• General Awareness: 68% of respondents were unfamiliar with beta-sitosterol, indicating a need for consumer education.
• Perceived Benefits: Among informed participants, 75% recognized its potential to improve heart health and lower cholesterol.
• Source Preference: Natural sources of beta-sitosterol, such as Bidens tripartita, were favored by 82% over synthetic alternatives.
Market Potential
• Products combining beta-sitosterol with familiar food items (e.g., fortified spreads, beverages) were viewed as the most appealing.
• Younger and health-conscious demographics were more open to trying functional foods with novel ingredients.
• Price sensitivity was noted, with 45% unwilling to pay a premium without clear evidence of added benefits.
Conclusion
The study highlights the promising potential of beta-sitosterol derived from Bidens tripartita as a food additive. While consumers value the health benefits and natural origins of this compound, their acceptance is influenced by awareness, safety perceptions, and cost considerations. To successfully market this additive, stakeholders should focus on education campaigns, transparent labeling, and accessible pricing strategies. Future research should address long-term health impacts and sustainability of Bidens tripartita cultivation and extraction.
References:
1. Gupta, S., & Mehta, R. (2022). Phytosterols: Applications and benefits in functional food development. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 94, 107-119.
2. Tang, J., & Li, W. (2021). The medicinal properties of Bidens tripartita: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 35(4), 887-903.
3. EFSA Panel on Food Additives. (2020). Scientific opinion on beta-sitosterol safety. EFSA Journal, 18(12), 3412.
© Ashyyeva A., 2024
UDC 004
Geldiyeva A.
Teacher of biotechnology department Oguzhan Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan, Ashgabat
GRAPHENE BIOSENSORS: REVOLUTIONIZING DETECTION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
Abstract
Graphene, a two-dimensional material with exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, has emerged as a game-changer in biosensing applications. Its high surface area, excellent conductivity, and biocompatibility make it an ideal platform for developing advanced biosensors. This article explores the fundamentals of graphene biosensors, their working principles, and their applications in detecting biomolecules, pathogens, and environmental pollutants. The challenges and future perspectives of integrating graphene-based biosensors into healthcare and biotechnology are also discussed.
Keywords:
graphene, biosensors, nanotechnology, biomolecular detection, diagnostics, biotechnology.
Introduction
Biosensors play a critical role in detecting biological molecules, enabling advancements in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, has revolutionized biosensor technology due to its unique properties, such as:
• High electrical conductivity
• Large surface-to-volume ratio
• Mechanical flexibility
• Chemical stability
Graphene-based biosensors exhibit enhanced sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional sensors, making them indispensable in detecting low-concentration analytes in complex matrices. Properties of graphene for biosensors
Electrical conductivity. Graphene's excellent electrical conductivity enables rapid electron transfer, improving the signal transduction efficiency of biosensors.
High surface area. Its large surface area allows for higher immobilization of biomolecules, such as enzymes, antibodies, or DNA, enhancing sensor performance.
Mechanical flexibility. Graphene's flexibility facilitates the development of wearable and portable biosensors for real-time monitoring.
Chemical functionalization. Graphene can be easily functionalized with biomolecules or nanomaterials, enabling tailored biosensing platforms for specific applications. Working principles of graphene biosensors
Graphene biosensors operate on various mechanisms depending on the target analyte and sensing technology:
1. Electrochemical biosensors
■ Measure electrical signals generated by biochemical reactions on the graphene surface.
■ Applications: Glucose monitoring, detection of cancer biomarkers.
2. Optical biosensors
■ Utilize graphene's optical properties to detect changes in light absorption or fluorescence.
■ Applications: Pathogen detection, DNA hybridization assays.
3. Field-effect transistor (FET)-based sensors
■ Detect changes in electrical conductivity when target molecules bind to the graphene surface.
■ Applications: Real-time monitoring of proteins, nucleic acids, and toxins. Applications of graphene biosensors
Medical diagnostics
• Cancer detection: Graphene biosensors can detect cancer biomarkers at ultra-low concentrations, enabling early diagnosis.
• Diabetes management: Real-time glucose monitoring through wearable graphene-based biosensors improves diabetes care.
• Infectious diseases: Rapid detection of viruses and bacteria, such as SARS-CoV-2, enhances pandemic management.
Challenges in graphene biosensors
Fabrication issues. Producing high-quality graphene at a scalable and cost-effective level remains a challenge, affecting device reproducibility and commercial viability.
Stability and reliability. Graphene biosensors can suffer from degradation or fouling in complex biological
environments, impacting performance.
Integration with existing systems. Seamless integration of graphene biosensors into clinical and industrial workflows requires standardized protocols and compatibility with existing technologies.
Regulatory hurdles. Approval for graphene-based devices in healthcare and environmental sectors requires extensive validation and safety testing. Conclusion
Graphene biosensors represent a transformative innovation in the field of biosensing, offering unprecedented sensitivity, specificity, and versatility. Despite challenges in fabrication and integration, ongoing advancements in nanotechnology and materials science are expected to drive the widespread adoption of graphene biosensors in medicine, environmental monitoring, and beyond. With continued research and collaboration, graphene-based biosensors hold the potential to revolutionize diagnostics and improve quality of life on a global scale. References:
1. Novoselov, K. S., et al. (2004). Electric field effect in atomically thin carbon films. Science, 306(5696), 666-669.
2. Pumera, M., et al. (2019). Graphene in biosensing. Trends in Biotechnology, 37(7), 825-836.
3. Geim, A. K., & Novoselov, K. S. (2007). The rise of graphene. Nature Materials, 6(3), 183-191.
© Geldiyeva A., 2024
УДК 57
Gylychdurdyyew G.,
student.
Oguz han Engineering and Technology university of Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF ARTEMISIA ANNUA IN ENHANCING GUT HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE IN BROILER DIETS
Annotation
The poultry industry is increasingly focused on sustainable and natural solutions to enhance productivity while maintaining health standards, especially in the context of antibiotic restrictions. Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood) has emerged as a potential alternative feed additive due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This study examines the role of A. annua in improving gut health and performance in broiler chickens.
Key words:
industry, sustainable, natural solutions, productivity, performance.
The poultry industry is increasingly focused on sustainable and natural solutions to enhance productivity while maintaining health standards, especially in the context of antibiotic restrictions. Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood) has emerged as a potential alternative feed additive due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This study examines the role of A. annua in improving gut health and performance in broiler chickens. Key findings highlight its positive impact on gut microbial balance, intestinal morphology, and overall growth performance, offering a natural and efficient alternative for broiler diets.
Gut health is pivotal for the optimal performance of broilers, directly affecting nutrient absorption,