Malaysian Applied Biology

Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Acceptance of Noodles Incorporating Mixed Fish Bone Powder From Filleting Waste

Lee-Hoon Ho, Nur Iffah Imanina Abd Kadir, Thuan-Chew Tan, Ishamri Ismail — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the effects of partially substituting wheat flour with fish bone powder, derived from mixed fish filleting waste, on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of noodles. The fish bones were sourced from filleting units, processed into powder, and incorporated into noodle production at 5–20% relative to wheat flour weight. Noodles with and without fish bone powder were evaluated. The substitution significantly enhanced the nutritional value of the noodles, with a 1.04–1.31-fold increase in crude protein, a 12–40-fold increase in ash, a 45–82-fold increase in calcium, and a 7–23-fold increase in phosphorus compared to the control. Conversely, cooking loss and yellow hue of the noodles increased with higher levels of fish bone powder, while the hardness, adhesiveness, pH, and cooking yield decreased. Noodles with 5% fish bone powder received the highest overall acceptability score. Fish bone powder shows potential as a nutrient-rich food ingredient for healthy noodles.

Eradication of Dual-Species Cariogenic Biofilms by Punicalin and Punicalagin: Microbiological and Gene Expression Analyses

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This in vitro study evaluated the biofilm eradication potential of two pomegranate-derived compounds, punicalin (PUN) and punicalagin (PUG), against dual-species biofilms comprising Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus gordonii. Antimicrobial activity was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays, while the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) was determined using the crystal violet assay. At 100 µg/mL (MBEC₅₀), PUN and PUG were further evaluated in a glass beads biofilm model for their effects on bacterial viability, biomass, biofilm morphology (via SEM) and gene expression (via RT-qPCR). Both compounds significantly reduced biofilm biomass and S. mutans population, indicating selective targeting of the cariogenic species. PUN exerted its effects predominantly through downregulation of gtf and gbp genes, which are involved in EPS production and biofilm stability. In contrast, PUG demonstrated greater biofilm disruption and S. mutans reduction, accompanied by significant upregulation of sodA and lytF, suggesting a dual mechanism involving both oxidative stress and autolysin-mediated dispersal. SEM analysis further supported these findings, showing more extensive matrix disintegration in PUG-treated biofilms. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of PUN and PUG as selective antibiofilm agents for managing cariogenic biofilms, with PUG exhibiting both intrinsic and extrinsic modes of action.

Assessment of Tannase Producer Acinetobacter nosocomialis (MT540255) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (GU197531) Isolated from Ruminant Gut Fluid

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Excessive tannin intake in ruminant diets adversely affects feed palatability and nutrient digestibility; however, microbial tannases offer an effective biological approach to tannin degradation. In this study, two previously identified tannase-producing bacterial strains isolated from ruminant gut fluid -- Acinetobacter nosocomialis (MT540255) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (GU197531) -- were evaluated for the optimization of physicochemical parameters affecting tannase activity using tannic acid, while assessing their antibiotic resistance profiles and the synergistic antimicrobial activity of crude tannase extracts. Both strains showed morphological and biochemical characteristics consistent with those reported for their respective genera. A. nosocomialis (MT540255) exhibited optimal tannase activity at pH 6, 40°C, and 1.6% substrate concentration for 105 min, resulting in a 1.23-fold increase to 42.51 U/mL. In contrast, S. saprophyticus (GU197531) reached its peak activity at pH 10, 50°C, and 1.8% substrate concentration for 45 min, yielding a 1.93-fold increase to 48.43 U/mL. Overall, optimization of physicochemical conditions enhanced tannase activity in both strains, with pH emerging as a key contributing factor for A. nosocomialis (MT540255), while S. saprophyticus (GU197531) showed additional strong responsiveness to pH and substrate concentration. A. nosocomialis (MT540255) and S. saprophyticus (GU197531) were found to be resistant to six and four of the ten antibiotics tested for antibiotic susceptibility, respectively. Notably, crude tannase from both strains showed significant synergistic effects (p<0.05) when combined with streptomycin. These findings suggest the potential application of tannase-producing bacteria from ruminant gut fluid in improving the nutritional quality of ruminant feed through tannin degradation, while offering synergistic benefits in antimicrobial applications.

Growth and Production Comparison of Red and Granola Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Microtubers as Influenced by Light Treatment and Different Sucrose Concentrations

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Microtuber production through tissue culture offers an effective solution for producing high-quality, disease-free potato seed tubers. This study investigates the effects of light treatment and sucrose concentration on microtuber production in red and Granola potato varieties. The research was conducted at the Tissue Culture Laboratory of PT. G10 Agrotechnology in Medan, North Sumatra. The treatments applied were lighting regulation (bright with 1000 lux LED lighting for 24 hr vs. total darkness (0 lux, culture bottles wrapped with aluminum foil) in the incubation room and different sucrose concentrations (80, 100 & 120 g/L) added to the MS (Murashige & Skoog) basic medium. This research used a Completely Randomized Design method with 5 replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results showed that bright light treatment and 80 g/L sucrose concentration provided the best results for Granola and red potato plantlet growth from 14 to 70 days after planting. For the number, weight, and diameter of microtubers, the combination of dark light treatment and 120 g/L sucrose concentration produced the highest average values for both Granola and red potatoes. Overall, the growth and production of Granola potatoes were higher than those of red potatoes in every parameter. The results of this research can be used as a reference for producing red potato and Granola microtubers through tissue culture.

Role of Silicon Fertiliser in Enhancing Growth and Suppressing White Root Disease (Rigidoporus microporus) in Rubber Seedlings (Hevea brasiliensis)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Silicon (Si) is recognised for its potential to enhance plant growth and improve resistance against various plant pathogens. This study comprised two experiments under nursery conditions using the same Randomised Complete Block Design. In the first experiment, the optimal Si concentration (0, 0.5, 1.0 & 2.0 g per seedling) for improving the growth performance of rubber seedlings (Hevea brasiliensis) was determined over an 11-month evaluation period. In the second experiment, the effectiveness of Si in suppressing white root disease caused by Rigidoporus microporus was evaluated over the 11-month experimental period following a three-month Si pre-treatment and artificial inoculation with the pathogen. Growth parameters, including seedling height, stem girth, chlorophyll content, and biomass accumulation, were measured monthly. Disease incidence, disease severity index (DSI), and area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC) were evaluated for eight months. The findings from the first experiment indicated that although Si application numerically improved several growth parameters, particularly at 1.0 g and 2.0 g, the differences were not consistently significant. In the second experiment, a higher Si concentration significantly suppressed disease development. The highest Si concentration (2.0 g) reduced disease incidence by 50.00%, reduced disease severity based on foliar symptoms by 75.00%, and reduced internal root rot severity by 75.93% compared with untreated inoculated seedlings. A consistent dose-dependent reduction in AUDPC values indicated delayed disease progression at the higher Si concentration. Moreover, Si-treated seedlings showed enhanced chlorophyll retention and increased root biomass, suggesting improved physiological resilience. In conclusion, while Si did not uniformly enhance growth, its application demonstrated significant potential in suppressing white root disease and promoting selected physiological traits. These findings support the integration of Si as a strategic input for early-stage disease management in rubber cultivation by promoting improved root system development and biomass accumulation, which likely contributed to delayed Rigidoporus microporus infection.

Effect of Media Composition and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on the Induction of Protocorm-like Bodies (PLBs) from Thin Cell Layers (TCLs) of Ludisia discolor

Navina Ravi, Thenmoli Shanmugam, Ranjetta Poobathy — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ludisia discolor is a terrestrial, shade-loving orchid species highly valued for its striking foliage and medicinal properties. Conventional propagation of the orchid is limited due to slow growth and low germination rates. This study aimed to assess the induction of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) using transverse thin cell layers (tTCLs) derived from in vitro nodal segments as an alternative method of propagating the orchid. Parameters assessed included the influence of light-emitting diode (LED) wavelengths and culture medium strength on PLB formation and overall plant development. Transverse TCL explants were cultured on full- and half-strength Mitra media with plant growth regulators (PGRs) and then exposed to five light treatments: complete darkness, blue (460–470 nm), red (610–625 nm), green (515–525 nm), and cold white (6000–6500 K) LEDs. Data on PLB induction, root and callus formation, and the duration required for PLB and root development were collected over a span of six weeks. The highest PLB induction (22.22 ± 4.65%) was observed in explants cultured on full-strength Mitra medium under darkness. The greatest callus formation occurred under blue LEDs (8.89 ± 3.09%), while green LEDs combined with half-strength Mitra medium led to the highest root production (13.33 ± 2.36%). Stem tTCLs cultured on half-strength Mitra medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L^-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) resulted in (20.00 ± 6.70%) PLB induction. Histological analysis confirmed direct PLB development from the cut surface of tTCLs within two to four weeks without intermediate callus formation. These findings demonstrate that medium composition and light quality significantly influence morphogenic responses in L. discolor. The optimised tTCL protocol supports future applications in conservation and commercial mass production of this valuable orchid species.

Effects of Duckweed and Pigments on the Chemical Composition, Physicochemical Properties, and Sensory Attributes of Plant-Based Patties

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present study evaluated the influence of duckweed incorporation (0%, 1%, and 2%) and two pigment types (beet and soy leghaemoglobin, 2%) on the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, visible appearance, and sensory attributes of plant-based patties (PBPs). Increasing duckweed levels improved protein content and moisture retention while reducing cooking loss. Soy leghaemoglobin enhanced redness (a*), whereas beet pigment intensified yellowness (b*). This was also evident in the visible appearance, with leghaemoglobin formulations appearing noticeably redder. Higher duckweed concentrations decreased hardness but lowered sensory acceptance, whereas 1% duckweed, particularly with beet pigment, improved flavour, colour, and overall liking. These results indicate that strategic duckweed inclusion combined with natural pigments can enhance the nutritional value and physicochemical properties of PBPs, although excessive duckweed may compromise sensory quality. Thus, this work offers a new approach to developing PBPs by replacing common ingredients and pigments, supporting advances in future food product development.

Synergistic Application of Zinc–Iron through Seed and Foliar Treatments for Maize Yield and Nutrition in the Western Ghats

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Agronomic biofortification through fertilizer application is an effective approach to address global malnutrition caused by deficiencies of zinc and iron. A field study was carried out on sandy clay loam soil during the rabi seasons of 2024 and 2025 at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, to evaluate the influence of zinc and ferrous fertilization under integrated nutrient management on maize productivity and grain quality under Western Ghats conditions. Maize was sown at a spacing of 60 × 25 cm following a split plot design, wherein the main plots consisted of two fertilizer recommended doses of fertilizers, 100% and 125%, and the sub-plots comprised nine nutrient level treatments, each replicated three times. The integrated treatment S₉-S₃+ Foliar application – ZnSO₄ @ 0.5% at 45^th and 60^th DAS recorded the highest plant height (207.50 cm), leaf area index (5.28), dry matter production (2002.96 kg ha^-1), cob length (23.55 cm), grain yield (9048.66 kg ha^-1), and stover yield (13,359.25 kg ha^-1), whereas the control (S₁) registered the lowest values. Compared to S₁, quality parameters were improved drastically at S₉ with crude protein (14.88%), starch (66.417mg g ^-1), iron (36.32 mg kg ^-1), zinc (32.15 mg kg ^-1), higher than all previous treatments. The results of the study suggest that the application of zinc fertiliser has a significant positive effect on both vegetative growth and productivity of maize while providing improved nutritional properties of the grain; therefore, zinc fertilisation has an important role in enhancing both the performance and the quality of maize crops.