EDITORIAL ARTICLE

Abstract

It gives me an immense pleasure to bring out the Volume 2 (Issue 1) of Current Trends in Biotechnology & Chemical Research (CTBCR) to our scientific community with twelve articles including research, reviews and case-studies. CTBCR is a Half yearly Open Access journal that publishes papers related to the study and application of biotechnology related to (i) Medicine, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, (ii) Agriculture and Plant Biotechnology, and (iii) Environment and Biodiversity. CTBCR recognizes that Biotechnology also relies heavily on chemical research therefore CTBCR will present information on interdisciplinary aspects of chemical research in biotechnology. Also it will address various complexities associated with structure-function and application of chemistry and other tools and techniques applied in Biotechnology. CTBCR will appeal to scientists and engineers in both academia and industry focused on the safe and efficient application of Biotechnology to Medicine, chemistry, Agriculture , pharmacy and the environment.

The current issue features articles on phytoremediation looking at the effect of industrial effluents on growth parameters of phytoremediators; predicting de-novo generated, iteratively optimized new lead molecules targeting HIV-1 protease; optimizing process parameters for decolorization of anaerobically digested Molasses Spent Wash using Aspergillus niger.  There are couple of excellent review articles on “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy” and on “Aflatoxins”. The issue also features two case reports and other research articles on antibacterial potential of Ganoderma lucidum extract; synthesis and bioactivity of novel imidazoles; a simpler method to synthesize NiO nanoparticles; template formation by aluminium anodization processes for the synthesis of nanomaterials and lastly an article on formulation and evaluation of fast dissolving tablets of Cefpodoxime proxetil. The main focus of this issue of CTBCR has been on healthcare, pharmaceuticals, nutrition, chemistry, food and agriculture technologies.  The issue covers not only basic aspects but also applications and commercialization. Special attention has been given to papers and topics of the interdisciplinary intersections between the major disciplines i.e. medicine and nutrition or chemistry and environment, microorganisms and bio-molecules etc.  All the abstracts published in CTBCR do have a wide-reach fulfilling our primary aim for sharing of the knowledge and for contributing to the progress in the study area. While thanking all the editorial board members for their continued support and timely interactions, we reiterate our commitment for ethical, quality publications in all areas of Biotechnology and chemical research, and to continue to evolve progressively for the benefit of our contributors and readers. Together with the Board of Editors, we will seek to publish only scientifically sound information, wellwritten and informative news in Biotechnology and chemical research. I am very happy and proud to introduce an impeccable list of Editorial and Advisory Board Members. By doing this venture we hope to familiarize our authors and readers with their respective field of expertise. We would also invite our senior editorial board members and other experts from diverse areas to act as Guest Editors of special issues devoted to selected topics in the coming months. I hope that you will enjoy reading this issue of CTBCR.