Malaysian Applied Biology

Antibacterial Potential of Fungal Endophytes From Selected Seaweeds From Johor Coast

2024-10-09T05:24:52+00:00

Endophytic fungi from marine seaweed have been known to be the source of new secondary biological metabolites. The ample coast in Malaysia in particular the Johor Coast has diverse marine seaweed, home to potential marine endophytic fungi. In this light, this study aims to characterise endophytic fungi in selected seaweeds from the Johor Coast and determine the antibacterial potential. Fungal endophytes were aseptically isolated from brown seaweed, Sargassum sp. and green algae, Ulva lactuca. Macroscopic and microscopic observations were performed for characterisation as fungal genera. Sequence analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) suggested the five fungal isolates as Trichoderma asperellum, Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp. FKI-3389 and Hypoxylon monticulosum. Antibacterial activity was determined by minimum inhibition concentration assay against five human pathogenic bacteria. Only T. asperellum, A. fumigatus and H. monticulosum showed antibacterial potential with the latter indicating broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. As a conclusion, five endophytic fungal species were successfully determined from the brown and green seaweeds. Three of the fungal endophytes showed potential in antibacterial activity with H. monticulosum displayed broad spectrum activity.

Isolation and Identification of Tannin-Degrading Bacteria From Goat Feces, Ruminal Fluid, and Rumen Gut

2024-10-09T05:24:21+00:00

Tannins are toxic polyphenols present in various plants, contributing to microbial attacks and plant protection due to their astringence and bitter taste. However, high tannin inclusion in poultry diets will result in dyspepsia, hampering nutrient absorption and digestion. Interestingly, several bacteria occupying the rumen and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals may tolerate tannins and degrade them by wielding tannase enzymes. The study aims to isolate and characterize potential tannin-degrading bacteria (TDB) from several ruminant specimens. The TDBs were isolated based on their tannin hydrolyzing ability on a minimal salt medium (MSM) agar complemented with 0.2% tannic acid as the sole source of carbon and energy. The maximum tannin tolerance of the isolates was characterized using increased tannin concentrations on the MSM agar plates. Furthermore, the tannase activity was also evaluated over a five-day incubation. A total of 42 tannin degraders were isolated, and 10 TDBs were chosen for further characterization based on the hydrolyzed zone produced. Molecular identification revealed the presence of Bacillus cereus (TDB536), Lysinibacillus macroides (TDB17), Acinetobacter nosocomialis (TDB18, 20, 23, 24, 30, 35), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (TDB40). TDB17, TDB18, and TDB24 showed the highest tannic acid tolerance at 1.0%, while TDB36 and TDB40 exhibited the lowest tolerance at 0.4%. Each TDB displayed varying tannase activities, ranging from 11.56 to 42.08 U/mL over a five-day incubation period. TDB5 and TDB35 demonstrated significantly higher tannase activity on day 2 (p<0.05). Meanwhile, TDB23 and TDB24 showed the highest tannase on day 4 (p<0.05). Among the isolates, A. nosocomialis strain AE6 (TDB24) from feces exhibited the highest tannase activity (42.08 U/mL) and represented the best TDB. The isolated strains demonstrate their capabilities in reducing tannin's antinutritional effects in poultry feed.

Assessment of Gut Microbiome Variations in the Mother and Twin Infant of Captive White-handed Gibbons (Hylobates lar) Reveals the Presence of Beneficial and Pathogenic Bacteria

2024-10-09T05:24:26+00:00

The white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) is one of the three Hylobatidae species found in the Peninsular Malaysia region. Studies on primate gut microbiota have yet to be conducted in Malaysian Hylobatidae, but previous studies have covered Cercopithecidae. Knowledge of the gut microbiota of endangered captive Malaysian Hylobatidae primates is important for health assessment and conservation management. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine the gut microbiota profile of captive white-handed gibbons using the metabarcode 16S rRNA gene. Two H. lar fecal samples collected from the mother and twin infant at Zoo Melaka were used for DNA extraction. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene was performed. The NGS data were analyzed on the basis of amplicon sequence variation. The gut microbiota of H. lar was dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidota because of their important roles in fermentation and nutrient assimilation from plant-based food sources. Predominance of Prevotella in the gut microbiota of H. lar indicates that the captivity condition causes the gut microbiota of gibbons to resemble that of humans. Treponema, a pathogenic bacterium, was also detected in the mother and twin infant. Variation in the bacterial community profile between the mother and the infant indicated differences in dietary adaptations and physiological state. This study provides an overview of gibbon health levels through gut microbiome screening and can be used when considering Malaysian primate health welfare and captive management.

Mitochondrial Genome of Endangered Hylobatidae, Hylobates agilis and Hylobates lar, of Peninsular Malaysia

2024-10-09T05:24:19+00:00

Hylobates agilis and Hylobates lar, members of the family Hylobatidae, are classified as endangered species in Malaysia due to threats such as population decline and habitat loss. The aim of this study was to sequence and characterize the mitochondrial genome of H. lar and H. agilis. This study reported the total length of mitogenome of H. agilis and H. lar to be 16,473 and 15,949 base pair (bp), respectively. Each sequence contained 13 protein-coding sequences, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, and a control region D-loop (H. agilis); meanwhile for H. lar, there are 13 protein-coding sequences, 2 rRNAs, 19 trNAs, and a control region D-loop. Phylogenetic analysis showed both species formed a strong monophyletic clade within Hylobates grouping. Mitogenomic data of this study is essential for future references in evolutionary biology and conservation management of endangered Malaysian gibbons in captivity.

Unveiling the Diversity and Ecological Roles of Macrofungi in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia

2024-10-09T05:24:24+00:00

The biodiversity of macrofungi in remaining lowland dipterocarp forest in highly urbanization pressures is infrequently studied, even though their significant impact on the ecosystem of forested and non-forested habitats. Therefore, this research endeavours to unravel the diversity of macrofungi from different substrates in the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve located in Selangor, Malaysia. Through a combination of field surveys, the study seeks to contribute valuable insights into the complex relationships between macrofungi and the surrounding habitats where macrofungal community structure was mainly influenced by substrate richness and microclimates. Sporocarps of macrofungi were collected from selected sites using opportunistic sampling methods. A total of 333 sporocarps were obtained and identified based on morphological and molecular analysis. Basidiomycota prevailed in the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve where 27 species belonging to 14 families were successfully identified. Saprophytic fungi (22 species, 81.5%) dominated the areas, and a small number of mycorrhizal (1 species, 3.7%) and parasitic (4 species, 14.8%) fungi were found. Based on species diversity, order Polyporales is the highest occurrence species in the sampling areas with a Shannon-Weiner Index value of 2.103 and Simpson Index value of 0.954, Evenness Index value of 0.601, making it the most abundant order containing Microporus species, The findings are expected to enhance our knowledge of the biodiversity of macrofungi from different substrates in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, which can lead to conservation efforts and promote the ecological significance of macrofungi in tropical forest ecosystems.

Survey on the salt usage among Fish Cracker (Keropok lekor) manufacturers in several districts of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

2024-10-09T05:24:58+00:00

Fish crackers (keropok lekor) are known for their tastiness. Although rich in protein and iodine, it contains a high amount of salt or sodium. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the manufacturers’ practice in the preparation of keropok lekor, perception and challenges concerning salt usage, and motivation to reduce salt content. This study also aimed to estimate the sodium content in keropok lekor. Seven manufacturers of keropok lekor in Terengganu were interviewed either face-to-face or online to obtain relevant information. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed based on a thematic analysis framework. The recipes of keropok lekor were analyzed using the Nutritionist Pro software to determine the nutritional and sodium content, calculated based on the Malaysian and ASEAN Food Composition Tables. Based on the interviews, most manufacturers (90%) supported the effort to reduce salt in keropok lekor. However, the effort was met with several challenges, such as customer acceptance and negative perception of the taste, decreased sales, and increased material costs. The enabling factors include maintaining the original flavor of keropok lekor, customer requests, marketing opportunities, and the availability of salt substitutes. Support for marketing and financial technology know-how is also necessary. An estimate of 606.43 mg/100g of sodium content in keropok lekor was obtained in this study, which was mainly derived from the usage of sodium chloride and monosodium glutamate (MSG) during the preparation. This study revealed the high salt content in keropok lekor due to the addition of salt and seasonings. There is a potential to reduce salt content in keropok lekor with appropriate support provided to the manufacturers. Nevertheless, further research is needed to produce keropok lekor with reduced salt content, improved sensory, and enhanced microbial and physicochemical characteristics, which can improve customer perception.

Effect of Different Drying Methods on Retention of Colour, Total Phenolic Content, Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activity in Pereskia bleo Leaves

2024-10-09T05:24:29+00:00

Pereskia bleo, a widely cultivated plant known for its medicinal applications, contains abundant phytochemicals, including phenolics and flavonoids, predominantly in its leaves. The drying process, a standard practice for enhancing the shelf life, could affect the bioactive compounds within the leaves. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of various drying methods on the colour, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of P. bleo leaves. The tested drying methods include shade, oven, microwave, and freeze-drying. The colour of fresh and dried leaves was assessed using a Minolta chromameter. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the P. bleo leaves extracts were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu’s and aluminium chloride colourimetric assay, respectively. Antioxidant capacities were analysed with DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). The results showed that microwave drying has significantly less impact than the other drying methods on the colour attributes of the leaves (p<0.05). Notably, microwave-dried P. bleo leaves demonstrated significantly higher TPC (77.31 ± 0.70 mg GAE/g dry extract) and TFC (35.79 ± 1.34 mg QE/g dry extract) compared to leaves dried using the other tested methods (p<0.05). Additionally, microwave-dried P. bleo leaves displayed the highest DPPH inhibition (91.62%) and exhibited the most potent IC₅₀ value (76.90 ± 1.06 µg/mL) compared to oven and shade-dried leaves (p<0.05). P. bleo leaves dried with a microwave also recorded a significantly higher FRAP value (62.66 ± 0.10 µg TE/g dry extract) than oven-dried leaves (p<0.05). In conclusion, microwave drying emerged to be an efficient drying method in preserving the colour and antioxidant properties of the P. bleo leaves, suggesting its potential as a favourable drying technique for retaining bioactive compounds in medicinal plant materials.

The Microbiological and Chemical Characteristics of Yoghurt Incorporated with Watermelon Rind Powder

2024-10-09T05:25:03+00:00

Watermelon rind accounts for approximately one-third of the overall fruit mass. It is usually discarded due to its low commercial value. However, it is reported to contain valuable nutrients and is an effective source of pectin that can act as a potential prebiotic. This study aimed to study the effects of watermelon rind powder (WRP) on the growth of probiotic bacteria in yoghurt and its chemical characteristics. Watermelon rind was dried by using a dehydrator and ground into powder form before being incorporated into fresh yoghurt at 2% and 4% w/v. A sample with 0% w/v WRP was prepared as control. The effect of WRP on the growth of probiotic bacteria was determined by MRS plate count. Chemical analyses including titratable acidity, pH and Brix were conducted during the fermentation process. The results showed that the increase in WRP percentage resulted in a significant increase in bacterial growth with 7.20 ± 0.22 log CFU/mL for the control sample as compared to 8.42 ± 0.23 log CFU/mL for sample with 4% WRP after 30 hr of incubation. The fermentation time was also improved with the presence of WRP with a 0.22 h^-1 increase in growth rate observed for the sample with 4% WRP as compared to the control sample. Furthermore, samples containing 4% WRP showed the highest increment in titratable acidity (12.47) and the highest percentage in Brix value reduction (51.04%) during the fermentation period as compared to the control sample. Biochemical analysis showed negative values for oxidase and catalase test while positive values were obtained for gram-staining indicating the presence of Lactic acid bacteria from the gram-positive group. This study demonstrates the high potential of WRP in promoting bacterial growth for yoghurt production which is beneficial to the food industry other than promoting the ongoing effort of food waste reduction.

Effects of Different Types of Starches on Katjang Goat Meat Emulsion Characteristics

2024-10-09T05:24:56+00:00

Katjang goat meat has the potential to be used for emulsified meat product production but the suitable starch type to be applied as the filler is unknown. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of various starches on the quality characteristic of Katjang goat meat emulsion. Katjang goat meat emulsion was prepared by incorporating various starches viz., tapioca starch (TS), sago starch (SS), and wheat starch (WS), as filler by replacing lean meat. The developed emulsion samples were evaluated for physiochemical, proximate, colour, texture, and gel strength. The addition of TS into meat emulsion results in the most stable emulsion as exhibited by the lowest total expressible fluid (%TEF), expressible fat (%EFAT), and cooking loss. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference for the pH, water holding capacity (WHC), texture profile analysis (TPA), and colour values of all the samples. The incorporation of SS in the formulation decreased (p<0.05) the shear force and work of shearing. In conclusion, the incorporation of TS was found optimum to formulate goat meat emulsion with better quality characteristics.

Stability of the Tyrosyl Radical in the Ribonucleotide Reductase Beta Subunit of Arcobacter bivalviorum

2024-10-09T05:24:11+00:00

Arcobacter spp., such as Arcobacter bivalviorum (A. bivalviorum), are free-living organisms found in diverse environments and associated with animals. They are considered emerging enteropathogens and potential zoonotic agents. Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is the key enzyme that is used to convert ribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). This process utilises radical-based chemistry and is crucial for DNA biosynthesis and repair. There are three RNR classes, with class I RNR the most studied, present in A. bivalviorum, eukaryotes, and many prokaryotes. Class I RNRs are further divided into three subclasses: Ia, Ib, and Ic. Class Ib RNRs use a dimanganese-oxo centre, unlike class Ia RNRs, which use a diiron-oxo centre. A. bivalviorum possesses a class Ia enzyme that requires a diferric tyrosyl radical cofactor located within its beta (β) subunit. Indeed, both the efficiency and fidelity of DNA synthesis are influenced by the stability of the tyrosyl radical (Y•) in the RNR, which is a critical aspect of its enzymatic function. This study investigates the stability of the Y-radical (Y•) site within the RNR β subunit of A. bivalviorum and the nature of the neighbouring amino acid residues. To achieve these goals, we developed a model of the RNR β subunit of A. bivalviorum, using the RNR β subunit of Aquifex aeolicus as a reference template (7aik.1. A PDB). The results provide some important details about the radical site and its surrounding residues, highlighting the influence of the protein structure on the stability of the radical. These findings may guide the development of novel inhibitors targeting this enzyme in A. bivalviorum.

Cytotoxic Effect of Bajong LN Rice Methanol Extract on Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma, ORL-48

2024-10-09T05:24:34+00:00

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a major oral cancer, significantly challenges treatments and impacts patient quality of life; current therapies often cause severe side effects, highlighting the urgent need for gentler alternatives. Rice stands as one of the primary cereal grains providing the daily caloric intake for more than half of the global population. Extensive research has demonstrated the significant health benefits derived from rice, attributed to its abundance of bioactive compounds. This study endeavours to explore the potential cytotoxic effects of Bajong LN rice, a pigmented purple rice indigenous to Sarawak, on human squamous cell carcinoma, ORL-48 cells. Cells were cultured in complete DMEM/F-12 media and incubated under standard culture conditions. Upon reaching 80% confluency, the cells were treated to varied concentrations (ranging from 0 μg/ml to 2000 μg/ml) of Bajong LN rice methanol extract (BLN-ME) and cisplatin. Subsequently, the cells were incubated for 48 and 72 hours, and their cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTS assay. Results demonstrated that cisplatin inhibited ORL-48 cells with an IC₅₀ of 7.483 μg/ml and 3.877 μg/ml; and an IC₈₀ of 40.649 μg/ml; and 17.543 μg/ml for 48 and 72 hours, respectively. Correspondingly, BLN-ME exhibited a notable cytotoxic effect against ORL-48 cells at 48- and 72-hour intervals, with an IC₅₀ of 354.4 μg/ml and 342.0 μg/ml; and an IC₈₀ of 450.3 μg/ml and 423.63 μg/ml, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of BLN-ME against ORL-48 cells was observed in both a time and dose-dependent manner. Morphological analysis and the Trypan blue exclusion assay corroborated the MTS assay's findings. Our preliminary findings provide the first scientific evidence of the cytotoxic effect of BLN-ME specifically against human squamous cell carcinoma, ORL-48 cells. This study suggests the potential of BLN-ME as a promising anti-cancer agent, presenting opportunities for further investigation into its underlying cytotoxic mechanisms.

In silico elucidation of protein-protein interaction network in fish pathogen Flavobacterium Columnare

2024-10-09T05:24:37+00:00

Flavobacterium columnare is a virulent intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes an infection known as columnaris in many species of fish. Some economically important fish species are strongly affected by columnaris, leading to a high mortality rate and significant economic losses. Previous in silico studies have provided various biological insights into F. columnare, including its interaction with MHC class I alleles and the epitopic region within outer membrane proteins. However, the protein-protein interaction networks underlying the growth, defense, and pathogenesis of F. columnare remain largely unknown. This study was conducted to identify the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and hub proteins of F. columnare that can be used as drug or vaccine targets. A total of 500 protein sequences were retrieved from UniprotKB in FASTA format and analyzed using VaxiJen, PSORTb, STRING, Cytoscape, and BLASTp programs. The results demonstrated that 60% of F. columnare proteins were predicted as antigenic proteins, most of which were associated with catalytic activity and metabolic processes, identified as cytoplasmic proteins. Ten hub proteins with the highest number of functional interactions were identified, which were also antigenic and non-host homologous. In conclusion, F. columnare hub proteins represent potential therapeutic targets in drug and vaccine development against columnaris infection.

Identification and characterization of Botrytis cinerea causing gray mold on tomato in Malaysia

2024-10-09T05:24:42+00:00

Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as gray mold, is a pervasive fungal pathogen that affects a wide range of plant species, leading to significant agricultural losses. The identification of Botrytis cinerea in Malaysia is crucial for protecting the agricultural sector, minimizing economic losses, ensuring food security, maintaining export quality, addressing environmental concerns, and advancing scientific research. In the present research, tomato fruits collected from Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia showed gray mold disease symptoms of B. cinerea. The fungal isolates were examined morphologically for colony colour, growth rate, conidiophores, conidia shape, and sclerotia on PDA and V8 agar. According to the results, conidiophores appeared in grape shape and length was range of 21.26-32.52 μm, ovoid conidial dimensions were in the range of 10.03-16.08 × 7.37-11.15 μm and sclerotia size was range 1.91-4.50 × 1.70-4.00 mm. All isolates were attributed to the morphospecies Botrytis cinerea on account of these characteristics. The resulting sequences deposited in GenBank were accessions MT012053 to MT012062, respectively. A BLAST analysis of the resulting 550-bp nucleotide sequences showed 99-100% identity closest matched to B. cinerea. The pathogenicity experiments showed P6 isolates of B. cinerea were highly pathogenic and caused gray mold development on tomato fruits that led to severe symptoms in five days. Meanwhile, the least pathogenic isolate was P9. In terms of temperature, B. cinerea grew faster on PDA at 20ºC, slower grew below 20ºC and did not grow at 25ºC. Identification and characterization of B. cinerea on tomato could potentially provide information to assist disease management strategies for B. cinerea.

Gravimetric and SIM-Headspace GC-MS for Residual Organic Solvents Detection in Halal and Wholesomeness Food Analysis

2024-10-09T05:24:46+00:00

The demand for halal foods and beverages is increasing globally. While most halal analysis focuses on porcine, this study focuses on assessing residual organic solvents to ensure their halal compliance and wholesomeness, following several Malaysian standards and guidelines. A significant challenge in this study was the volatility of the residual solvents during the preparation of standards and quality control. To address this issue, a gravimetric technique was employed and effectively minimized the difference between theoretical (1,000 ppm) and actual (710 – 892 ppm) concentrations of the residual organic standard stock solution, except for acetone (588 ppm). The aim of this study was to establish a validated, reliable, and accurate method using SIM-headspace GC-MS to identify and quantify residual organic solvents for halal and wholesomeness analysis. Confirmation of each residual organic solvent was achieved by comparing the obtained spectra with the NIST 11 spectral database, containing 70,832 compounds, with similarity ranging from 80.9% to 96.6%, except for acetonitrile at 52.2%. The validation parameters were carried out according to ISO 17025:2017, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, and the European Guidelines. The parameters included recovery ranging from 95.65% to 95.68%, precision from 10.08% to 19.65% RSD, linearity between 0.996 to 0.999, limit of detection from 0.01 to 0.08 ppm, and limit of quantification from 0.02 to 0.24 ppm. Uncertainty considerations were limited to recovery, precision, and linearity, as other uncertainties were negligible based on the bottom-up approach using in-house validation data. This combination of gravimetric and SIM-headspace GC-MS techniques has provided valuable insights for discussions and collaborations among halal authorities worldwide to establish a consensus analytical methodology for halal and wholesomeness assessment.

Foraging Activity and Preference of Pollen Sources by Stingless Bee, Heterotrigona itama in Tropical Lowland Forest of Terengganu

2024-10-09T05:25:11+00:00

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) are a highly diversified group of eusocial corbiculate bees distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. However, studies on the relation of stingless bee activeness with environmental parameters and pollen source preference are very limited particularly from the lowland forest of East Coast Peninsular Malaysia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the relationship between stingless bee, Heterotrigona itama foraging activity with environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and light intensity) and preference of floral sources in a meliponiary of Marang, Terengganu. The foraging activities of five healthy colonies of H. itama were observed from 0700 to 1700 hours on hot sunny days for eight months of study period (August 2020 – September 2021). The foraging activity was enumerated using camera recording for 10 minutes at one-hour intervals (0700-1700 hours). In this study, the peak time for H. itama to go forage was observed at 0900 until 1100 hours in the early morning and declined rapidly from 1100 until 1700 hours. October 2020 recorded the highest activeness of stingless bees, followed by August 2021 and September 2021. There was a significant difference in the interaction of stingless bee activeness between time and months [F67,424 = 3.498, p<0.05]. However, temperature, humidity and light intensity did not significantly influence the activeness of stingless bees. Acacia mangium was the most frequent pollen grain collected by H. itama, followed by Melastoma malabathricum and other pollen types were considered minor pollen types (<15%). Findings from this study can help beekeepers to understand the foraging behaviour of stingless bee colonies and the preference of the available pollen resources for sustainable meliponiculture management practice.

Novel Bioactive Peptides from Red Bigeye (Priacanthus macracanthus) Flesh Protein

2024-10-09T05:25:07+00:00

Red bigeye (Priacanthus macracanthus) is a common fish species in Malaysia. This study reported an in silico assessment of the main proteins in red bigeye flesh as precursors for bioactive peptides. Six major proteins were chosen as precursors from the proteomic profiles of red bigeye proteins. Analyses using the BIOPEP-UWM database found that Protein number 4 gave the highest total number of bioactive peptides (5052 peptides), with dominant bioactivity in angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition (1571 peptides) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibition (2238 peptides). The ACE inhibitors had a frequency of bioactive fragment occurrences (A) of 0.4098, while the DPP-IV inhibitors gave a frequency of 0.5805. In silico proteolysis using BIOPEP-UWM found that pepsin (pH > 2) was the most promising proteinase in releasing a high number of DPP-IV and ACE inhibitory peptides. A novel peptide with significant potential was identified as QYKF. This study shows that red bigeye is a potential source of antihypertensive and antidiabetic peptides.

In Vitro And In Silico Studies Of Lawsone On Inflammation-Induced Skin Cells For Development Of Skin Anti-Inflammatory Treatment

2024-10-09T05:25:05+00:00

Lawsone, an active phytoconstituent of Lawsonia inermis sp., is proposed as a safer alternative for the current skin anti-inflammatory treatments that are mainly steroidal with unwanted side effects which does not conform to the concept of halalan toyyiban in medicine. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of lawsone on pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF (tumour necrosis factor)-α through in silico and in vitro methods. The inhibitory mechanism of lawsone were investigated via molecular docking and molecular dynamics which were performed via AutoDock Vina and GROMACS softwares, respectively. The results were then analysed via PyMol, Proteins Plus, RMSD and RMSF graphs. Subsequently, cytotoxicity of lawsone towards A431 skin epidermoid and 3T3 fibroblast cells, was determined via MTT assay. Lawsone was further tested on A431 cells stimulated with ethanol (200 mM) or hydrogen peroxide (250 µM) for 24 hours (acute) and 48 hours (chronic) to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) release. Cell viabilities were determined via MTT assay and expression of TNF-α were measured via ELISA. In silico works predicted lawsone’s ability to bind to TNF-α with good binding affinity without disruption to the protein’s structure stability.Lawsone is proven to be safe towards non-pathological cells. Lawsone exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effect on inflammation induced A431 epidermoid cells. ELISA results were not as expected as compared to previous in silico study, but an anti-inflammatory pattern can be observed in the chronic ethanol-induced treatment groups. In conclusion, lawsone is shown to have potential to be developed as a halalan-toyyiban alternative for skin anti-inflammatory treatment.

Penggunaan Sinaran Ultraungu-C Untuk Dekontaminasi Pelitup Muka

2024-10-09T05:24:14+00:00

Sinaran ultraungu-C (UVC) yang bersifat germisidal banyak digunakan untuk disinfeksi permukaan. Kajian ini adalah untuk menilai keberkesanan sinaran UVC dalam dekontaminasi pelitup muka. Ujian antimikrob menggunakan sinaran UVC terhadap pelitup muka yang diinokulasi dengan patogen dilakukan pada sela masa pendedahan yang berbeza iaitu 10, 30, 50 dan 60 saat. Patogen yang diuji adalah Acinetobacter baumanii, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus rintang metisilin (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, dan virus Influenza A dan B. Pendedahan pelitup muka terhadap sinaran UVC memperoleh peratusan pengurangan sebanyak 99.9% untuk semua patogen ujian kecuali P. aeruginosa. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa sinaran UVC dapat digunakan untuk dekontaminasi pelitup muka.

Antimicrobial and Enzymatic Activities of Mangrove-associated Actinomycetes

2024-10-09T05:24:49+00:00

This study delves into the enzymatic and antimicrobial capabilities of actinomycetes isolated from the Setiu Wetland mangrove in Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of eighteen actinomycete bacteria were isolated and characterized from the site. These isolates underwent antimicrobial assessments targeting a representative range of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and a fungus were employed for the testing. The results of the antimicrobial evaluations demonstrated pronounced effectiveness of the majority of isolated actinomycetes against Gram-negative bacterial strains. Intriguingly, a notable observation was the inhibition against Streptococcus uberis on nutrient agar by 27.7% of the isolates. In conjunction with the antimicrobial investigations, an array of enzymatic assays encompassing amylase, protease, lipase, phosphate solubilization, urease, and cellulase were executed. The outcomes revealed that a substantial portion of the examined actinomycetes exhibited positive reactions in at least half of the conducted assays, with amylase and protease production being particularly prominent, were observed from 94% of the isolates. These findings, drawn from the amassed dataset, underscore the remarkable diversity of antimicrobial and enzymatic activities within the actinomycetes thriving in the mangrove environment. This diversity exemplifies the adaptability of these mangrove-associated actinomycetes, underscoring their capacity to generate a versatile spectrum of secondary metabolites and biochemical responses as a strategy for survival within this unique ecosystem.

Systematic Importance of Anatomical Characteristics on Selected Dennstaedtiaceae Species from Peninsular Malaysia

2024-10-09T05:24:16+00:00

Dennstaedtiaceae is a monophyletic fern family widespread in tropical and temperate regions. Data on the anatomy of its species in Peninsular Malaysia are still scarce. Here, we examined anatomical characteristics (leaf venations & shape of steles) among ten species of seven Dennstaedtiaceae genera recorded in Peninsular Malaysia. Two types of vein patterns were observed, most of them having open-leaf venation whereas closed venation was observed only in Histiopteris species. Four types of steles which were ‘U’-shaped, ‘I’-shaped, scattered, and a combination of ‘S’ and ‘W’-shaped and a combination of inverted ‘C’ and ‘W’-shaped’ were observed among all the Dennstaedtiaceae species studied.

Antioxidant Compounds and Activities of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Decoction Residues from Cordial and Juice Production

2024-10-09T05:24:32+00:00

Roselle is a popular plant in Malaysia, especially for its use in food and beverage production. The calyces of the roselle plant are commonly decocted to make roselle juice and cordial, resulting in a significant amount of waste in the form of decocted calyces. Surprisingly, these decocted calyces retain their dark red colour and are still intact although soften. However, to date, there is no research on the antioxidant compounds and activities of roselle decoction residues from cordial and juice production have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the roselle decoction residues. The roselle decoction residues were evaluated for colour, Delta E (∆E), pH, total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing ability assay (FRAP), and ferrous ion chelating (FIC). All assays were also correlated and show positive effect among themselves. The decocted residues reported were still in acidic conditions ranged of pH 2 to 4. The decocted cordial residue (DCR) showed similar colour with control or fresh roselle calyx (FRC), and a bit duller in decocted juice residue (DJR). The DCR showed similar and slightly lower antioxidant content and activity of TAC, TPC, TFC, DPPH, FRAP and FIC to FRC but much better than DJR. Therefore, the DCR were still rich in anthocyanin contents and had good antioxidant activity without having colour changes. These residues have the capacity to be converted to wealth and could be an alternative source for natural antioxidants. Further research is needed to explore their potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. By harnessing the potential of roselle decoction residues, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food and beverage production.

Bioinformatics Tools Assist in The Screening of Potential Porcine-Specific Peptide Biomarkers of Gelatin and Collagen For Halal Authentication

2024-10-09T05:25:01+00:00

Gelatin and collagen are two animal-derived ingredients that are widely used in various industries. Both have distinctive physico-chemical characteristic that made them ingredients of interest for many industrial players to be applied as there are vast arrays of usage in the food, cosmetic and biomedical fields. However, the origin of gelatin and collagen poses ethical and religious concerns, especially for Muslims and Jews who have restrictions on food consumption. Porcine by-products are of concern for religious and health reasons, and there is a demand for precise and reliable detection techniques. The limitation of DNA detection is due to extreme environment in food processing which results in low extractability of DNA. Therefore, peptide-based detection using mass spectrometry is required. However, identify the suitable marker is like searching needle in haystacks. Hence, combination of bioinformatics and mass spectrometry is proposed. This study aims to identify the specific peptide biomarkers by employing bioinformatics technique which can be applied to identify gelatin and collagen sources with the aid of mass spectrometry. In these approach, combination of Petunia Trans-Proteomic Pipeline (TPP, version 5.2.0) and sequence alignment ClustalW were applied to facilitate the MS data (LC-QTOF-MS) and peptide identification. As a result, 69 fasta file of protein sequence from both UniProtKB and NCBInr have been collected, 81 collagen peptides sequence and 118 gelatine peptides has been attainable that have the potential to distinguish different species. In conclusion, in silico protein sequence approaches helps to enable rapid screening of proteotypic peptides that can serve as species biomarkers proficiently.

Types of Intermittent Fasting and Their Effects on Obesity and Type II Diabetes Mellitus

2024-10-09T05:24:09+00:00

Obesity and type II diabetes mellitus affect millions of people both in Malaysia and worldwide due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets. Intermittent fasting reduces calorie intake by interweaving eating periods with prolonged fasting periods on a recurring basis. Therefore, it could be a potential solution to induce weight loss, leading to improved blood glucose level as observed in type II diabetes mellitus individuals. However, its feasibility remains unclear. This review aimed to compare the beneficial effects and adverse reactions from different types of intermittent fasting in obese and type II diabetes mellitus studies. The review was carried out by combing through several online databases. Keywords such as “Intermittent fasting”, “Obesity”, “Type II Diabetes Mellitus” were used and relevant articles were selected. The findings of this review showed that intermittent fasting is feasible and effective in reducing body weight and improving blood glucose. The beneficial effects of intermittent fasting appear to outweigh the adverse reactions. Having said that, intermittent fasting is unsuitable for individuals with packed schedules and certain health conditions such as pregnancy. This review will hopefully shed light on intermittent fasting as a potential intervention to combat obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. Further exploration of intermittent fasting could reduce both the morbidity and mortality rates from non-communicable diseases globally.