Category Archives: b_original_articles

Nguyen Binh Truong^1,2*, Tran Trung Tuan^1,2

¹Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, Vietnam

²Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

*Corresponding author’s email: nbtruong@agu.edu.vn

Received: 22 September 2025 / Revised: 24 December 2025 / Accepted: 17 January 2026 / Published Online: 30 January 2026

Abstract

This study aims at finding out the combined Tra fish oil (TrO) and energy feed sources in the dietary combinations on feed intake, nutrient degradability, and greenhouse gas emissions of Charolais crossbred cattle. The in vitro gas experiment (Ex1) was arranged in a complete randomized design with two factors and four replications. Factor 1 was carbohydrate source (Es): cassava chip (Ca) and Maize (Ma), and factor 2 was Tra fish oil (TrO): with and without Tra fish oil. The in vivo digestion (Ex2) was arranged in a group of Latin square design with three factors. Factors 1 and 2 were similar to those in Ex1, but factor 3 was of cattle age periods, such as 13-16, 17-20, and 21-24 months. Results of Ex1 showed that the organic matter degradability was significantly distinct (P<0.05) at Es and TrO. Still, the interaction between Es and TrO was not variable (P>0.05) at 72 h incubation. Results of Ex2 showed that the methane emission (MJ/Kg DDM) was not divergent (P>0.05) between the Ma (169 MJ) and Ca (171 MJ). TrO (160 MJ) had lower methane emissions than NoTrO (181 MJ) by about 11.6%. The 13-16 months had higher methane emissions than 17-20 and 21-24 months (219, 161, and 131 MJ, respectively). Therefore, the Ma had better digestibility than the Ca on the beef cattle diet. Charolais crossbred cattle at 21-24 months had better intake, digestibility, and the lowest methane emission than 17-20 and 13-16 months’ age periods. In addition, supplementing the diet of the Tra fish oil could reduce methane in crossbred beef cattle.

Keywords: Climate change, Local feed, Lipid, Nutrition, Combinations, Ruminants

Dina Hussein Hatif Al Mansoori^1*, Firas Shawkat Al Bayati², Sahar M. Jawad³, Bashaer J. Kahdum¹, Mustafa Kamil Othman Alchalabi¹

¹Geomatics Technology Center, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
²Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
³Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq

*Corresponding author’s email: dina.almansoori@uokufa.edu.iq

Received: 25 August 2025 / Revised: 05 December 2025 / Accepted: 22 December 2025 / Published Online: 21 January 2026

Abstract

Increasing outbreak of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the world has made the discovery of safe and sustainable antimicrobial agents even more vigorous. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized through a green methodology using Boswellia serrata (Gum Olibanum) extract and tested their antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against oral pathogens. The ZnO-NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) which confirmed the crystalline structure, nanoscopic morphology and the elemental composition of the nanoparticles. The ZnO-NPs were highly antibacterial with a diameter of inhibition zone of 47 mm and 38 mm on Streptococcus spp. and Granulicatella adiacens respectively. The nanoparticles were also found to exhibit a substantial biofilm inhibitory effect, decreasing adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis, and Granulicatella adiacens, suggesting the ability of the nanoparticles in disrupting the formation of oral biofilm. The results indicate that Boswellia serrata-mediated ZnO-NPs could be used as a potent and environmentally friendly antimicrobial agent in potential oral care products. There in vivo biocompatibility, toxicity and applicability in clinical use need further research.

Keywords: Zinc oxide nanoparticles, Boswellia serrata, Green synthesis, Antimicrobial activity, Biofilm inhibition, Oral pathogens, Dental nanotechnology

Nurwulan Agustiani¹, Sujinah^1*, Etty Pratiwi¹, Wiwik Hartatik^1*, Antonius Kasno¹, Chendy Tafakresnanto¹, A. Arivin Rivaie^1*, Terry Ayu Adriany¹, Selly Salma¹, Antonius Fransisco Nababan², Fasa Aditya Hanindipto³, Yudhistira Nugraha¹

¹Research Center for Food Crops, Research Organization Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST Soekarno, Cibinong, West Java, Indonesia

²Directorate for Laboratory Management, Research Facilities and Science and Technology Park, National Research and Innovation Agency, KST Soekarno, Cibinong, West Java, Indonesia

³Indonesian Fertilizer Holding Company, Jakarta, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: sujinah@brin.go.id; wiwik_hartatik@yahoo.com; aari001@brin.go.id

Received: 02 August 2025 / Revised: 28 November 2025 / Accepted: 16 December 2025 / Published Online: 21 January 2026

Abstract

Nano-nitrogen (nano-N) fertilizers have been developed to boost the efficiency and lessen the environmental footprint of conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizers in lowland rice cultivation. This study examined the impact of combining nano-N with existing N fertilization on rice leaf physiology. A greenhouse experiment tested five concentrations of nano-N (0 to 4 mL L^-1) alongside a one-third reduction in the standard N rates across Aeric Epiaquents, Vertic Endoaquepts, and Typic Endoaquepts. Observations were made primarily on leaf dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, dissolved sugar levels, nitrate reductase activity (NRA), and glutamine synthase activity. The results showed that nano-N application increased chlorophyll a and b levels and enhanced NRA even with a 50% reduction in top-dressed nitrogen, equivalent to 46 kg of urea. In particular, the 2 mL L^-1 nano-N treatment resulted in 34% higher starch and 28% more total non-structural carbohydrates than farmer-practice fertilization, driven by increased chlorophyll at panicle initiation and elevated NRA during grain filling. These findings suggest that nano-N fertilization can increase chlorophyll content, enzyme activity, and carbohydrate accumulation in rice leaves, providing a promising approach to improve nitrogen use efficiency, reduce environmental risks linked to overfertilization with N, and enhance yields through improved plant physiological processes.

Keywords: Nano-nitrogen, Non-structural carbohydrate, Physiological traits of leaves, Rice plant, Soil types

Irma Yeny^1,3, Cecep Kusmana^2*, Fifi Gus Dwiyanti², Suyadi³, Hani Sitti Nuroniah⁴, Chairil Anwar Siregar³, Nina Mindawati³, Virni Budi Arifanti³, Yulizar Ihrami Rahmila³, Mira Yulianti^1,3, Sri Suharti³, Suliasih⁵, Arwan Sugiharto⁵, Sri Widawati⁵, Muksin Purnama⁶, Tien Wahyuni⁷

¹Tropical Silviculture Study Program, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

²Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

³Research Center for Ecology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

⁴Research Center for Applied Botany, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

⁵Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

⁶Postgraduate Program, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia

⁷Research Center for Behavioral and Circular Economics, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: cecep_kusmana@apps.ipb.ac.id

Received: 07 September 2025 / Revised: 08 December 2025 / Accepted: 24 December 2025 / Published Online: 17 January 2026

Abstract

This study examined the growth performance of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza seedlings in a tidal nursery, employing a split-plot design that incorporated three shade levels (0%, 45%, 80%) and three varying biostimulant doses (0, 10, 30 g). Physiological indicators, morphological traits, biomass allocation, seedling quality, and microclimate variables were evaluated. Shading markedly improved seedling performance compared to non-shaded conditions, enhancing leaf greenness, photosynthetic efficiency, height growth, leaf development, and overall quality index. Among the treatments, 45% shade yielded the highest growth responses, though its performance was statistically similar to that of 80% shade. Biostimulants demonstrated a restricted impact, affecting solely the photosynthetic rate, with 10 g and 30 g doses exhibiting comparable enhancements compared to the control group. No interaction between shade and biostimulants was observed, indicating that the effects of biostimulant application had not manifested during the brief nursery period. The findings indicate that moderate shading significantly influences the early vigor of B. gymnorrhiza seedlings in tidal environments, offering practical recommendations for enhancing nursery protocols to facilitate cost-effective mangrove rehabilitation.

Keywords: Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Shading, Biostimulants, Rehabilitation, Mangrove

Nurbek Ginayatov¹, Marklen Shukurov¹, Dmitry Shumeyko², Bekbol Sariyev¹, Venera Arystangalieva², Rauan Abdessan^4*, Artem Brigida³, Alikhan Albekov¹, Ayaulym Bexultan¹

¹Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian Technical University, Uralsk, 090009, Kazakhstan

²International Taraz University named Sherkhan Murtaza, Taraz, 080001, Kazakhstan

³All-Russian Research Institute of Breeding, Moscow, 141202, Russia

⁴College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China

*Corresponding author’s email: rauanabdesan@nwafu.edu.cn

Received: 26 September 2025 / Revised: 09 December 2025 / Accepted: 22 December 2025 / Published Online: 17 January 2026

Abstract

This article presents the results of a 30-day study investigating the impact of varying oxygen concentrations and stocking densities on the growth and development of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). As a result, it was established that a stocking density of 40 kg/m³ provides the best indicators of mass growth (relative increase of 55.6%, specific growth rate of 1.47%, absolute increase of 42.9 g, average daily increase of 1.43 g/day), which makes it optimal. High density (80 kg/m³) reduces growth by 17-21% compared to 40 kg/m³, which can be very important for production. Productivity is increased by density: maximum at 80 kg/m³ (114.4 kg/m³ and 91.5 kg/m²), then 60 kg/m³ (89.5 kg/m³ and 71.6 kg/m²) and minimum at 40 kg/m³ (61.8 kg/m³ and 49.4 kg/m²). The feed factor is minimal at 40 kg/m³ (1.23 units) and is increased to 1.29 units at 60 and 80 kg/m³, indicating a decrease in feed efficiency at higher densities. High stocking density (80 kg/m³) increases biomass gain and productivity (114.4 kg/m³, 91.5 kg/m²), but decreases individual gain and feed efficiency. Thus, the results of the studies showed that the optimal conditions for the normal growth and development of sterlet in recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) installations include the following parameters: a dissolved oxygen content of 8-10 mg/L and a stocking density of 40-60 kg/m³.

Keywords: Sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus, Dissolved oxygen, Stocking density, RAS

Olga G. Corales-Ultra^1,2*, Sheryl Lozel B. Arreola², Mariam C. Recuenco², Lilia M. Fernando-Corpuz³, Amelia B. Hizon-Fradejas²

¹Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Tacloban College, Tacloban City, Philippines

²Institute of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

³Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

*Corresponding author’s email: ogcorales@up.edu.ph

Received: 19 September 2025 / Revised: 17 December 2025 / Accepted: 22 December 2025 / Published Online: 17 January 2026

Abstract

Nanotechnology has the potential to increase global food production. However, the widespread application of nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture is relatively slow due to concerns on accumulation, translocation, and toxicity in food crops. One such NP is the Cu-based NPs since Cu is a micronutrient and exhibits antimicrobial and antifungal activities. In this study, the uptake of CuONP (vs. bulk CuO) and their toxicological effects in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) and pechay (B. rapa L. var. chinensis) were investigated. High concentrations of CuONP and bulk CuO resulted in the overproduction of ROS, causing elevated catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and malondialdehyde, which are consistent with the observed inhibition of seedling growth. All treatments, however, had no significant effect on levels of chlorophyll and carotenoids. AAS analysis confirmed that the phytotoxic symptoms may be attributed to the accumulation of Cu. Overall, results showed that CuONP is more toxic than bulk CuO in both crops, particularly in cabbage. The estimated TC₅₀ values are 29.06 ± 1.75 mg/L for CuONP and 353.58 ± 16.41 mg/L for bulk CuO in cabbage, and 71.72 ± 3.03 mg/L for CuONP and 371.52 ± 22.79 mg/L for bulk CuO in pechay.  This study demonstrates that Cu-based NPs can be taken up by crop seedlings, indicating a potential pathway for entry into the food chain.

Keywords: Brassica species, Copper oxide nanoparticles, Oxidative stress, Phytotoxicity, Pigments

Shahad Alsunusi¹, Taha A. Kumosani^1,2,3, Etimad Huwait^1,2, Soonham S. Yaghmoor^2,3, Said S. Moselhy^4*  

¹Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³Production of Bio-products for Industrial Application Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

⁴Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

*Corresponding author’s email: moselhy6@hotmail.com

Received: 08 October 2025 / Revised: 11 December 2025 / Accepted: 22 December 2025 / Published Online: 16 January 2026

Abstract

Cypermethrin (CYPn) is a commonly used pesticide in agriculture and houses for insect’s control. We evaluated the pancreatic toxicity in rats exposed to CYPn and the protective   efficacy of Ruthana date extract (RDE) as against toxicity. In the current study, male Wister albino rats were allocated into five groups; (8 rats/group). Group I: Control, while rats in groups II-V were daily given 100 mg/ kg CYPn (1/10 LD₅₀) orally for 4 weeks. Groups III, IV and V; rats were supplemented in the same time 100, 200 and 300 mg RDE/kg respectively. Data obtained showed that, phytochemical analysis of RDE showed its high content of catechin, naringenin and apigenin as major flavonoids content.  Also, rats given CYPn showed a significant elevation in fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HA1c), malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels while the insulin and GSH levels were significantly reduced (p< 0.001) compared with control. On the other hand, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GST, GSPx and SOD) were increased in rats injected with CYPn versus control.  In addition, CYPn increased HOMA-IR, cytochrome c (Cyto-c), and reduced Sirtuin 1 level.  Rats treated with RDE restored these abnormalities with dose-dependent. Flavonoids (catechin, naringenin and apigenin) from RDE showed a protective effect against toxicity induced by CYPn via reduction of antioxidants activities, sirtuin 1, insulin sensitivity, reduction Cyto-c release and inflammatory mediators. It was concluded that, the active ingredients of RDE is promising in developing a safe protective agent against pancreatic toxicity and incidence of diabetogenesis induced by CYPn.

Keywords: Ruthana date, Cypermethrin, Insulin resistance, SIRT-1, Cytochrome c, Diabetes, Antioxidant, Rats

Kessara Mungkunkoth¹, Vijitra Luang-In¹, Luchai Butkhup¹, Issaraporn Somboonwatthanakul¹, Manatchaya Sungsri-in¹, Anuchita Moongngarm¹, Ekapol Limpongsa², Nyuk Ling Ma³, Sirirat Deeseenthum¹*

¹Natural Antioxidant Innovation Research Unit, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand

²College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand

³BIOSES Research Interest Group, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Malaysia

*Corresponding author’s email: sirirat.d@msu.ac.th

Received: 29 July 2025 / Revised: 05 December 2025 / Accepted: 09 December 2025 / Published Online: 08 January 2026

Abstract

A tropical fruit, Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng), is valued for its high carotenoid content and antioxidant potential. This study investigated the physicochemical and biofunctional changes in Gac aril juice (GAJ) subjected to fermentation with 2% (w/v) kefir grain and enzymatic treatment using (2% v/v) food-grade pectinase or cellulase for 48 h under control conditions. Parameters assessed included pH, color, total dissolved solid, lycopene, β-carotene content (via HPLC), total flavonoid content, phenolics, antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), volatile organic compounds (GC-MS), and cytotoxicity against HT-29 human colon cancer cells (MTT assay). Results revealed that both treatments significantly improved carotenoid content and antioxidant activity. Pectinase-treated juice showed the highest β-carotene and antioxidant levels, while kefir-fermented juice notably increased phenolic content and exhibited cytotoxic effects with an IC50 of 401.00 ± 1.76 µg/mL. Additionally, the volatile compound profile exhibited treatment-dependent changes in aroma. Morphological changes in HT-29 cells confirmed the cytotoxic effect of the fermented GAJ. This is the first report to demonstrate the cytotoxic potential of kefir-fermented GAJ against HT-29 cells, indicating its promise as a functional ingredient for value-added product development in the food and beverage sector.

Keywords: Cellulose, Pectinase, Lycopene, Flavonoids, β-carotene, Probiotic

Cátia Aparecida Simon^1*, Evandro Chaves de Oliveira², Alfredo Machado Pedroni¹, Guilherme Guidini Pereira¹, Gabriel da Costa Rangel¹, Rodrigo Fraga Jegeski¹, Wesley Nunes¹, Sebastião Ferreira de Lima³, Gustavo Soares de Souza², Ramon Amaro de Sales⁴, Marcos Antônio Dell´Orto Morgado², Robson Ferreira de Almeida², Sávio da Silva Berilli⁵

¹Department of Agronomy, Integrated Faculties Espírito-Santenses (FAESA), CEP nº 29900-070, Linhares, Espírito Santo, Brazil

²Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo – Campus Itapina. Rodovia BR 259 – KM 70 – Trecho Colatina X Baixo Guandu Distrito de Itapina Zona Rural, CEP nº 29717-000, Epírito Santo, Brazil

³Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul – Campus Chapadão do Sul. Rodovia MS-306, Km105 – Zona Rural, CEP nº 79560-000, Chapadão do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

⁴Veracel Celulose, VERACEL, Brazil

⁵Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo – Campus de Alegre. Rodovia ES-482 – Km 72 – Rive, CEP nº 29500-000, Alegre – Espírito Santo, Brazil

*Corresponding author’s email: catiasimonsimon@gmail.com

Received: 20 August 2025 / Revised: 21 November 2025 / Accepted: 10 December 2025 / Published Online: 08 January 2026

Abstract

Managing hydroponic lettuce with a nutrient solution enriched with biofertilizer can increase productivity and improve commercial product quality; however, few studies have addressed this topic. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding a biofertilizer to the nutrient solution of hydroponic lettuce grown in spring and winter. A randomized block experimental design was used with two nutritional treatments and two growing seasons, each with six replications. For nutrient supply, one treatment did not use biofertilizer, while the other included it. The biofertilizer is a compound based on fulvic acids, an amino acid complex, and alginic acid, applied at a dose of 1 liter per 1,000 liters of nutrient solution. The use of biofertilizer resulted in increases in red and green excitation fluorescence indices (SFR-R and SFR-G), total chlorophyll, flavonoids, and anthocyanins by 32.1%, 41.1%, 30.7%, 10.3%, and 3.5%, respectively, in the spring crop. For nitrogen balance in plants during spring cultivation, the use of biofertilizer promoted increases of 21.7% and 89.9% in red and green excitation nitrogen balance indices (NBI-G and NBI-R), respectively. The use of biofertilizer resulted in average gains, regardless of cultivation period, of 27.6% for root fresh mass, 74.0% for shoot fresh mass, and 11.7% for shoot diameter, as well as increases of 27.8% and 43.4% for stem diameter and number of leaves in spring cultivation. These positive effects indicate that the biofertilizer improves nutrient absorption and stress resistance, resulting in more robust plants with better commercial characteristics.

Keywords: Lactuca sativa L., Fulvic acids, Alginic acid, Amino acids, Hydroponics

Watchareeya Thammasorn¹, Kronsirinut Rothjanawan², Pinkaew Siriwong³, Alisa Kongthong⁴, Pimprapa Chaijak⁴*

¹Faculty of International School of Tourism, Surattani Rajabhat University, Surattani 84100, Thailand

²Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Naradhiwat 96000, Thailand

³Mathematics and Data Management Program, Faculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung 93210, Thailand

⁴Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung 93210, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: pimprapa.c@tsu.ac.th

Received: 15 October 2025 / Revised: 04 December 2025 / Accepted: 09 December 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising biotechnological approach for sustainable electricity generation from waste substrates without combustion or secondary pollutant formation. In this study, a kombucha starter culture was employed to convert organic compounds in coconut processing waste into electricity within a carbon-capture MFC integrated with the green microalga Chlorella sp. BF03. The electrochemical performance of the MFC was evaluated according to Ohm’s law. By-products, carbon fixation rates, and degraded metabolites of the waste were also analyzed. The maximum current density and power density of the system were 6.40 ± 0.01 A/m² and 0.77 ± 0.02 W/m² respectively, with Komagataeibacter saccharivorans and Acetobacter tropicalis as the main bacterial cultures. No harmful compounds were detected among the degraded metabolites. The system achieved a maximum carbon fixation rate of 0.13 ± 0.00 g/L/day and a bacterial nanocellulose production rate of 0.54 ± 0.04 g/L/day accompanied by total chlorophyll a and b contents of 0.31 ± 0.01 µg/L and 0.32 ± 0.02 µg/L, respectively. Biomass extracts contained various nutraceuticals, including limonene, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid and vitamin E. These results demonstrate the potential of kombucha-based carbon-capture MFCs for integrated energy generation, waste valorization, and production of high-value bioproducts.

Keywords: Agricultural waste, By-product, Electricity generation, Fatty acid, SCOBY, Upcycling