NBA has published its Journal of Volume 6 (2025)

The Journal of the Nepal Biotechnology Association (Vol. 6, No. 1, 2025) presents a compelling collection of research articles spanning diverse areas of biotechnology.

Sirjana Adhikari, Deepak Raj Pant, and Giri Prasad Joshi explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of extracts from various Smilax species, finding promising activity in methanolic extracts. Their research suggests Smilax may hold valuable medicinal properties.

Saru Kayastha, Ganga Bir Rai, Shiva Dahal, and Bimala Subba investigate the isolation and purification of L-asparaginase-producing endophytic fungi from Ocimum tenuiflorum. They successfully identify a Tulsi variant exhibiting L-asparaginase activity, offering a potential alternative source for this crucial enzyme used in leukemia treatment.

Sanjay Kumar Jha and Swastika Thapa analyze the nutritional composition of wild edible mushrooms Scleroderma cepa and Laccaria laccata. Their findings highlight the significant nutritional value of these mushrooms, particularly their carbohydrate, mineral, and protein content, suggesting their potential as valuable food supplements.

Sagar Kandel, Anup Muni Bajracharya, Laxmi Shrestha, Smaran Chaudhary, and Pramisha Adhikari investigate the antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against clinically significant bacteria. Their study demonstrates the efficacy of Moringa oleifera extract against various bacterial strains, paving the way for further research into its potential as an antibacterial agent.

Mandira Pradhananga-Adhikari, Narendra Bahadur Rawal, Puja Bhatt, Amar Prasad Yadav, and Nanda Bikram Adhikari assess the physicochemical parameters and water quality index of underground and river water during the wet season. Their analysis reveals concerning pollution levels in the Bagmati River, underscoring the need for water treatment before domestic use.

Mamata Khadka, Puja Bhatt, Abinash Sharma, Asmita Pokhrel, Sanoj Katharia, Pratap Kandel, Lochan Pandey, Saru Maharjan, and Jarina Joshi investigate biogas production from cow dung at low temperatures using a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) system. Their research demonstrates a significant increase in biogas production at low temperatures (15°C) with MEC integration, offering a promising solution for enhanced biogas production in colder climates.  

Jeena Thapa, Anil Kumar Sah, Pratik Paudel, Avinash Chandra, and Milan Kumar Uprety investigate the molecular detection of blaOXA-23, csuE, and ompA genes from carbapenem-resistant and biofilm-producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from clinical samples. Their findings highlight a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in hospital settings, emphasizing the need for stringent infection control measures.

Finally, Priti Regmi and Tribikram Bhattarai review microbial metabolic engineering strategies for biopolymer production. They survey various genetic engineering techniques to enhance biopolymer yields, offering valuable insights into sustainable biopolymer production.

The Nepal Biotechnology Association congratulates all authors on their contributions to this issue. This diverse collection of research represents a significant step forward in the field of biotechnology in Nepal. We encourage further exploration of these topics and look forward to future advancements in this crucial area. The full journal can be accessed at Journal Vol. 6. We invite researchers to submit their work for future publications and contribute to the growth of biotechnology research in Nepal.