Faculty Publications
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Scholarly Publications by Integral Academia
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Item Irradiation of Foods(CRC Press, 2026) Nuzhat Bashir, Mohammad Haris Siddiqui, Owais YousufFood irradiation is a food preservation technique that uses ionising radiation to eradicate harmful microorganisms, such as allergies and moulds, which contribute to food insecurity and malnutrition. This technique involves exposing food to a specific dose of radiation on a conveyor belt for a predetermined time using three types of radiation: X-rays, electrons, and gamma rays. Radiation dosages can be high, low, or medium, depending on the items to be irradiated and the target organism to be destroyed. Applications of radiation technology include inhibiting root and tuber emergence, defoliating grains and pulses, reducing or eliminating foodborne diseases in vegetables and animal products, and delaying fruit maturity. Each application aims to reduce food allergenicity and lengthen shelf life. Despite consumer concerns about the quality and safety of irradiated food, the adoption of this practice is growing owing to increased awareness and perceptions of quality and safety. With food irradiation becoming more widely accepted and commercialised, it has the potential to play a significant role in addressing global food insecurity and foodborne illness issues. Despite advancements in technology over the past decade, food loss remains a significant issue, with gastrointestinal disorders accounting for almost 30% of global mortality rates. Radiation can help guarantee food safety for both healthy and vulnerable consumers, meet quarantine regulations, and prevent significant losses during transportation and commercialisation.Item Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS): A powerful genetic silencing tool for plants(Book Rivers, 2026) Mushfa Khatoon, Km Janhvi, Saleena Siddiqui, Amita DubeyVirus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is an RNA-mediated reverse genetics technique that has proven to be instrumental for understanding gene function. VIGS utilizes the plant’s posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) machinery to suppress the endogenous gene expression, preventing systemic viral infections. The identification of various VIGS vectors has revealed the functions of genes in cellular signaling, disease resistance, abiotic stress, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. As a functional genomics tool in plant biology, VIGS is used for genotype identification, breeding, and genetic generation. It has also led to significant advances in creating heritable epigenetic alterations, paving the way for transgene-free genetically modified plants. However, this strategy comes with risks, including viral resistance and transient effects. VIGS may be combined with other functional genomic approaches for agricultural breeding research. For a VIGS system to be effective, it must meet the following requirements: proper viral vector development, an appropriate inoculation technique, optimal inoculum type and concentration, positive controls, and proper plant care. This chapter discusses the mechanism, applications and limitations of the VIGS.Item Role of Phytohormones as Elicitors in Plant Secondary Metabolite Synthesis(Book Rivers, 2026) Mushfa Khatoon, Shivangi Tiwari, Amita DubeyPhytohormones play a crucial function in regulating various physiological processes in plants, including the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. This chapter explores the intricate mechanisms by which phytohormones act as elicitors, stimulating the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites which are essential for plant defense and adaptation. The diverse classes of phytohormones- such as cytokinins, ethylene, auxins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and jasmonates are discussed with an emphasis on their regulatory functions in plant defense, growth and development. Additionally, the specific roles of these phytohormones as elicitors in secondary metabolite synthesis pathways have also been discussed. Moreover, this chapter explores the interactions between different phytohormones and their synergistic or antagonistic effects on secondary metabolite synthesis. Understanding the intricate interplay between phytohormones and secondary metabolites not only sheds light on plant physiology but also has significant implications for agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. This chapter serves as a valuable resource for researchers who possess keen interest in unravelling the complexities of plant biochemistry and harnessing the potential of phytochemicals for various applications.Item Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Potential for Anti-bacterial Applications(Book Rivers, 2026) Pooja Mishra, Sheeba Khanam, Faiza Siddiqui, Tooba Nezam, Salman KhanThe eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has become increasingly popular due to its sustainable, cost-efficient, and environmentally conscious approach in comparison to traditional chemical techniques. This method, which utilizes natural resources such as plant extracts, microorganisms, and enzymes, minimizes harmful chemicals, providing a safer alternative for AgNP synthesis. The process involves converting silver ions (Ag+) into nanoparticles, with biomolecules from plants or microbes serving as both reducing and stabilizing agents. This green synthesis reduces environmental risks and allows for the creation of AgNPs with specific sizes, shapes, and improved characteristics. Silver nanoparticles are well-known for their antimicrobial properties, which have been extensively researched for use in medicine, food packaging, and environmental management. Their minute size and expansive surface area enhance their interaction with microbial cell membranes, disrupting essential cellular functions. The distinct physicochemical properties of green-synthesized AgNPs, including their surface charge and stability, often result in superior antimicrobial effectiveness compared to their chemically synthesized counterparts.Item Integrating Tradition and Innovation: The Role of Withania somnifera in Cancer Therapeutics(Book Rivers, 2026) Sana Parveen, Mariyam Fatma, Snober S. MirMedicinal plants have been integral to healing in local communities for thousands of years and are crucial for approximately 85% of the global population. They are also a major source of drug discovery, with 80% of synthetic drugs deriving from them. Withania somnifera (WS), a prominent Rasayana botanical in Ayurveda, is renowned for its immunomodulatory, anti-aging, adaptogenic, and rejuvenating effects. WS exhibits therapeutic potential in cancer management due to its diverse biological activities. Major Phytoconstituent of WS like Withaferin-A (Wi-A) and Withanone has shown notable anticancer properties. Phytoconstituents of WS also have the potential to induce cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin B1, cyclin A, Cdk2, and p-Cdc2, while increasing p-Chk1 and p-Chk2 levels. It also affects HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins, accumulates p53, and enhances p21WAF1 levels. Additionally, decreases STAT3 levels, promotes p53-mediated apoptosis (increasing Bcl2, Bax, caspase-3, cleaved PARP, and Par-4), and disrupts AKT and EMT signaling. These findings underline WS potential as a natural anticancer agent, with reported effects across various cancer types, including oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction leading to programmed cell death.Item The Role of Heat Shock Protein 90 in Cancer Cell Death Pathways: Implications for Natural Inhibitors in Therapeutic Strategies(Book Rivers, 2026) Sana Parveen, Mariyam Fatma, Aliya Siddiqui, Snober S. MirHeat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial in regulating cell death pathways, particularly in cancer cells. These highly conserved proteins function as molecular chaperones, protecting critical client proteins from misfolding and degradation, thus maintaining intracellular integrity under stressed conditions. Interestingly, HSPs play a dual role in cancer: they help cancer cells survive stress and resist treatment, but they can also contribute to cell death under certain conditions. This contradictory behavior illustrates the complexity of HSP functions in cellular processes. HSPs especially, HSP90 a pivotal molecular chaperone that regulates cellular homeostasis and plays a critical role in cancer progression. Frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, HSP90 contributes to enhanced tumorigenicity, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy by stabilizing key client proteins involved in survival signaling pathways. HSP90 exhibits a dual role in cell death pathways, primarily inhibiting apoptosis and necrosis while also modulating autophagic processes.Item An Update on Cancer Biology(Book Rivers, 2026) Sangeeta SinghCancer is a putative disease and leading cause of mortality across the globe. Population-based cancer registries and hospital-based cancer registries collected the data from various parts of India which indicate heterogeneity in cancer prevalence across the various region. The prevalence of cancer incidence was observed highest in the North East than the other region. The prevalence of cancer in Aizawl district was 7 times of Osmanabad and 4 times that Beed district. Preventive measure can avoid not all but some types of cancers. By avoiding exposure to carcinogens such as chemicals and radiations, the risk for most of skin and lung cancers can be minimized. Approximately one-third of mortality caused by cancer is due to tobacco consumption, raised BMI, alcohol intake, and physical inactivity. Vaccination can help in avoiding induction of some cancer types. Cancer-caused by infections, such as human papillomavirus and hepatitis, are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases and can be avoided by vaccination. Avoiding consumption of tobacco reduces the risk for nearly 65 types of cancers. Creating awareness and providing appropriate support to strengthen efforts to improve cancer prevention can reduce the cancer prevalence in India specially in NE. Policymakers should plan the focused approaches towards monitoring efforts on cancer prevention and control.Item Host-pathogen interactions in ESKAPE pathogen infections(Academic Press, 2026) Firoz Ahmad, Mohd Khubaib, Rolee SharmaMultidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly the ESKAPE organisms Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species, pose significant challenges in clinical settings because of their ability to evade host immune responses, resist antibiotic treatment, and cause chronic infections. This chapter delves into the complex host–pathogen interactions that contribute to the persistence and virulence of ESKAPE pathogens. Key mechanisms of immune evasion include the production of protective surface structures such as capsules, lipopolysaccharides, and biofilm matrices, which hinder immune cell recognition and phagocytosis. In addition, many ESKAPE pathogens secrete immunomodulatory factors, such as proteases and superantigens, which disrupt host immune signaling and facilitate bacterial survival. Biofilm formation is particularly important because the biofilm matrix acts as a barrier to both immune responses and antimicrobial agents, promoting persistent infections. Furthermore, ESKAPE pathogens employ antigenic variations to avoid adaptive immune detection, constantly altering surface-expressed proteins to escape recognition by antibodies. Antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including the production of β-lactamases, efflux pumps, and target-site modifications, further complicate treatment and contribute to the chronic nature of these infections. Understanding these molecular interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.Item Edible Coatings: A Sustainable Solution for Prolonging fruit and vegetables Shelf Life(Book Rivers, 2026) Smita Rai, Swati Pandey, Shefali Singh, Swati SharmaFruits as well as vegetables are needed more and more due to growing population but have a limited shelf life. This is because ripening, sensitivity to microbial deterioration after harvest, and mechanical damage result in significant postharvest losses. Hence, about 25-30% of the harvested perishables are lost before it reaches the final consumer. As in the food supply chain, they must go through harvesting, packaging, storing, loading, unloading and transportation. Because of inadequate storage as well as infrastructure and transit facilities, the producer tries to sell the product before it perishes. For many years researchers have been struggling to establish various mechanisms or treatments for sustaining the postharvest management. Numerous technologies, including evaporative cooling and cold storage, fruit coating treatments, however scarcely any technology have been adopted in the Indian food supply chain. Among these, edible coatings offer a sustainable approach for extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of fruits and vegetables after harvest.Item Unveiling Antibacterial Attributes of Green Tea, with Focus on Catechins(Book Rivers, 2026) Smita Rai, Sumaiya, Faiza Fiza, Shefali Singh, Swati Sharma, Taiba Saeed, Neha Sami, Tasneem Fatma, Durdana YasinThis chapter delves into the multifaceted antibacterial properties of green tea catechins, focusing on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, and challenges in application. Green tea, a globally consumed beverage, has a rich history intertwined with health benefits, particularly attributed to its polyphenolic content, including catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). We explore the diverse biological effects of catechins, such as antioxidant properties, modulation of cellular processes, and interactions with microbial pathogens. The antibacterial activity of green tea catechins is demonstrated through various mechanisms, including membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, oxidative stress induction, and iron chelation. These mechanisms contribute to their efficacy against a wide range of bacterial species, including drug- resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additionally, green tea catechins exhibit synergistic effects when combined with conventional antibiotics, presenting opportunities for enhanced therapeutic strategies.