http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/18 2026-07-07T19:55:11Z 2026-07-07T19:55:11Z Naik, A.V. Velip, P.M. Amonkar, S.G. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7894 2026-06-30T06:39:25Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Microencapsulation-mediated modulation of phytochemical stability and antioxidant performance in Annona muricata L. leaf extracts under controlled drying and extraction conditions Naik, A.V.; Velip, P.M.; Amonkar, S.G. Annona muricata L. (soursop) is a pharmacologically important tropical plant known for its rich profile of bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential. The leaves of A. muricata have gained significant attention for their medicinal value in functional foods, plant-based formulations, and phytopharmaceutical applications, mainly because of their high concentration of secondary metabolites, particularly acetogenins. The present study aimed to optimize the extraction and microencapsulation of A. muricata leaf extract to improve the stability of its bioactive constituents. Among the drying methods evaluated, shade drying was the most effective. It preserved an optimal moisture content of 67.92 plus-minus 0.065 percent while maintaining phytochemical integrity and minimizing thermal degradation. Extraction using 100 percent methanol (T2) gave the highest total extract yield, total phenolic content (1.10 plus-minus 0.007nmg GAE/g), and acetogenin concentration. This extract also showed the best antioxidant activity, with the lowest IC sub(50) value of 116 Mu g/mL in the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Microencapsulation using sodium alginate, inulin, and gum arabic produced stable emulsions with particle sizes ranging from 250 plus-minus 0.005 nm to 6943.47 plus-minus 0.003 nm. The highest emulsion stability index (99.33 plus-minus 0.1 percent at 24 h) was recorded for formulations combining gum arabic and sodium alginate with distilled water extract. Overall, microencapsulation is an effective strategy to control release kinetics, improve therapeutic efficacy, and reduce risks associated with rapid degradation or uncontrolled release of bioactive compounds. These findings indicate that the selected drying, solvent extraction, and microencapsulation approaches support the potential of A. muricata leaves as a resource for scalable nutraceutical and functional food applications.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Amonkar, S.G. Naik, A.V. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7893 2026-06-30T06:40:44Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Nanocarrier-assisted phytochemical drug delivery in cancer therapy: A bibliometric analysis and integrative review of challenges, innovations, and translational potential Amonkar, S.G.; Naik, A.V. Phytochemicals demonstrate broad anticancer potential and favourable safety profiles, yet their therapeutic value is limited by poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and low bioavailability. Nanocarrier-assisted delivery addresses these challenges by enhancing stability, prolonging circulation, and enabling tumour-selective release. Developments across polymeric, lipid-based, inorganic, protein-derived, and exosome-like systems have strengthened delivery performance through ligand-directed targeting, surface engineering, and stimuli-responsive designs. A bibliometric assessment of 117 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025 reveals increasing research activity in encapsulation strategies, targeted delivery approaches, and translational nanomedicine, with major contributions from India, China, and the United States. Emerging innovations including AI-guided formulation methods, hybrid nanosystems, and multi-omics-based optimisation are advancing phytochemical therapeutics toward greater precision and clinical feasibility. The growing body of evidence supports the translational promise of phytochemical-loaded nanocarriers. Continued progress in scalable synthesis, regulatory alignment, and rigorous in vivo evaluation will be essential for establishing these platforms as next-generation cancer therapeutics.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Sangodkar, V. Vaidya, M. Ayyanar, M. Prabhu, S. Nadaf, S. Naik, A.V. Gurav, N. Kumbhar, P. Kharkar, P. Gurav, S. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7816 2026-03-30T10:12:17Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Biopolymeric chitosan/ZnO-nanocomposite films from pomegranate peels for sustainable and functional food packaging Sangodkar, V.; Vaidya, M.; Ayyanar, M.; Prabhu, S.; Nadaf, S.; Naik, A.V.; Gurav, N.; Kumbhar, P.; Kharkar, P.; Gurav, S. Chitosan (CS), a biopolymer derived from chitin, is well known for its biodegradability and significant antimicrobial, photocatalytic, and UV-protective properties, making it an intriguing candidate for sustainable and active food packaging solutions. In response to rising environmental concerns and the demand for sustainable food packaging, this study investigates the eco-friendly synthesis of CS-conjugated Punica granatum (PG)-derived zinc oxide nanocomposites (PG-ZnONCs) for use in food packaging applications. A quality-by-design approach was employed to identify optimal conditions that maximize the desired properties of the nanocomposite films, ensuring a robust and efficient formulation process. Nanoparticle and nanocomposite preparation was confirmed by monitoring colour change and validated by UV-visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction, SEM, and TEM analyses confirmed the crystallite structures of the particles, with particle sizes of 112.3 nm and 160.8 nm, polydispersity indices of 0.182 and 0.215, and zeta potentials of -21.98 mV and - 10.6 mV, indicating stability. The successful application of DOE (Design of Experiments) ensured a robust and efficient formulation process, contributing to the high-quality characteristics of the final product. PG-ZnONPs and PG-CS/ZnONCs demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging radicals in DPPH and ABTS assays, and exhibited potent antibacterial effects against foodborne pathogens. The PG-CS/ZnONC films (2.5 percent, 5 percent, and 7.5 percent) exhibit excellent mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties, thereby extending the shelf life of fresh foods. Incorporating Alizarin (AZ) as a pH-responsive indicator enabled real-time freshness monitoring. The PG-7.5 percent NC film preserved Solanum lycopersicum (cherry tomatoes) for 16 days and Stolephorus indicus (Indian anchovy) for 9 days, compared to 4 days for uncoated samples. Overall, PG-CS/ZnONC films, particularly with AZ for smart monitoring, present a promising solution for sustainable food packaging, enhancing food preservation while reducing waste.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Chahal, S. Chanekar, T. Bhandari, R. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7812 2026-03-27T09:35:02Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Bioremediation of chromium by Oscillatoria pseudogeminata: growth dynamics, metal uptake, and physiological responses Chahal, S.; Chanekar, T.; Bhandari, R. Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is a highly toxic heavy metal that disrupts metabolic processes and threatens aquatic ecosystems. Cyanoremediation using metabolically active cyanobacteria for heavy-metal sequestration and detoxification is a sustainable, eco-friendly remediation approach. The present study evaluated the Cr(VI) removal efficiency and physiological responses of an indigenously isolated freshwater cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria pseudogeminata, under different Cr(VI) concentrations (2, 5, 7, and 10 ppm). Growth performance, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant responses, and chromium uptake were assessed to determine cellular responses to metal stress. Increasing Cr(VI) concentrations caused a concentration-dependent decline in growth, biomass accumulation, and pigment content, indicating impairment of photosynthetic and metabolic processes. In contrast, oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant defense responses, including malondialdehyde accumulation, superoxide dismutase activity, and proline content, were significantly elevated at lower Cr(VI) levels (2 and 5 ppm), reflecting activation of cellular defense mechanisms. These responses declined at higher concentrations, suggesting enzyme inhibition and severe metal-induced oxidative damage. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological alterations in treated filaments, while atomic absorption spectroscopy confirmed significant Cr(VI) absorption by the cyanobacteria, with removal efficiencies ranging from 48 to 60 percent. Overall, Oscillatoria pseudogeminata demonstrates notable chromium tolerance and biosorption capacity, highlighting its remediation potential for treating chromium-contaminated water.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z