites in the Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter KCC2 Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
The potassium-chloride cotransporter KCC2 (SLC12A5) is the primary chloride extrusion transporter in most adult inhibitory neurons of the central nervous system. KCC2 mediates the electroneutral secondary active symport of potassium cation (K+) coupled with chloride anion (Cl-) across the plasma membrane of cells. Dysfunction of KCC2 is associated with a number of neurological disorders, especially epilepsy. The transport stoichiometry of KCC2 is 1K+:1Cl-, however, recent cryo-EM structures of KCCs revealed three non-protein electron densities, identified as two Cl- and one K+. Some studies suggest the presence of both the main Cl- transport site and an additional allosteric site, but their exact functional roles remain unexplored. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed with GROMACS program and CHARMM36 force field. The investigation focused on coordination interactions and conformational changes resulting from site-specific mutagenesis of amino acid residues forming the ion-binding sites. The transmembrane domain monomer of the human KCC2 dimer (PDB ID: 6M23) was embedded in a phosphatidylcholine bilayer using CHARMM-GUI. The system was solvated with TIP3P water molecules and neutralized with 150 mM KCl. Two conserved disulfide bonds (C287–C302, C322–C331) were added to the protein structure. The positions of transported Cl- and K+ were taken from the nearest KCC4 homolog (PDB ID: 7D99). The coordinates of the allosteric Cl- were derived from the KCC2 structure. Based on MD trajectories, we identified localization of ions and coordinating residues, (defined as being within ≤ 0.4 nm of the ions). Ions were considered stably associated when their displacement remained within 0.3 nm of the binding site center during the simulation. The analysis revealed local conformational changes in the structure of binding sites associated with amino acid substitutions, reflecting the functional sensitivity of these regions to point mutations. These results clarify the molecular details of KCC2 function at the atomic level and may further contribute to the development of antiepileptic drugs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ekaterina Y. Stepanova, Leonid A. Ivontsin, Elena V. Mashkovtseva, Yaroslav R. Nartsissov (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Development of Sensitive Immunochemical Biosensors for Rapid Detection of Fluoroquinolones in Food Products
Food contamination by antibacterial preparations is a relevant food safety problem. Consumption of antibiotic-containing foodstuffs can cause serious harm to human health and provoke severe antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is extremely important to develop sensitive methods for monitoring antibiotic content in raw materials and finished food products. Traditional chromatographic methods are not applicable for rapid control in out-of-laboratory conditions. Therefore, immunochemical biosensors seem a promising alternative due to their high sensitivity, simplicity, low cost, and possible point-of-care application. Among different immunobiosensing platforms, immunochromatographic analysis can be noted. The immunochromatographic strip is a ready-to-use test system that does not require additional reagents or costly detectors. The analytical procedure is usually initiated by dipping the test strip into the sample followed by visual evaluation of the assay results. In this study, several immunochromatographic biosensors have been developed for the detection of antibiotics gatifloxacin (GAT) and ofloxacin (OFL), which belong to fluoroquinolone group demanded in medicine and agriculture. Their covalent conjugates with proteins were synthesized and used as immunogens. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies specific for GAT or OFL were produced and characterized. Different nano-dispersed labels were obtained including traditionally used gold nanoparticles and mono-, bi-, and trimetallic nanozymes, which allowed for catalytic enhancement of colorimetric signal on test strips due to their enzyme-mimic properties. Ultrasensitive test systems have been created, which enabled rapid (15–20 min) GAT and OFL detection in picogram range of concentrations. Moreover, the specificity of the developed test systems enabled revealing S- and R-stereoisomers of antibiotics and hence, distinguishing their biologically active forms used in pharmaceuticals and veterinary medicines. The developed biosensors were applied for antibiotic determination in milk and meat. They can be recommended as an effective tool for rapid, sensitive, and reliable control of food contaminants.
Copyright (c) 2025 Olga D. Hendrickson, Nadezhda A. Byzova, Vasily G. Panferov, Elena A. Zvereva, Anatoly V. Zherdev, Shen Xing, Boris B. Dzantiev (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
To the Question of Forecasting of Water Discharge of Armenia Rivers
The paper considers the physical-geographical and climatic conditions formation of the river runoff of the rivers of Armenia. Two mountain rivers were considered Armenia: r. Arpa and r. Dzoraget. Relevance. Forecasts allow the most rational use of the country's water resources, as well as to prepare in advance for dangerous hydrological phenomena and these prevent or significantly reduce the damage they cause to the people au pair. The purpose of the study is to test the mathematical models for mountainous and semi-mountainous rivers of Armenia and analysis of the results, obtained in the implementation of these models. Methods. For forecasting runoff of mountain rivers, an approach based on the application of dynamic models of daily water consumption formation. Used models presented as differential equations of the first and second order for predicting the process of changing characteristics river flow. As the initial data, water consumption for hydrological posts in Jermuk for 2017 – 2024 and for the city of Stepanavan for 2017 – 2024, average daily air temperature (°С), sum daily precipitation (mm), snow cover thickness (cm) according to weather stations Jermuk and Stepanavan. Results. Cost forecasting methods tested waters on the semi-mountain rivers of Armenia and on their analogues on the territory of Russia. For the Arpa and Dzoraget rivers, the models of the first and second orders are insignificantly underestimate and overestimate the predicted values, respectively. When conducting verification forecasts of water discharges on the mountain rivers Arpa and Dzoraget in the period of high water and rain floods, the best results are obtained by mathematical model in the form of a differential equation of the first order. This model does not take into account subsurface runoff. Revealed that with a short lead time, the model parameters can be optimized with a large error, for example, the coefficient responsible for snowmelt intensity. In general, dynamic models show a satisfactory result in assessing their effectiveness. It is also noted that when forecasting with a daily lead time, the values model parameters that are obtained by dynamic parameterization on material preceding the release date of the forecast, characterized the process runoff formation for such a relatively short future period time. It should not be expected that the parameters can be suitable for greater advance. Therefore, you should associate model parameters with weather elements that can be predicted for several days forward. The task of developing a dynamic model becomes relevant of the first order, taking into account the melting of snow reserves in the catchment area and change in the sum of positive temperatures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ekaterina Gaidukova, Varduhi Margaryan, Sargis Qelyan, Amalya Misakyan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
A Molecular-Level Understanding of the Thermodynamic Efficiency of Photosynthetic Phosphorylation
Photosynthesis is a fundamental molecular-level process in biology that has a profound influence on the entire Biosphere. Hence an in-depth understanding of the photosynthetic process at the molecular level is central to the biological and environmental sciences for fostering transformation to a more sustainable future of our planet. Estimations of efficiencies of these processes is a necessary first step towards this goal. Here, the thermodynamic efficiency of the overall photosynthesis process and its component sub-steps are calculated from first principles. An overall efficiency of ~31.5 % is obtained for photosynthesis in C3 plants using flashes of red light. The mechanistic P/2e‒ stoichiometric ratios have been estimated, and the resulting efficiencies of the linear and cyclic pathways have been quantified. These calculations are then related to the functioning of the Photosystem I, Photosystem II, and ATP synthase at the molecular level. Such studies not only help in better understanding of the thermodynamic efficiency of photosynthesis but also in an enhancement of the photosynthetic process, leading to diverse applications in biology and sustainability science.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sunil Nath (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
How fdhF Deletion Affects Ion Transport and ATPase Activity in E. coli?
Formate dehydrogenase-H plays a key role in anaerobic metabolism, particularly in formate metabolism during fermentation. To assess its glucose-dependent role, proton (JH⁺) and potassium (JK⁺) fluxes, along with FOF1-ATPase activity, were examined in wild-type and fdhF mutant grown under low (2 g L⁻¹) and high (8 g L⁻¹) glucose. When cells were grown in the presence of low glucose and during assays similar amount was added mutant showed 40% higher JH⁺ but 30% lower FOF1-conditioned flux, consistent with a 20% reduction in ATPase activity upon potassium supplementation, but there were no differences when extra formate, or potassium and formate together were supplemented. At the same time total JK+ was lower compared to wild type, meanwhile DCCD does not affect the flux. Under high glucose, mutants displayed a 50% increase in total and DCCD-sensitive JH⁺ fluxes, a 35% decrease in JK⁺, and a 50% drop in FOF1-conditioned flux. When cells were grown in a presence of high glucose and during assays similar amount was supplemented total JH+ was similar in mutant and wild type, meanwhile DCCD-sensitive flux decreased by 25-35%, conversely total JK+ increased by 35% and with DCCD potassium outflux was observed. Potassium had no effect on ATPase activity, but formate increased it by 25%. These findings suggest that under low glucose, accumulated formate stimulates proton efflux while inhibiting ATPase, whereas under high glucose, formate regulates ATPase via potassium, highlighting a glucose-dependent shift in formate’s control of membrane bioenergetics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Liana Vanyan, Karen Trchounian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Impact of Confounding Factors on Emotional and Cognitive Status in Patients with Asthenia
Psychosocial factors and major epidemiological risks are well-known to be significant contributors to the pathogenesis and progression of multifactorial diseases. Psychoemotional stress is markedly exacerbated under conditions of social and economic instability. Anxiety, irritability, and vital exhaustion may modulate physiological processes via neurohumoral regulation, thereby increasing the susceptibility to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, asthenic syndrome, and cognitive decline. The neuropsychological examination facilitates not only comprehensive evaluation of cognitive and emotional status pre- and post-therapy, but the formulation of individualized strategies for stress management and prevention of its adverse consequences. The neuropsychological assessment data of 120 patients with asthenia before and after the administration of metabolic therapy were comprehensively analyzed to build a statistical model. Elevated levels of stress and vital exhaustion demonstrate significant correlation with the gastrointestinal pathologies and smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day. Prolonged completion of cognitive tasks in patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus may indicate the disturbances in cerebral tissue perfusion. Psychoemotional status improvement and attenuation of asthenic symptoms appeared to depend on both the baseline severity of dysfunction and the presence of comorbidities. The described model supports the design of personalized therapeutic strategies with consideration for individual risk factors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elena V. Mashkovtseva, Veronika N. Shishkova, Yaroslav R. Nartsissov (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Metastatic Effects of Herbal Extracts on the HIF-1α/COX-2/MMP-2 axis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a major clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and lack of targeted therapies. In this study, we investigated the effects of three medicinal plant extracts—Alchemilla smirnovii Juz., Rumex obtusifolius, and Inula helenium—on inflammatory and metastatic markers in MDA-MB-231 human TNBC cells. MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with Alchemilla smirnovii Juz., Rumex obtusifolius, and Inula helenium extracts under CoCl₂- and TNF-α-induced conditions. Protein expression of HIF-1α, COX-2, and MMP-2 was assessed using Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Using CoCl₂-induced hypoxia and TNF-α-stimulated inflammation models, we assessed the modulation of the HIF-1α/COX-2/MMP-2 signaling axis. MTT assays confirmed that the extracts, at 0.5 mg/mL, did not exhibit cytotoxicity after 24–72 hours. Western blot analysis revealed that all three extracts significantly downregulated HIF-1α, COX-2, and MMP-2 expression under both basal and stimulated conditions. Notably, A. smirnovii and R. obtusifolius demonstrated the most potent inhibitory effects under TNF-α stimulation, while A. smirnovii and I. helenium were most effective under CoCl₂-induced hypoxia. Immunocytochemistry confirmed these findings, showing decreased fluorescence intensity of COX-2 and MMP-2 and no signs of nuclear condensation, supporting the non-cytotoxic nature of the treatments. These results suggest that the tested plant extracts exert strong anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic effects without inducing cell death, making them promising candidates for adjunctive therapy in TNBC. Their ability to suppress key pro-tumorigenic markers involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis could help prevent cancer cell invasion and dormancy. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds in modulating tumor-associated pathways in breast cancer and supports further investigation of these extracts in combination with conventional chemotherapy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nikolay Avtandilyan, Hayarpi Javrushyan, Alina Maloyan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
The Impact of Proton Motive Force on Energy Metabolism and Hydrogenase Activity of Cupriavidus Necator H16
The facultative chemolithoautotroph Cupriavidus necator H16 capable to utilize H₂ as a main energy source through the O₂-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenases (Hyds), such as membrane-bound (MBH), soluble (SH), actinobacterial (AH) and regulatory (RH) Hyds . These enzymes are key components of autotrophic growth, and are an important part of energy and H₂ homeostasis of bacterial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of inhibitors of proton motive force generation (sodium azide (NaN₃), carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP)), and FOF1-ATPase (N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD)) on the growth parameters and Hyds activity of C. necator H16. Bacteria were cultivated in glycerol-fructose-nitrogen (GFN) medium with addition of 50µM CCCP and DCCD, 1.5mM of NaN3 under microaerobic conditions. Heterotrophic growth of the culture was monitored over a period of 7 days at 30 °C, at 150 rpm. H₂-oxidizing Hyd activity was assessed by methylene blue reduction at 570 nm, 30 °C, using a spectrophotometer (Cary 60 UV–vis, Agilent Technologies, USA). Growth inhibition by 2.5- to 6-fold was observed starting from the first day of cultivation upon the addition of inhibitors, however the inhibitory effect of the studied substances was overcome on the 4th day of growth. A slight decrease in oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and pH was recorded across all samples. The H₂-oxidizing Hyd activity in GFN samples remained consistently high throughout the cultivation period of C. necator, ranging from 12 to 35 ± 0.5 U/mg(CDW)/min. The addition of inhibitors resulted in a significant reduction of Hyd activity, specifically, DCCD reduced Hyd activity by 32–48%, CCCP by 32–66%, and NaN₃ by 40–70%. Thereby, the extent of inhibition depends on both the bacterial growth phase and the specific inhibitor is used. These results provide insight into the cellular bioenergetics underlying H₂ metabolism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ruzanna Arshakyan, Meri Iskandaryan, Anna Poladyan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Inhibitory Effect of Acetic Acid on the Fermentative Metabolism in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ATCC 9804 At pH 3.0.
Acetic acid (AA) is a typical byproduct of alcoholic fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and it was found that its low concentrations can be used as carbon sources, while high levels reduce fermentation efficiency. This study examines the impact of 10-50 mM AA on acetic acid on glucose consumption and ethanol production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 9804 under oxygen-limited conditions at pH 3.0. Ethanol and AA concentrations were determined using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The results indicate that 10 mM AA has no significant effect on glucose consumption rate, while 50 mM AA inhibits ~2-fold. The AA consumption rate was directly proportional to exposed AA concentration, and the highest consumption rate (~8 mM h-1) was observed at the 6th h of growth under 50 mM AA stress conditions. 10 mM has no significant effect on ethanol production, while 20 mM AA exposure results in ethanol production inhibition by ~35% at 24th h of growth. 50 mM AA was observed to inhibit ethanol production by ~45% at the 48th of growth, which correlated with inhibited specific growth rate (0.05 h-1) and viability (~107 CFU). Understanding the mechanisms of yeast adaptation to AA is vital for the construction of robust yeast strains that can be used to enhance biotechnological production of various food and desired products.
Copyright (c) 2025 G. S. Azbekyan, A. H. Shirvanyan, K. A. Trchounian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Effects of Amino Acide Mutations in Escherichia coli DcuD Transporters in Proton Flux at pH 5.5
Escherichia coli relies on Dcu transporters to facilitate succinate transport during fermentation, with DcuD being one of three members of this transporter family primarily involved in C4 -dicarboxylate exchange. This study investigated the role of amino acid mutations in E.coli DcuD transporters in proton flux at pH 5.5. In this study proton flux (JH+) was measured in E. coli BW25113 wild type strain and dcuD mutants with specific amino acid defects. JH+ was determined using selective pH electrode. To evaluate the contribution of FOF1-ATPase, 0.2 mM N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) was used. When glucose was added in E. coli BW25113 assay total JH+ was ~0.81 mmol min-1 per 109 cells in 1 unit and when cells were treated with DCCD JH+ was ~0.11 mmol min-1 per 109 cells. In mutant with defect of Arg67 total JH+ was 1.9-fold lower, compared to the wild type, and the DCCD has effect, thus contribution of FOF1-ATPase to the proton export pathway has role. In mutant with defect in Glut64, the total JH+ was similar to Arg67. In mutant with defect of Glut324 total JH+ was ~2.7-fold lower compared to wild type. However, in mutant with defect of Lys328 no significant differences were observed compared to wild type. These findings suggest that specific amino acids within the DcuD transporter influence proton flux mechanisms. Overall, the results provide insights into the functional roles of key amino acids in DcuD-mediated proton transport and proton efflux is primarily associated with of FOF1-ATPase.
Copyright (c) 2025 Liza Jorkntsyan, Liana Vanyan, Antonio Valle, Jorge Bolivar, Karen Trchounian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Teucrium polium Leaf Extract as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in BV-2 Cell Models
We aimed to study the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from Teucrium polium leaves on BV-2 microglial cell line models, particularly wild-type (Wt) and Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 deficient (Acox1−/−) cell line models, which are useful for examining specific neurodegenerative disorders. The analysis showed that the extract contains a high number of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The MTT assay showed that the concentration of 0.125 mg/mL of T. polium extract was the highest that exhibited no toxicity. The chemical-based tests showed that the extract has high antioxidant activity. The high antioxidant potential was further verified through research using BV-2 microglial cell line models. Furthermore, the extract was detected to affect the activity of the key antioxidant enzyme catalase in both Wt and Acox1−/− BV-2 microglial cell lines. Additionally, the extract affected LPS-induced nitric oxide generation, as well as the expression of relevant genes in Wt and Acox1−/− BV-2 microglial cells, such as Cat, iNos, Il-1β, Tnf-α, and Abcd1. These results suggest that T. polium extract exerts regulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the expression levels of these genes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alvard M. Minasyan, Naira Zh. Sahakyan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Influence of Menthol on Ion Fluxes and ATPase Activity in Antibiotic-Resistant E. Coli Under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions
The rising rate of antibiotic resistance has become a worldwide problem, and plants are considered promising sources of new antibiotic agents due to the antibacterial activity of their extracts and essential oils. The Lamiaceae family of essential oil-bearing plants are known for their expressed antimicrobial activity. Mentha arvensis essential oil and its major component, menthol (comprising 70% of the oil’s chemical composition), show antibacterial activity against a wide range of microbes, including Escherichia coli strains, particularly kanamycin-resistant ones. To understand the menthol mode of action, we studied its influence on the membranes of kanamycin-resistant E. coli pARG-25 and wild-type E. coli BW25113 strains, particularly, on ATPase activity, proton and potassium flux rates, extracellular and intracellular pH in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, using two menthol concentrations: 125 µg/mL (the minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) and 12.5 µg/mL. According to our results, menthol expresses its antibacterial effects through several mechanisms, mainly involving disruption of membrane-associated energy systems such as FOF1-ATPase, modulation of ion fluxes, which is, therefore. reflects on the changes in intracellular pH. These effects are concentration-, condition (aerobic/ anaerobic) and strain-dependent, with a greater impact on the kanamycin-resistant E. coli strain under anaerobic conditions. Compared to the E. coli BW25113 strain, E. coli pARG-25 has increased tolerance to menthol, particularly under aerobic conditions, where menthol effects on the Trk system are less pronounced. However, under anaerobic conditions, the menthol MIC decreased the specific growth rate, the ATPase activity and potassium flux by 40%, which confirmed its membrane-targeting mechanism of action.
Copyright (c) 2025 Silvard Tadevosyan, Anahit Shirvanyan, Karen Trchounian, Naira Sahakyan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Discovering Drug Leads by Ultrafast Docking Screens in Large Chemical Spaces and AI/ML Pipeline
Accelerated discovery of potent and selective inhibitors for challenging emerging targets holds promise for many kinds of incurable diseases including certain stages of types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare and neglected diseases. Identifying the first potent and selective inhibitors for transient, allosteric, or protein–protein interaction (PPI) pockets remain a significant challenge in drug discovery. These targets often require an integrated approach that combines structural biology, multi-modal data, sophisticated computational tools, and ultra-large-scale virtual screening coupled with in silico compound optimization. Key challenges include: Characterizing the molecular target, including its conformational and mutational states, and identifying a druggable binding pocket; Discovering novel chemical entities with nanomolar potency against the selected target; Eliminating candidates with undesirable off-target activities; Optimizing ADMETox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties and achieving the required tissue and cellular distribution. To address these challenges, we have developed a high-performance CPU/GPU-accelerated computational pipeline in collaboration with Molsoft, and deployed it at the UCSD laboratory and in Armenia at Orbeli PI, YSU/YerevaNN and Center for Sci.Comp. This platform enables the screening of billions of compounds and supports expansive generative and combinatorial exploration of chemical space. We present case studies where this pipeline successfully identified drug candidates in collaborations with biotechnology startups, with some candidates already advanced toward clinical development and US trials. These examples highlight the platform’s potential to transform the early stages of drug discovery for difficult and previously intractable targets.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ruben Abagyan, Max Totrov, Hovakim Grabski, Siranuysh Grabska (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Assessment of Zhinvali Reservoir by Bioindicators (Georgia) - Preliminary study
One of the most significant issues facing the world is the providing of fresh water to populations and the preservation of water ecosystems. Both human health and ecosystem biodiversity are at risk from contaminated water. Georgia is required to monitor and conduct research on water bodies in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/CE). Zhinvali reservoir was created in 1985 by damming of Aragvi River. Research of zoobenthos and primary production of plankton in Zhinvali was conducted in 1989-1990. Despite the significance and multipurpose use of Zhinvali water reservoir, no comprehensive hydrobiological and parasitologic research has been carried out before presented study. Our study, the first phase of a three-year initiative that began in May 2024, offers important new information about the relationship between the reservoir's fish community and parasite fauna. Turbidity, EC, dissolved oxygen, salinity and pH were measured at sampling point on site. Inorganic contaminants and sulfates are present in low concentrations, hydrocarbonates and chlorides are present in medium concentrations, magnesium ions predominate, and oxidizability is 2.5 times higher than what is considered acceptable for fish. Given the development and recreational activities along the reservoir's coast, a rise in pollution levels is to be predicted.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bella Japoshvili, Lali Murvanidze, Giorgi Epitashvili, Lela Arabuli, Aleksi Memishishi, Ketevan Asatiani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/