Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was employed for the extraction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in MD2 pineapple (Ananas comosus L. var. comosus cv. MD2). Optimisation of HS-SPME operating parameters was conducted using three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken response surface experimental design to evaluate the interactive effects of temperature (30 – 50 ºC), extraction time (10 – 30 min) and salting effect (1 – 3 g of salt addition) on the amount of selected VOCs. Determination of VOCs was done using gas chromatography with spectrometry detector (GC-MSD). Extraction temperature was found to be significant (p < 0.05) in increasing the amount of selected VOCs (ethyl acetate, methyl isobutyrate and butanoic acid methyl ester). Based on the maximum amount of these VOCs, the optimum operating extraction conditions for HS-SPME were set up at temperature of 30 °C, time of 29 min and salt addition of 1 g. The optimized HS-SPME conditions were employed for the extraction of VOCs from pineapple of different varieties.
Mohammad Anwar Mohamed Iqbal, Muhammad Zulhelmi Nazri, Mohammad Norazmi Ahmad, Erna Normaya Abdullah, Umie Fatihah Mohamad Haziz, Mohd Rizal Razali, et al.
Silver (I) dicyanonitrosomethanide, Ag[ONC(CN)2] represent a 3D interwoven coordination polymer organization in which all the donor atoms of the functional groups of ONC(CN)2- are coordinated to the Ag(I). Oxidation of styrene utilizing H2O2 as an oxidant in acetonitrile (CH3CN) was used as a model reaction to investigate the catalytic potential of the Ag (I) complex. The CH3CN was chosen as the solvent based on the data collected from Conductor like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) study. The data indicate that the Ag [ONC(CN)2] complex was compatible and soluble in CH3CN. Different parameters such as styrene:H2O2 molar ratio, reaction time, catalyst mass, and reaction temperature were studied. Highest styrene conversion (36%) with 100% selectivity towards benzaldehyde (BZ) was achieved when 25 mg catalyst, 1:1 styrene to H2O2 molar ratio were used. The reaction was carried out at 303 K for 3 h. The catalytic conversion of styrene to BZ is proposed to take place via [Ag-H2O2] adduct with styrene oxide (StO) as an intermediate. Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) shows that the Ag atom has the highest probability to coordinate with the oxygen atom of H2O2. The MEP data confirms the proposed mechanism.
Fungi is known to produce a wide range of biologically active metabolites and enzymes. Enzymes produced by fungi are utilized in food and pharmaceutical industries because of their rich enzymatic profile. Filamentous fungi are particularly interesting due to their high production of extracellular enzymes which has a large industrial potential. The aim of this study is to isolate potential soil fungi species that are able to produce functional enzymes for industries. Five Aspergillus species were successfully isolated from antibiotic overexposed soil (GPS coordinate of N3.093219 E101.40269) by standard microbiological method. The isolated fungi were identified via morphological observations and molecular tools; polymerase chain reactions, ITS 1 (5’- TCC GTA GGT GAA CCT GCG G3’) forward primer and ITS 4 (5’-TCC TCC GCT TAT TGA TAT GC-3’) reverse primer. The isolated fungi were identified as Aspergillus sydowii strain SCAU066, Aspergillus tamarii isolate TN-7, Aspergillus candidus strain KUFA 0062, Aspergillus versicolor isolate BAB-6580, and Aspergillus protuberus strain KAS 6024. Supernatant obtained via submerged fermentation of the isolated fungi in potato dextrose broth (PDB) and extracted via centrifugation was loaded onto specific media to screen for the production of xylanolytic, cellulolytic and amylolytic enzymes. The present findings indicate that Aspergillus sydowii strain SCAU066 and Aspergillus versicolor isolate BAB-6580 have great potential as an alternative source of xylanolytic, cellulolytic and amylolytic enzymes.
The synthesis of graphene by double thermal chemical vapor deposition (DTCVD) using waste of industrial cooking oil (WICO) as a natural carbon source was investigated. The synthesis parameter (Argon gas flow rate) was varied between 50sccm to 300sccm by 50sccm increments. The function of Argon gas is to provide ambient condition, remove the atmospheric air from the tube and could improve the crystallinity of graphene during synthesis. WICO (from AYAMAS food processing) was placed in the first furnace (precursor furnace) and nickel was placed in the second furnace (deposition furnace). During the synthesis, elevated quantities of carbon from the source material are separated and precipitated on the Nickel surface. The sample were characterized by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Ultraviolet Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Based on FESEM images, at 250sccm, hexagonal graphene formation was observed. Besides, optical properties can be seen by UV-Vis and as the results show that 250sccm is the highest reflectivity value. Consequently, graphene synthesis from WICO using various Argon gas flow rate as precursor is successfully demonstrated.
Response surface methodology-Box–Behnken design (RSM-BBD) was employed to optimize the methyl orange (MO) dye removal efficiency from aqueous solution by cross-linked chitosan-tripolyphosphate/nano-titania compsite (Chi-TPP/NTC). The influence of pertinent parameters, i.e. A: TiO2 loading (0- 50 %), B: dose (0.04-0.14 g), C: pH (4-10), and D: temperature (30-50 oC) on the MO removal efficiency were tested and optimized using RSM-BBD. The F-values of BBD model for MO removal efficiency was 93.4 (corresponding p-value < 0.0001). The results illustrated that the highest MO removal efficiency (87.27 %) was observed at the following conditions: TiO2 loading (50% TiO2), dose (0.09 g), pH = 4.0, and temperature of 40 oC.
Biofilm is a microbial community that attaches to a surface and is enclosed in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. Formation of biofilm often develops resistance towards a wide spectrum of antimicrobial agents. Since the biofilm-mediated diseases are commonly difficult to treat, there is need to find new anti-biofilm agent. The studies on anti-biofilm activities of plant species have received a great deal of attention over the last few decades. In Malaysia, plant species have been used as alternatives to the conventional antimicrobial therapy. Several Malaysian plant species are known to control biofilm infection by inhibition of quorum sensing pathway, disruption of EPS matrix, alteration of cell permeability and reduction in cell surface hydrophobicity. This review demonstrates that Malaysian plant species may become excellent therapeutic agents in combating the biofilm infection.
Effect of different storage temperatures on physical and physiological changes of Golden Lily mango was investigated. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles edible coating was prepared by sol-gel method and Golden Lily mangoes were dipped in the solution and stored at different (32℃, 27℃ and 5℃) temperatures for 7 days. The mangoes were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) after 7 days of storage. Both the analysis of FESEM and EDX revealed the highest volume ratio of ZnO nanoparticles with a homogeneous dispersion throughout the mango peel surface is at 5℃. FTIR spectra revealed the absence of Zn–O bonding as metal oxides absorption is expected to be in the region below 700 cm-1. The mangoes stored at 5℃ delayed ripening, slowed down weight loss and found to be firmer than mangoes stored at 32℃ and 27℃.
The evolution of cosmetic products results in the growing demands for cosmetics that are preservatives free. Plant essential oils were found to be a promising antimicrobial and also antioxidant agent. In this study, Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Laurus nobilis (bay leaf) and Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle) essential oils were selected and evaluated for their antimicrobial properties. It was found that Laurus nobilis exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against the selected bacteria Streptococcus saprophyticus (ATCC 49619), Streptococcus aureus (ATCC 22923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 29436), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 13048), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700603), Escherichia coli (ATCC 22922) with MIC ranging between 7.8 ug/mL to 250 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity of selected essential oils was determined by antioxidant assays which were 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), determination of ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and β-Carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay. Backhousia citriodora and Laurus nobilis showed the highest antioxidant activity.
n-Octanal and β-Selinene were identified to be the major components with peak area of 26.37 % and 13.92 % respectively in secondary metabolites analysis by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS).
Commercial titanium dioxide Degussa P25 (TiO2) was used for the adsorption of reactive red 120
(RR120) dye in a batch system. The optimization functions such as solution pH (3-12), adsorbent dosage (0.02 g-1.2 g), and initial dye concentration (30-400 mg/L) were studied. The equilibrium adsorption data for RR120 dye was analyzed by two types of isotherm models which are Langmuir and Freundlich models. The adsorption at equilibrium showed a better fit for linear Langmuir isotherm with the adsorption capacity, qmax of 18.62 mg/g at 303 K. The adsorption kinetic was well-described by pseudosecond order model. TiO2 showed a decent outcome due to the ability to adsorb target pollutants with theadded advantage of providing large hydroxyl groups (OH) on the surface of TiO2 so that pollutants can be adsorbed by interacting on the surface of OH.
Cross-linked chitosan-epichlorohydrin was prepared for the adsorption of Reactive Red 4 (RR4).
Response surface methodology (RSM) with 3–level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to
optimize the RR4 dye removal efficiency from aqueous solution. The adsorption key parameters that were selected such as adsorbent dose (A: 0.5 – 1.5 g), pH (B: 4 – 10) and time (30 – 80 min). The F-value of BBD model for RR4 removal efficiency was 185.36 (corresponding p-value < 0.0001). The results illustrated that the highest RR4 removal efficiency (70.53%) was obtained at the following conditions: adsorbent dose (1.0 g), pH 4 and time of 80 min.
Chitosan-epichlorohydrin/TiO2 composite was synthesized to be employed as an adsorbent for the
removal of reactive red 4 (RR4) dye from aqueous solution. Response surface methodology (RSM) with 3-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was utilized for the optimization of the removal of RR4. The process key variables which include adsorbent dose (A: 0.5 – 1.5 g), pH (B: 4 – 10) and time (30 – 80 min) were selected for the optimization process. The experimental data for RR4 removal were statistically analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significant interaction between key parameters on RR4 removal efficiency was observed by interaction between AB and AC. The highest RR4 removal (95.08%) was obtained under the following conditions; adsorbent dose (1.0 g), pH 4 and time of 80 min.
Mango as a climacteric fruit is known to have increased auxins with concomitant increased ethylene and carbon dioxide production during ripening. Such hormonal properties alongside many other nutritional benefits prepared in the form of compost extract were tested for enhancing production of medicinal bitter gourd of Momordica charantia. This cucurbit was planted on field beds at 0.8 x 0.5 m followed by application of compost extract prepared with anaerobic decomposition of rotting mango fruits, fish wastes of gills and internal organs and brown sugar at different ratios in plastic containers. The results obtained showed that mango:fish wastes:sugar compost extract of 2:1:1 applied to soil around the root collar at 10 ml at fortnight intervals allowed the plants to gain the highest mean number of fruits per plant of 18.3, mean individual fruit weight of 25.95 g or mean yield of 11.80 tonnes per hectare. Mango compost extract is, hence, beneficial in organic production of this medicinal bitter gourd.
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of treated rice husk ash (RHA) as adsorbent to adsorb acidic SO2 gas. The treated RHA was prepared using a water hydration method by mixing the RHA, Calcium oxide (CaO) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). The addition of NaOH is to increase the dissolution of silica from the RHA to form reactive species responsible for higher desulfurization activity. The untreated and treated RHA were subjected to several characterizations and the characteristics of the adsorbents were compared. The functional groups present on the surface of the adsorbent were determined using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The chemical composition of the untreated and treated RHA was analyzed by using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the treated RHA has higher porosity compared to untreated RHA. Based on the SO2 adsorption analysis, it was found that the treated RHA has higher adsorption capacity, 62.22 mg/g, compared to untreated RHA, 1.49 mg/g.
This paper shows the using of commercial coconut shell activated carbon (CCS-AC) as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of the CCSAC were undertaken using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and pH Point of Zero Charge (pHpzc) method. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to studThis paper shows the using of commercial coconut shell activated carbon (CCS-AC) as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of the CCSAC were undertaken using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and pH Point of Zero Charge (pHpzc) method. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the influence of adsorbent dosage (0.02 – 0.50 g), pH (3 – 10), MB concentration (25 – 400 mgL-1 ) and contact time (0 – 36 hours) on the adsorption of the MB. The kinetic adsorption was well described by the Pseudo Second Order model and the Langmuir model described the adsorption behavior at equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of CCS-AC obtained was 149.25 mg/g at 303 K. y the influence of adsorbent dosage (0.02 – 0.50 g), pH (3 – 10), MB concentration (25 – 400 mgL-1 ) and contact time (0 – 36 hours) on the adsorption of the MB. The kinetic adsorption was well described by the Pseudo Second Order model and the Langmuir model described the adsorption behavior at equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of CCS-AC obtained was 149.25 mg/g at 303 K.
Protease is the enzyme which can be extracted from plant, animal, and microorganism. About 60% enzymes widely used nowadays are proteases. The objectives of this study were to determine the proteolytic activity and molecular weight distribution of protease extracted from Pangasius sutchi silver catfish viscera. Crude protease was extracted in 10 mM Tris-HCL buffer at pH 8.0. Subsequently, the protease was partially purified in stages beginning from ammonium sulphate precipitation (60%) followed by dialysis and gel filtration chromatography. Fractions collected from gel filtration chromatography was freeze-dried and analysed for optimum temperature and pH. Results showed that the viscera contain 13.79% protein. The protease total activity was 344.08 U with specific activity of 31.92 U/mg, purification fold 3.5 and 63.16% percent recovery. The protease proteolytic activity was optimum at 60 °C and pH 6. This study indicated that purification steps involving ammonium sulphate precipitation at 60% saturation, gel filtration chromatography and freeze drying led to the production of Pangasius sutchi visceral protease with a relatively high proteolytic activity.
Wastewater from industrial plants such as textile, electroplating and petroleum refineries contains various substances that tend to increase the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater. Therefore, it is desired to develop a process suitable for treating the wastewater to meet the regulatory limits. This work was conducted to investigate the potential of adapted single culture of A. baumannii, A.calcoaceticus and C.cellulans in reducing COD in real textile wastewater. The study was carried out by adapting each single culture (10% inoculums) to increasing concentration (1%, 2.5 %, 5%, 7.5 % and 10%) of textile wastewater. Then it was introduced to the textile effluent without pH adjustment for five days and the COD values were measured. The textile wastewater was supplemented with pineapple waste for bacterial growth and metabolism. Results obtained showed that pineapple waste was a good nutrient supply for the growth of the bacteria and the best concentration of textile wastewater for adaptation was at 2.5%. The results also showed that A.calcoaceticus shows highest COD reduction with 67% removal whereas A. baumannii and C.cellulans with 60% and 58% removal respectively. The outcome supported that the single culture used in this study showed considerably high reduction of COD from real textile wastewater.
Infection on plant caused by Aspergillus niger leads to the destruction of quantity and quality of crop yields. Normally, this disease is solved by the chemical fungicides. Therefore, this study was carried out to seek a potential natural fungicide from fruit waste which is safer and economical to inhibit Aspergillus niger. Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) seeds and Punica granatum (pomegaranate) peels were extracted using maceration method with 80% ethanol. Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BLSA) was used to test the presence of bioactive components in the extracts at concentration of 10 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL and they are expressed in terms of LC50 (Median Lethal Concentration) respectively. The study revealed that Cucurbita maxima extract was inactive, while Punica granatum extract and the mixture of both extracts at ratio 1:1 were active at 1000 µg/mL. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of Cucurbita maxima extract, Punica granatum extract, and mixture of both extracts were further tested using well-diffusion method against A. niger at 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/mL, 75 mg/ml and 100 mg/mL respectively. The findings revealed the mixture of both extracts were exerted effectively against A. niger at the lowest concentration with 20.67±2.52 mm and this gave significant zone of inhibition. The result of the study indicates that the mixture extraction of pomegranate peels and pumpkin seeds at 25 mg/mL has a great potential to be formulated as commercial bio-fungicide.
Muntingia calabura has a high phytochemical content, especially the phenolic group that can act as antioxidant. In Malaysia country, this M. calabura also known as ‘kerukup siam’ or ‘Ceri Kampung’ and it belongs to Muntingiaceae family. This research was conducted to determine the potential of antioxidant activity application of cherry leaves (M. calabura) from various solvent extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane). The phytochemical contents was screening by using the established standard procedure. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method, while the antioxidant activity was carried out using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Phytochemical screening on the leaves part methanolic extracts revealed that the presence of various biochemicals like flavonoids, phenols, steroids, triterpenes, tannins, reducing sugars, and saponins except the alkaloids. Among the three extracts, the methanol leaf extract gave the highest content of phenolics (8.20 mg GAE/g extract). Analyses of antioxidant activity with DPPH method showed that cherry leaf methanolic extracts produced high antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 167.70 g/mL. The present study confirms that the presence of various phytochemicals which shows good antioxidant activity of M. calabura leaves. Therefore, it has the potential as a therapeutic antioxidant agent and can be used in cosmeceutical and food products.
Ordered mesoporous silica with hexagonal structure, MCM-41 was synthesized under basic media using Ludox as the silica source and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as the organic surfactant template. Organic-functionalized MPTS-MCM-41 were prepared by grafting method using 3- mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane. The samples were characterized using FTIR, FESEM and XRD to obtain more detailed structural insights of MCM-41. The synthesized MPTS-MCM-41 were tested for adsorption of Pb(II) and Cr(III) ions in aqueous solution. Adsorption studies were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The effect of adsorbent dose and contact time on the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cr(III) ions from aqueous solution have been investigated. MPTS-MCM-41 was found to be effective adsorbent for metal cation than parent MCM-41 with higher affinity for Pb(II) than Cr(III) from single solution. The highest percentage removal of Pb(II) was achieved at 94.59% using 0.4 g MPTS-MCM-41 at 4 hours contact time whereby the highest percentage removal of Cr(III) ions was achieved at 66.02% using 0.4 g MPTS-MCM-41 at 5 hours contact time
This study was conducted at Pulau Jerejak, Penang to determine the floristic variation of its tree
communities. A 0.5-hectare study plot was established and divided into 11 subplots. A total of 587 trees
with diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 cm and above were measured, identified and recorded. The tree
communities comprised of 84 species, 63 genera and 32 families. The Myrtaceae was the most speciose
family with 10 recorded species while Syzgium glaucum (Myrtaceae) was the most frequent species. The
Myrtaceae recorded the highest density of 306 individuals while Syzgium glaucum (Myrtaceae) had the
highest species density of 182 individuals. Total tree basal area (BA) was 21.47 m2
/ha and family with the
highest BA was Myrtaceae with 5.81 m2
/ha while at species level, Syzgium glaucum (Myrtaceae) was the
species with the highest total BA in the plot with value of 4.95 m2
/ha. The Shannon˗Weiner Diversity
Index of tree communities showed a value of 3.60 (H'max = 4.43) and Evenness Index of 0.81 which
indicates high uniformity of tree species. The Margalef Richness Index (R') revealed that the tree species
richness was 13.02. Myrtaceae had the highest Importance Value of 20.4%. The Canonical
Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that Diospyros buxifolia (Ebenaceae) and Pouteria malaccensis
(Sapotaceae) were strongly correlated to low pH. Dysoxylum cauliflorum (Meliaceae) and Eriobotrya
bengalensis (Rosaceae) were correlated to phosphorus (P) and calcium ion (Ca2+), respectively.
Therefore, the trees species composition at Pulau Jerejak showed that the biodiversity is high and
conservation action should be implemented to protect endangered tree species.