http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/21 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:57:37 GMT 2026-06-08T19:57:37Z http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7877 Design of a biocompatible Curcuma aromatica functionalized bacterial cellulose polymer composite as a bioactive wound dressing Dias, J.D.; D'Costa, A.H.; Bragança, J.M. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a pure counterpart of plant cellulose is produced by acetic acid bacteria, particularly species of the genus Komagataeibacter, through the metabolization of sugars. Curcuma aromatica (CA), commonly known as wild turmeric or kasturi manjal in India, has been traditionally used for its potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in the treatment of wounds, acne, and various skin disorders. Leveraging these bioactivities, CA was incorporated into BC to fabricate a novel BC-CA composite aimed at enhancing its therapeutic efficacy for wound healing applications. HRLCMS confirmed that C. aromatica contained diverse bioactive metabolites, including curcuminoids alongside terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and other phytochemicals. The UV-Vis and photoluminescence analyses revealed distinct optical properties between curcumin and C. aromatica, reflecting differences in their molecular structure and phytochemical composition. While curcumin showed a single intense absorption and emission profile, C. aromatica exhibited broader absorption and dual emission peaks due to the presence of multiple interacting bioactive constituents. Photostability studies on BC-CA film showed that light exposure, especially sunlight, led to partial photodegradation of curcuminoids, resulting in decreased chromophoric intensity without significant changes in chemical structure. Physico-chemical characterisation confirmed successful adsorption of CA onto the BC matrix. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that BC-1 percent CA exhibited significantly higher bactericidal activity compared to BC- 0.5 percent CA, with the highest inhibition observed against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 737). The antibacterial mechanism involved intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation with concomitant bacterial membrane disruption. Furthermore, ABTS antioxidant assays, MTT cytotoxicity tests, and haemocompatibility studies revealed that the BC-CA composites possess potent antioxidant activity while maintaining excellent biocompatibility and haemocompatibility. In vivo wound healing studies showed 99 percent wound closure on day 14 by BC1 percent CA composite film which was better than the positive control (mupirocin). Histological evaluation showed that the bioactive BC scaffold significantly increased re-epithelialization, reduced inflammation and enhanced collagen organisation. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7877 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7800 Observation of limb abnormalities in Indirana chiravasi Padhye et al., 2014 from the Western Ghats region of Goa, India Rane, S.; Naik, S.; Karapurkar, J.; Sawant, N.S. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7800 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7798 A baseline assessment of potentially toxic elements in smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) spraints from the estuarine landscape of Goa, India Dias, S.J.; D'Costa, J.; Ainkar, S.S.; Sinai-Borker, A.; D'Costa, A.H. Apex predators are effective indicators of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of xenobiotics. In this study, we determined the concentrations of eight potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Pb, Cd, As, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr) in the faeces (spraints) of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) from the Mandovi-Zuari estuarine complex, Goa, India. Sampling was conducted at two locations: Study site-1 in the Mandovi estuary and Study site-2 in the Zuari estuary. Both rivers originate in the Western Ghats and are characterised by similar anthropogenic influences, including agriculture, urban expansion, and industrial activity. Three spraint samples were collected from each site and analysed for PTEs using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The mean concentrations of PTEs (mg/kg d.w.) at study site-1 were as follows: Fe (365.4) greater than Zn (174.3) greater than Cu (38.5) greater than Mn (26.8) greater than Cr (21.4) greater than Pb (8) greater than Cd (2.3) greater than As (0.1). The mean concentrations of PTEs (mg/kg d.w.) at Study site-2 were as follows: Zn (167) greater than Fe (60.6) greater than Mn (45) greater than Cu (28) greater than Cr (20.2) greater than Pb (7.7) greater than Cd (2) greater than As (0.2). This study provides valuable preliminary insights into the exposure of L. perspicillata to PTEs in the estuarine landscape of Goa, India. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7798 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7784 Assessment of Neurotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Carbon Black Nanoparticles in Mice Rebelo, S.; Shaikh, S.; D'Costa, A.H. Carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) are extensively utilized across industrial sectors, including polymers, printing inks, biosensors, food additives, and green technologies. However, their widespread use raises concerns regarding potential human exposure and associated toxicological risks. Although pulmonary toxicity of CBNPs has been reported, limited information exists on their neurotoxic and genotoxic consequences post oral exposure. In the present study, Swiss albino male mice were orally administered with CBNPs at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg body weight daily for 30 days. They were evaluated for neurotoxicity by analyzing neurochemical parameters, including antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase, alkaline phosphatase, total ATPase, and total protein and neurotransmitter levels viz., gamma-aminobutyric acid and dopamine. Histopathological examination of brain regions was performed to assess cytoarchitectural changes, while genotoxic effects were determined using comet assay and chromosomal aberration analysis in bone marrow cells. Dose-dependent neurotoxic responses were elicited by oral exposure to these nanoparticles, evidenced by a marked decrease in neurotransmitter levels and significant alterations in enzymatic activity. Histopathological and genotoxic alterations substantiated the biochemical findings, revealing neuronal degeneration, Purkinje cell loss, tissue necrosis, and nanoparticle accumulation in brain regions, along with increased chromosomal aberrations and DNA fragmentation. The observed effects were associated with oxidative stress-mediated cellular damage, indicating compromised neuronal integrity. The findings demonstrated that prolonged oral exposure to CBNPs induced significant neurotoxicity and genotoxicity in mice, likely mediated through oxidative stress and cellular disruption. The importance of conducting rigorous toxicological evaluations of these nanoparticles for developing safer nanoparticle designs to mitigate potential health risks was highlighted in this study. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7784 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z