Delineating the role of phytocompounds against anti-bacterial drug resistance–An update

Antibacterial resistance developed by bacteria due to the unlimited use of antibiotics has posed a challenge for human civilization. This kind of problem is not limited to India only, but it is a global concern. Nowadays, many treatments and medicines for bacterial diseases have been developed. However, they possess some drawbacks. Therefore, the alternative medicine has been used to target the drug resistant mechanisms and such medicines have less side effects which is becoming necessary. Natural products have traditionally or historically been of importance for the development of antibacterial agents and are also known to overcome bacterial drug resistance by directly targeting the drug resistance mechanisms in bacteria. In recent years, researchers have also focused on new drug discovery from plant-based research. They have looked on various phytocompounds as antibacterial agents. In the current review, we report various classes of secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, quinones, and some essential oils that have been used as an antibacterial agent. In addition, we also discuss several mechanisms behind bacterial multi-drug resistance that are used during bacterial pathogenesis.     

Micromorphological studies on the ZnSe single crystals grown by chemical vapour transport technique

Single crystals of ZnSe have been grown by chemical vapour transport technique. Microscopic observation of crystal surfaces has been carried out using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Different micromorphological patterns such as microsteps, spirals and kinks were observed on the surface of the grown crystals in different growth conditions. Present studies show that the formation of these microstructures on the surface of the grown crystals depends on the growth parameters such as undercooling and stability of the growth interface. The morphology and lattice parameters of the grown crystals have also been determined by X-ray analysis.