Tag Archives: 2026-1

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

Teeranai Poti¹, Nutcha Manichart¹, Mattana Tunchai¹*, Pattharin Wichittrakarn², Kaori Yoneyama³, Chamroon Laosinwattana⁴

¹Department of Plant Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
²International Academy of Aviation Industry, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
³Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
⁴Office of Administrative Interdisciplinary Program on Agricultural Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: mattana.tu@kmitl.ac.th

Received: 05 October 2025 / Revised: 06 December 2025 / Accepted: 09 December 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Fungi produce phytotoxic metabolites that can be utilized in natural herbicide development, but fungal growth and metabolite production are influenced by numerous factors. This study investigated the chemical profiles of Fusarium pseudensiforme extracts under different culture conditions and evaluated their herbicidal potential against Phaseolus lathyroides. Crude ethyl acetate extracts were obtained from F. pseudensiforme grown in submerged fermentation using four culture media, potato dextrose broth (PDB), malt extract broth (MEB), Czapek Dox broth (CDB), and yeast extract sucrose broth (YSB), at 25-35 °C for 14 days. The results revealed that increasing incubation temperature led to a marked reduction in fungal growth, crude yield, and herbicidal efficacy across all media. Incubation at 25 °C resulted in the highest values for all parameters, particularly in YSB medium (p < 0.05). Morphological analysis of treated P. lathyroides seedlings indicated that YSB extract significantly inhibited hypocotyl and lateral root development. GC-MS analysis revealed that PDB, MEB, CDB, and YSB extract contained 34, 27, 23, and 18 chemical components, respectively, with 17 common across all media. These variations in chemical profiles likely contribute to the observed differences in phytotoxic performance. Notably, as incubation temperature increased, YSB extracts exhibited higher accumulation of alkylated benzene derivatives, which are known to exhibit low herbicidal activity, thereby reducing overall efficacy, highlighting temperature-induced alterations in metabolite biosynthesis. Taken together, these results provide insights that could facilitate the scaling up of fungal allelochemical production and enhance the practical application of fungal-derived natural herbicides in weed management.

Keywords: Allelochemical, Fungal allelopathy, Weed control, Chemical diversity, Fusarium pseudensiforme

Hardiyanto¹, Nirmala F. Devy^1*, Farida Yulianti¹, Agus Sugiyatno¹, Anang Triwiratno¹, Mutia Erti Dwiastuti¹, Mizu Istianto¹, Agus Sutanto¹, Sukartini¹

¹Research Center for Horticulture, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia. Cibinong Science Center, Jalan Raya Bogor, KM. 46, Cibinong, West Java, Indonesia

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

Received: 30 August 2025 / Revised: 23 November 2025 / Accepted: 09 December 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Climate change intensifies microclimatic variability in tropical highlands, posing a serious challenge to apple (Malus domestica Borkh) cultivation in Indonesia. An integrative analysis combining leaf anatomy, exploratory metabolomic profiling, and gene expression was conducted to identify two tropical cultivar-specific adaptive mechanisms in contrasting highland sites: Bumiaji (1123 m asl, 18.5°C) and Tutur (1325 m asl, 22.2°C). Leaf anatomical traits showed strong genotype × environment interactions, with Anna–Tutur having the thickest palisade (116.0 µm) and spongy mesophyll (112.6 µm), and the highest stomatal density (381 stomata/mm²). Metabolomic profiling revealed that Anna was enriched in fatty acid derivatives, including tetracosanoic and cis-eicosenoic acids. In contrast, Manalagi reprogrammed sugar and antioxidant pathways, particularly in Bumiaji, with a specific focus on fructose/mannose metabolism (p = 0.0002). Gene expression analysis of six MADS-box genes showed consistent induction of AP1, AP3, and SOC1 in Manalagi, contrasting with the site-dependent plasticity observed in Anna. Fruit quality also diverged: Manalagi accumulated higher soluble solids (11.7 °Brix) and vitamin C (44.9 mg/100 g), while Anna exhibited higher acidity (2.8%) and firmness (8.2 kgf). These findings suggest that ‘Anna’ employs responsive plasticity suited to variable microclimates, in contrast, ‘Manalagi’ uses constitutive resilience for stable performance, providing evidence-based guidance for cultivar deployment in tropical highland production systems under climate change.

Keywords: Gene expression, Malus domestica, Multi-omics integration, Phenotypic plasticity, Tropical apple

Diah Sudiarti^1,3, Ari Satia Nugraha^1,2, Wahyu Indra Duwi Fanata^1,2, Hidayah Murtianingsih^1,4, Ridho Rizkiantoro², Dewi Nanda Agustin³, Tri Agus Siswoyo^1,2*

¹Doctor of Biotechnology Study Program, Graduate School, University of Jember, Jember 68121, Indonesia

²The Center of Excellence on Crop Industrial Biotechnology (PUI-PT BioTIn), University of Jember, Indonesia

³Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Jember Islamic University, Indonesia

⁴Agriculture Faculty, Muhammadiyah University of Jember, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: triagus.faperta@unej.ac.id

Received: 17 September 2025 / Revised: 29 November 2025 / Accepted: 09 December 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Oryza sativa var. glutinous, a native rice variety, has the potential to serve as a source of value-added nutritious processed foods, but it has very limited cultivation due to limited tolerance to abiotic stresses, especially drought, which restricts its growth and development. This study investigated the interactive roles of abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactone (SL) to alleviate drought stress and promote recovery (R) in Oryza sativa var. glutinous. Drought stress and recovery treatments consisted of ABA, SL, and a combination of both, which had previously been subjected to drought stress induced by PEG-6000. Observational traits involved morphological (shoot height, leaf number, root length, and root number). Biochemical and physiological assessments included chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Then, changes in gene expression and enzyme activity of catalases (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidases (APX) were assessed. The results showed that drought stress caused a decrease in total chlorophyll (4.46%) and an increase in proline (21.05%). The significant impact of oxidative stress was demonstrated by an increase in MDA (89%) and H₂O₂ (91%), as well as CAT, APX, and POD activity. During the recovery phase, the combination of SL and ABA was able to suppress the accumulation of MDA (44.64%) and H₂O₂ (20%), indicating a reduction in oxidative stress and restoration of membrane integrity. These results highlight the likely existence of an interaction between ABA and SL, which consequently affects not only the response to drought stress but also the recovery pathways.

Keywords: Abscisic acid, Strigolactone, Drought stress, Oryza sativa var. glutinous, Plant recovery, Resilience

M.B. Yessenaliyeva^1*, Z.B. Tungushbayeva¹, K.O. Sharipov²

¹Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical university, Almaty, Kazakhstan

²Aitkhozhin Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan

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

Received: 11 August 2025 / Revised: 5 November 2025 / Accepted: 21 November 2025 / Published Online: 23 December 2025

Abstract

Cadmium is a known environmental toxicant that affects various physiological systems, including hematopoiesis. This study aimed to assess the dose-dependent effects of cadmium on peripheral blood parameters in Wistar rats. Twenty four animals were assigned to four groups: control, permissible exposure limit (PEL), subtoxic and acute exposure. Cadmium was administered via drinking water over 28 days. Hematological analysis showed no statistically significant changes in the PEL group. However, rats exposed to subtoxic and acute doses exhibited marked reductions in red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit and erythrocyte indices, demonstrating the development of microcytic hypochromic anemia. A biphasic pattern in leukocyte count was observed: leukocytosis in the PEL group and leukopenia in higher dose groups, suggesting immune modulation depending on dose. A significant decline in platelet counts was recorded under high-dose exposure, reflecting impaired thrombopoiesis. The results confirm that cadmium causes hematological alterations at doses exceeding environmental limits. Peripheral blood indices, particularly erythrocyte and platelet parameters, proved to be sensitive indicators of cadmium – induced toxicity. These findings emphasize the importance of including hematological screening in toxicological evaluations and ecological monitoring systems.

Keywords: Cadmium, Hematotoxicity, Wistar rats, Biomarker, Environmental toxicology

Muhammad Zakaria¹, Sayed Hussain^2*, Essa Ali³, Jawad Munawar Shah⁴, Syed Hassan Raza⁵, Maqsood Wazir⁶, Abid Ali², Muhammad Shehzad¹

¹Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

²Department of Horticulture, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, KPK, Pakistan

³Department of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China

⁴College of Agriculture, Bahaudin Zakarya University, Pakistan

⁵Institute of Crop Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

⁶Department of botany, Karakoram International University, GB, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: sayedhussain@awkum.edu.pk

Received: 28 August 2025 / Revised: 05 November 2025 / Accepted: 11 November 2025 / Published Online: 09 December 2025

Abstract

Drought stress is one of the most relevant abiotic stress factors globally, greatly reducing the crop productivity of agricultural crops. Maize globally is an important economic cereal crop, and it is sensitive to water deficit, which is an important problem of the semi-arid areas of Pakistan. Since to test them under drought stress, the current research aimed to investigate different morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits linked to drought tolerance in maize genotypes and conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Currently two maize varieties TP-1217 and Fakhr-NARC were exposed to different PEG (5% and 10%) to study their performance. The results show that root fresh weight was higher (1.76g) in Fakhr-NARC at PEG 5% that was followed by TP-1217 with 1.72g. The shoot fresh weight of 1.63g and 1.76g observed under PEG 5%. The photosynthesis rate of 17.66% in TP-1217 and 20.32% in Fakhr-NARC under PEG 5% was observed which was significantly reduced to 11.76% and 18.33% at PEG 10%. The chlorophyll contents of 7.15 and 13.69 were observed in PEG 5% which was further reduced to 4.79 and 9.1 at PEG 10%. The relative water contents (26.74% and 43.02%) were higher in TP-1217 at both PEG concentrations. However, the sugar (38.57), proline (52.22mgg^-1, 694.75mgg^-1), and antioxidant enzymatic activities were significantly higher in Fakhr-NARC at PEG 10%. Whereas membrane integrity (18%), H₂O₂ (18.2) and MDA (37.99) contents were higher in TP1217.

Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Chlorophyll, Drought stress, Maize, Polyethylene glycol

Phan-Phuong-Trang Huynh¹, Thanh-Tri Do², Thanh-Cong Nguyen³, My-Ngoc Bui³, Tuan-Loc Le⁴, Thanh-Luu Pham⁵, Hoang-Dung Tran^1*

¹Faculty of Biology and Environment, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), 140 Le Trong Tan Street, Tay Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City 72009, Vietnam

²Faculty of Biology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, 280 An Duong Vuong street, Cho Quan ward, Ho Chi Minh City 72820, Vietnam

³Institute of Applied Research and Technology Transfer HUFI, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, 93 Tan Ky Tan Quy Street, Tan Son Nhi ward, Ho Chi Minh City 72011, Vietnam

⁴Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 1165 National Road 1A, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

⁵Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, 19 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

*Corresponding author’s email: dungth@huit.edu.vn

Received: 27 August 2025 / Revised: 13 November 2025 / Accepted: 21 November 2025 / Published Online: 29 November 2025

Abstract

Phycocyanin is a blue pigment–protein with antioxidant properties, but its use in foods is limited by poor stability. A cyanobacterium, Leptolyngbya sp. CCAH036/1, was isolated from the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam, and identified by morphology and 16S rRNA sequencing (96.5% similarity to the closest reference). C-phycocyanin was extracted by freeze–thaw and lysozyme treatment and then encapsulated with maltodextrin using spray drying. The optimized powder contained 20.53 mg/g phycocyanin, 5.14% moisture, 79.43% encapsulation efficiency, and 56.66% antioxidant retention. After three weeks of storage at 4 °C, both pigment content and antioxidant activity remained above 80%. Heating at 50–70 °C preserved about half of the activity, but stronger heat caused rapid decline. Stability was also greatest at pH 5–7. The powder was added to sticky rice mooncakes at 5–20%. At 15% supplementation, the cakes contained 1.874 mg/g phycocyanin and 43.78% antioxidant activity, with no loss of texture or sensory quality. The results indicate that spray drying with maltodextrin is recommended as an effective approach to stabilize phycocyanin from the local Leptolyngbya strain for incorporation into functional foods processed at moderate temperatures and near-neutral pH.

Keywords: Phycocyanin, Leptolyngbya sp., Microencapsulation, Spray-drying, Antioxidant, Mooncake

Sahiruddin Sahiruddin^1*, Muhammad Yusuf¹, Athhar Manabi Diansyah¹, Masturi Masturi¹, Herdis Herdis², Tulus Maulana³, Syaputra Wibowo⁴

¹Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10 Tamalanrea Makassar, South Sulawesi 90245, Indonesia

²Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia

³Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta, Bogor 16915, West Java, Indonesia

⁴Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Bogor 16911, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: sahirsabile@unhas.ac.id

Received: 12 September 2025 / Revised: 04 November 2025 / Accepted: 11 November 2025 / Published Online: 21 November 2025

Abstract

Semen quality is one of important factor that impacts cattle reproduction. However, the seminal plasma and spermatozoa separation is still unclear. We attempted proteomic and metabolomic techniques on fresh bovine semen and its compartments to molecularly characterise and cross these two compartments. The proteomic profile of the semen plasma showed pronounced accessory proteins enhancing lipid binding, ion homeostasis, and membrane dynamics, particularly PDC-109, enolases, VDAC2, and SP-10, while the spermatozoa comprised scaffolding, anchoring, and mitochondrial enzymatic proteins such as AKAP3, tektins, cylicins, and COX5B. The dichotomy was reinforced by complementary metabolomic analysis, with seminal plasma containing antioxidants and lipids such as taurine, ergothioneine, palmitoylglycine, and stearamide, while spermatozoa were enriched in metabolites associated with energy, including citrate, inosine, succinic semialdehyde, and pantothenic acid. Pathway analysis reinforced plasma specialisation about antioxidants and lipids rather than spermatozoa on glycolysis and amino acid metabolism with oxidative phosphorylation. Collectively, these results illustrate the presence of interconnected but non-interchangeable molecular domains in which seminal plasma provides protective and regulatory buffering, while spermatozoa are specialised in structural and energetic components for fertilisation. The candidate biomarkers identified from this study such as PDC-109, AKAP3, cylicins, taurine, and citrate illustrate molecular outputs corresponding to the quality of semen and provide a systematised context for enriched understanding of bovine reproductive biology.

Keywords: Bovine semen, Metabolomics, Seminal plasma, Spermatozoa, Proteomics