Current issue
Volume 2, Issue 1, 2026
Latest peer-reviewed research published by JBSS.
Open AccessReview Article
Published: 13 October 2026Shahzaib; Muhammad Adnan Munir; Muhammad Awais Ibrahim Bajwa; Abdul Wajid; Muhammad Noman
Abstract
Background: Epidemic resource allocation requires sequential decisions under uncertain transmission, supply, and behavioral conditions. Published models address these challenges using different objectives and reporting measures, which limits direct comparison. Objective: To organize reported numerical findings from four epidemic resource-allocation model families within a unified mean-risk multistage stochastic programming perspective and to derive transparent comparative indicators without pooling incompatible outcomes. Methods: A structured secondary-data analysis was conducted using reported results from multi-echelon vaccine logistics, equity-aware Ebola allocation, community-level alloc…
Keywords: Epidemic resource allocation; multistage stochastic programming; CVaR; vaccine logistics; decomposition; VSS; equity
Open AccessReview Article
Published: 18 September 2026Zubair Ameen; Hussain Ali Abdy; Muhammad Zeeshan
Abstract
Since 2020, hundreds of proof-of-concept traits have been created using genome editing technologies such as the CRISPR/Cas nuclease, base editors and prime editors that can modify the genome of crops with high precision— many times without transgenes. Despite this technical maturity, few genome-edited crops have moved beyond lab demonstrations to market, such as high-oleic soybean, waxy corn and non-browning mushroom, demonstrating a chasm between the lab and the market. This review aims to identify and synthesise the peer-reviewed and policy literature to critically appraise the non-molecular bottlenecks to this transition. Despite progress in this area including GRF–GIF mediated regenerati…
Keywords: CRISPR/Cas; genome editing; genome-edited crops; New Genomic Techniques (NGTs); regulatory harmonization; SDN classification; intellectual property
Open AccessReview Article
Published: 21 August 2025Muhammad Umair Afzal; Rashida Bashir; Muhammad Pervaiz; Muhammad Ahmad Azam; Zohaib Saeed; Rana Rashad Mahmood Khan; Muhammad Summer; Samiullah
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, primarily driven by uncontrolled cell proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies. Natural bioactive compounds have gained attention as safer and potentially effective complements to synthetic drugs. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate generated from glucoraphanin in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent. This review examines the structural properties, natural sources, extraction strategies, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic mechanisms of SFN in cancer prevention and treatment. Advances in solvent-based, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted,…
Keywords: Sulforaphane; cruciferous vegetables; glucoraphanin; extraction methods; anticancer activity
Open AccessResearch Article
Published: 19 August 2025Muhammad Noman; Malik Alamgir; Irum Badshah Saleem
Abstract
Lignocellulosic agricultural residues are abundant, underused feedstocks whose open burning contributes to environmental pollution. This study evaluated sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, and corn cob for integrated xylitol and ethanol production. Biomass was subjected to acid or alkali pretreatment followed by enzymatic saccharification, and the resulting liquor and residual fractions were fermented with Kluyveromyces spp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Alkali– enzyme-treated sugarcane bagasse liquor produced the highest xylose concentration (36.27 g/L), whereas its residue contained 6.21 g/L glucose. Kluyveromyces spp. produced 28.54 g/L xylitol from sugarcane bagasse liquor, corresponding to…
Keywords: Lignocellulosic biomass; sugarcane bagasse; xylitol; ethanol; alkali pretreatment; enzymatic saccharification; yeast fermentation
Open AccessResearch Article
Published: 18 August 2025Ezza Shahid; Rabbia Shafqat
Abstract
Background: Fructans are fructose-based oligomers that function as reserve carbohydrates in several plant species, with notable abundance in the Asteraceae family. In Cichorium intybus (chicory), fructan biosynthesis is regulated by two key enzymes, sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST) and fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT). Objective: The present study aimed to isolate, purify, and characterize fructans from chicory, alongside assessing their antimicrobial potential and associated genetic markers. Methods: Organic extracts were prepared using NaOH, HCl, ethanol, and chloroform, and their antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, an…
Keywords: Inulin; 1-SST; 1-FFT; PCR amplification; Phylogenetic analysis; Antimicrobial activity; Functional foods
Open AccessResearch Article
Published: 17 August 2025Sankara Narayanan Senthilkumar; Mohamed Isthiyak M; Bilqees Fatima; Balaji Nagarajan
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress and impaired cholinergic neurotransmission are central features of Alzheimer’s disease. Plant-derived inhibitors of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) may provide useful leads for neuroprotective research. Objective: To compare the influence of plant species and extraction- solvent polarity on the BChE inhibitory and DPPH radical-scavenging activities of cucurbitaceous seed extracts and Hydrocotyle asiatica. Methods: Seeds of Cucurbita maxima, Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, and Citrullus lanatus, together with whole-plant material of H. asiatica, were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. BChE inhibition and DPPH scavengi…
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; butyrylcholinesterase; DPPH; cucurbitaceous seeds; solvent polarity; Hydrocotyle asiatica
Open AccessResearch Article
Published: 15 August 2025Muhammad Talal Rahim; Mubbara Ramzan; Muhammad Shahid Cholistani; Umer Younas
Abstract
Background: Plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles provides a sustainable route to antimicrobial nanomaterials, while antibiotic functionalization may enhance activity against clinically relevant bacteria. This study evaluated Artemisia maritima-mediated AgNPs and their functionalization with ampicillin. Methods: Aqueous A. maritima extract was used to synthesize AgNPs, followed by ampicillin functionalization. Phytochemical screening, UV- Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, X-ray diffraction, temperature- and time-dependent UV- Vis analysis, and antibacterial testing against five bacterial pathogens were performed. Results: Surface plasmon resonance peaks occurred at 401 nm for AgNPs and 457…
Keywords: green synthesis; Artemisia maritima; silver nanoparticles; ampicillin functionalization; antibacterial activity; nanoparticle characterization
Open AccessResearch Article
Published: 14 August 2025Sonia Aziz; Rabbia Shafqat; Fahad Mehmood; Syed Muhammad Hamza Abidi
Abstract
Background: Pullulanase is an industrial starch-debranching enzyme. Fungal solid-state fermentation on agro- industrial residues may reduce its production cost. This study examined the effects of initial pH, moisture content, wheat-bran quantity, and inoculum volume on pullulanase production by Aspergillus flavus. Methods: A four-factor, five-level central composite design comprising 30 runs was used. Pullulanase activity was expressed as units per gram of dry substrate, and a second-order polynomial model was fitted to estimate linear, interaction, and quadratic effects. Results: Measured activity ranged from 12.4 to 46.9 U/gds. After nonsignificant two-factor interactions were removed, the…
Keywords: Aspergillus flavus; central composite design; pullulanase; response surface methodology; solid-state fermentation; wheat bran