Sunita Devi
@yspuniversity.ac.in
Assistant Professor (Microbiology)
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Soil and Environmental Microbiology And Microbial Enzymes
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Kavita Rana, Neerja Rana, Nilakshi Chauhan, Arti Ghabru, Sunita Devi, and Shivani Chauhan
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Bharti Thakur, Sunita Devi, Meena Thakur, Akwal Parihar, Vinay Sagar, and Diksha Devi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Damini Chaudhary, Vinay Kumar, Rajnish Sharma, Sunita Devi, Parul Sharma, and Pankaj Kumar
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Kavita Rana, Neerja Rana, Nilakshi Chauhan, Arti Ghabru, Sunita Devi, and Shivani Chauhan
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subhash Chand, Sunita Devi, Diksha Devi, Priyanka Arya, Kumari Manorma, Kritika Kesta, Megha Sharma, Rohit Bishist, and Manica Tomar
Elsevier BV
Sunita Devi, Pooja Sharma, Rohini Sharma, and Meena Thakur
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Abstract: Trans-Himalayan region has been a major component of the India’s opulent medicinal plant heritage that encompasses numerous critically endangered plant species. Arnebia euchroma (Royle ex Benth.) Johnston (common name: Ratanjot), a Trans- Himalayan native, is amongst them, and it belongs to the family Boraginaceae. Ratanjot has long been used as a colourant in food and cosmetics besides a major ingredient of traditional remedies prescribed for curing mild constipation, dermatitis, frostbite, and eczema like health disorders. Though principally harvested for its roots, almost all the parts of this plant have been used in pharmaceutical products, food, dyes and beverages since prehistoric times. Its roots are a rich source of naphthoquinone pigment(s) mainly shikonin, acetylshikonin and deoxyshikonin, accountable for its medicinal value as antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant agent(s). Considering the medicinal importance and critically endangered status of this taxon, the need of the hour is to conserve and propagate it for supplying sufficient raw materials for its commercial exploitation.
Kavita Rana, Neerja Rana, Sunita Devi, and Nilakshi Chauhan
Informa UK Limited
Sunita Devi, POOJA SHARMA, NIVEDITA SHARMA, Shivani Chauhan, Anju Sharma, and Meena Thakur
Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
Biofilms are matrix-enclosed microbial accretions that bind to biological or non-biological surfaces, such as stream rocks, as well as to surfaces of plants (roots) or animals (epitheliums). Accretions are often enclosed in the outer polymer layer (EPS) that the microorganism or the colonized host's defensive mechanisms may create. Biofilms are a safe mode of growth that lets cells endure in hostile surroundings and also disperses new niches to colonise. Biofilm development also occurs in a vastly diverse range of microorganisms. The biofilm formation cycle embodies a structurally complex and dynamic system that shares the characteristics of both multicellular primitive organisms and complex ecosystems. Although biofilms confer multifarious advantages to their members, such as adhesion/cohesion capabilities, mechanical properties, nutritional sources, metabolite exchange mechanism, cellular communication, defence and drug resistance (e.g. antimicrobials, antiseptics, and disinfectants), they cause other problems in the hospital environment, food industries, aquatic environments which are described herein this review article.
Manoj Kaushal, Sunita Devi, Kailash Chand Kumawat, and Ajay Kumar
Springer International Publishing
Sunita Devi, Aishwarya Chauhan, Rohit Bishist, Neeraj Sankhyan, Kavita Rana, and Nisha Sharma
Informa UK Limited
Abstract To augment the keratinolytic ability of Bacillus halotolerans L2EN1 isolated from the poultry farm (Nahan, District Sirmour) of Himachal Pradesh, different cultural conditions were optimised using One Variable at a Time (OVAT) approach accompanied by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Optimisation (OVAT) results revealed that after 3rd day of incubation, maximum enzyme activity was attained at 45 °C, pH 11.0 with 12.5% of inoculum size in the presence of Mn2 + and EDTA in the production medium. Sucrose (1.5%) and yeast extract (2.0%) were observed to be best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. A significant increase of 73.19 per cent in the keratinase activity was observed using Central Composite Design (CCD) of RSM. The SDS-PAGE results revealed that crude keratinase is a heterotetramer made up of four polypeptide chains with molecular weights of 17, 37, 40 and 60 kDa. Partial purification by 90 − 100 percent ammonium sulphate gave maximum keratinase production of 22.66 U/mL with purification of 1.68 and yield of 11.47 per cent. The enzyme showed compatibility with different commercial detergents and retained its activity in the order: Reshma (97.77%) > Speed (93.44%) > Tide (79.93%) >Ariel (70.18%) > Surf excel (67.98%) at 50 °C after 1 h of incubation. Wash performance analysis demonstrated that washing with tap water at 18, 28, 35 and 45 °C for 30, 45 and 60 min removed some amount of blood stains from the cotton cloth pieces. However, replacement of detergent’s enzyme (Reshma) with crude keratinase achieved complete blood stain removal under same conditions, suggesting its suitability as a potential cleaning additive in detergents for the removal of blood (proteinaceous) stains for long washing cycles (1 h).
Bhupender Sharma, Sunita Devi, Rakesh Kumar, and Shamsher Singh Kanwar
Elsevier BV
Ruchi Soni and Sunita Devi
Elsevier
Sunita Devi and Rimple Kaul
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Abstract: Coronaviruses hold idiosyncratic morphological features and functionality. The members of this group have a remarkable capability of infecting both animals and humans. Inimitably, the replication of the RNA genome continues through the set of viral mRNA molecules. Coronaviruses received least attention until 2003 since they caused only minor respiratory tract illnesses. However, this changed exclusively with the introduction of zoonotic SARS-CoV in 2003. In 2012, MERS-CoV emerged and confirmed this group of viruses as the major causative agents of severe respiratory tract illness. Today, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (i.e., COVID-19) has turned out to be a chief health problem that causes a severe acute respiratory disorder in humans. Since the first identification of COVID-19 in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, this infection has devastatingly spread all around the globe leading to a crippling affliction for humans. The strain is known as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and WHO (the World Health Organization) has termed this new pandemic disease as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 is still spreading, with an estimated 136 million confirmed cases and more than 2.94 million deaths worldwide so far. In the current scenario, there is no particular treatment for COVID-19; however, remarkable efforts for immunization and vaccine development can be observed. Therefore, the execution of precautions and proper preventive measures are indispensable to minimize and control the community transmission of the virus. This review summarizes information related to the pathophysiology, transmission, symptoms, and the host defense mechanism, as well as immunization and vaccine development against COVID-19.
Meena Thakur, Neha Gupta, Harish Kumar Sharma, and Sunita Devi
Emerald
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the quality of honey from different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh in terms of physicochemical characteristics and mineral status.Design/methodology/approachThree honey-producing locations were selected within each agro-climatic zone, honey sampled from four separate apiaries within each location and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and mineral status using standard methodologies. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with one-way classification, after appropriate transformation through online OP-STAT software and MS Excel. The correlation coefficient (r) was also calculated. Principal component analysis was done using XL-STAT software.FindingsThe honey of Zone 4 had highest fructose (36.62%), F:G ratio (1.55), acidity (46.07 meq/kg), vitamin C (25.04 mg/100 g) and diastase (19.22 DN), whereas the pollen density (76,666.67 pollen grains per 10 g), pH (5.94), sucrose (6.94%), hydroxy methyl furfuraldehyde (70.20 mg/kg), amino acid (103.83 mg/100 g), phenols (77.39 mg/100 g), Ca (81.04 mg/kg) and K (354.17 mg/kg) were highest for Zone 2. Highest electrical conductivity (0.24 mS/cm), moisture (16.50 %), glucose (34.20%) and P content (62.93 mg/kg) were recorded for Zone 1. Correlation studies indicated a significant positive correlation between pH and EC; EC and moisture; colour and pollen density. Examining the graphical distribution of the honey samples, a natural separation between honeys of four different agro-climatic zones was obtained.Originality/valueThe impact of geographical/agro-climatic variations in physicochemical characteristics of honey has not been worked out under the present scenario in Himachal Pradesh.
Sunita Devi, Akwal Parihar, Meena Thakur, Bharti Thakur, and Harish Kumar Sharma
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
This paper presents a pioneer study on the microbial diversity and antibacterial potential of hive bees (Apis cerana and A. mellifera) honey collected from Himachal Pradesh. In total, 26 bacteria (14 from A. cerana and 12 from A. mellifera) but no fungal isolate were recovered. Bee species and locations comparison in terms of bacterial load (log CFU/g) revealed maximum loads of 3.74 and 3.99 in the honey from A. cerana and Mandi location, respectively. The most prevalent strains (HC3, HC5, HC6, HC8 and HM2) were identified (16S rRNA ribotyping) as Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MT742636), "Bacillus subtilis subsp. stecoris" (MT742637), Bacillus safensis subsp. safensis (MT742638), "Bacillus zanthoxyli" (MT742639) and Bacillus safensis subsp. safensis (MT938911). The apiary honey displayed good to excellent inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli ATCC1041 whereas, fair to good against Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC10662, Salmonella typhi NCTC786 and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC13883, highlighting its use as a therapeutic agent. Furthermore, it can be effective in minimizing numerous side effects associated with the consumption of synthetic drugs for treating bacterial infections thereby signifying the role of honey as a healthier substitute for synthetic drugs.
S. Devi, , P. Sharma, A. Rana, J. Pal, A. Kumari, , , , and
Triveni Enterprises
Aim: The present study aimed to explicate the diversity and plant growth promoting (PGP) potential of actinomycetes present in the rhizosphere of an endangered medicinal plant, Arnebia euchroma. Methodology: Rhizospheric soil samples of A. euchroma collected from trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh were processed for elucidating actinomycetes diversity and load by employing Standard Plate Count Technique. All recovered isolates were screened for their PGP potential using standard protocols. The potential strains were identified through 16SrRNA ribotyping and were deposited in the National Culture Collection Centre, NCMR, Pune, (India). Results: The rhizosphere of A. euchroma harboured a great deal of actinomycetes diversity (33 diverse morphotypes). Starch casein agar was best for isolating the actinomycetes. The same actinomycete isolate showed variations in their morphological features including pigments production on different isolation media. They exhibited multifarious plant growth-promoting activities like P- solubilization, phytase activity, N- fixation, siderophore production etc. The potential isolates were identified as Streptomyces silaceus CA7 (MK836019) and Streptomyces rectiviolaceus NA8 (MK836018). Interpretation: The actinomycetes evinced a considerable plant growth promoting potential that might be helpful in the adaptation and perpetuation of A. euchroma under prevailing harsh environmental conditions of Himachal Pradesh.
A. Singh, S. Bhardwaj and S. Devi
In Solan district, the developmental activities associated with chemical based farming, rapid urbanization, and rampant industrialization have led to many diarrhoeal, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis disease outbreaks. This has necessitated for microbiological assessment of indicator organisms, the thermotolerant coliforms, in drinking water sources, and their relationship with diarrhoeal disease. All the 49 Public Health Institutes (PHIs) of the district were categorized into very low, low, moderate, and high disease burden regions by stratification method. For drinking water, 55.5, 16.5, and 17% people preferred springs, borewells, and hand-pump respectively. These sources inventoried by Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice survey in one of very low and seven of high disease burden regions, and were analyzed by multiple tube fermentation technique. A cross-sectional survey of 200 children was undertaken for diarrhoeal disease estimation. Parwanoo, an industrial and Kurgal, a non industrial region witnessed highest (30.20) and lowest (4.40) Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 ml water of thermotolerant coliforms, respectively. Thermotolerant coliforms were also observed significantly more (16.77 MPN/100 ml water) in monsoon than in post monsoon season (9.04 MPN per 100 ml water). The thermotolerant coliform Escherichia coli was recovered from six and three water sources respectively during monsoon and post monsoon. A strong correlation ( r = 0.78) existed between the diarrhoeal disease occurrence and the concentration of thermotolerant coliforms in monsoon whereas it was moderate ( r = 0.61) in post monsoon. The study indicated more contamination of water sources due to industrial activities which further got aggravated during the rainy season of the region.
Joginder Pal, Satish K. Sharma, Sunita Devi, Ranjna Sharma, Hans Raj, Monika Karn, Shalini Verma, Pulla Reddy Vedukola, and Anju Sharma
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract The goal of the present research was to ascertain the potential root endophytic fungi against Dematophora necatrix, Hartig, the causal pathogen of white root rot in apples; however, it has an expanded range of hosts across different fruit trees. Out of 36 endophytic fungi segregated from symptomless roots of apple, wheat, maize, marigold, cherry, and garlic plants, only 9 isolates showed inhibitory effect during preliminary screening and were further assayed under in vitro, pot, and field conditions against the white root rot pathogen/disease. Under in vitro conditions, maximum mycelial inhibition of 81.48% was obtained with the isolate Aspergillus aculeatus strain C2. Microscopic studies on interaction between fungal endophyte with hyphal tips of D. necatrix revealed various morphological abnormalities in the hyphae. In glasshouse conditions, seed treatment pursued by soil application with Crinipellis tabtim strain M8 isolate was highly effective and exhibited 93.55% disease control. Similarly, under field conditions, the overall maximum disease control was exhibited by Crinipellis tabtim strain M8 (84.95%). The most promising root endophytes that were identified rely on morphological and ITS sequence analysis. Root colonization assay was performed which revealed maximum endosphere and rhizosphere colonization with Crinipellis tabtim strain M8. Additionally, confocal microscopic illustrations of transverse sections of root cells tenanted by fungal endophytes as compared to untreated control suggested the persistence and establishment of endophytes in the endosphere of apple seedlings. These findings present the first report on colonization of apple roots by fungal root endophytes suggesting an alternative and sustainable approach for management of white root rot disease.
Sunita Devi, Bhupender Sharma, Rakesh Kumar, and Shamsher Singh Kanwar
Wiley
A new bacterial strain producing extracellular cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) was isolated and identified as Castellaniella sp. COX. The ChOx was purified by salting‐out and ion‐exchange chromatography up to 10.4‐fold, with a specific activity of 15 U/mg with a molecular mass of 59 kDa. The purified ChOx exhibited pH 8.0 and temperature 40°C for its optimum activity. The enzyme showed stability over a wide pH range and was most stable at pH value 7.0, and at pH 8.0, it retained almost 86% of its initial activity after 3 h of incubation at 37°C. The enzyme possessed a half‐life of 8 h at 37°C, 7 h at 40°C, and 3 h at 50°C. A Lineweaver–Burk plot was calibrated to determine its Km (0.16 mM) and Vmax (18.7 μmol·mg−1·min−1). The ChOx activity was enhanced with Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ while it was inhibited by Hg2+, Ba2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions. Organic solvents like acetone, n‐butanol, toluene, dimethyl sulfoxide, chloroform, benzene, and methanol were well tolerated by the enzyme while iso‐propanol and ethanol were found to enhance the activity of purified ChOx. ChOx induced cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 1.78 and 1.88 U/ml against human RD and U87MG established cell lines, respectively, while broadly sparing the normal human cells.
Sunita Devi and Ruchi Soni
Springer Singapore
Ruchi Sharma and Sunita Devi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
The world’s increasing population and shortage of food and feed is creating an urgently for us to look for new protein sources from waste products like keratinous waste. Poor management of these wastes has made them one of the major recalcitrant pollutants in nature. Microbial keratinases offers an economic and eco-friendly alternative for degrading and recycling keratinous waste into valuable byproducts. Diverse groups of microorganisms viz., bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes have the ability to degrade recalcitrant keratin by producing keratinase enzyme. Microbial keratinases exhibits great diversity in its biochemical properties with respect to activity and stability in various pH and temperature ranges as well as in the range of recalcitrant proteins it degrades like those present in feathers, hairs, nails, hooves etc. Owing to diverse properties and multifarious biotechnological implications, keratinases can be considered as promising biocatalysts for preparation of animal nutrients, protein supplements, leather processing, fiber modification, detergent formulation, feather meal processing for feed and fertilizer, the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biomedical industries, and waste management. This review article presents an overview of keratin structure and composition, mechanism of microbial keratinolysis, diversity of keratinolytic microorganisms, and their potential applications in various fields.
S. Devi, , S.S. Kanwar, and
Triveni Enterprises
M. Goyal and D. Verma
Apple Academic Press
Sunita Devi, C.R Sharma, and Kamlesh Singh
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)