Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology

Exploring bioengineering strategies to enhance microbial-driven rock weathering for climate mitigation

2025-10-15T09:34:02+07:00

Enhanced rock weathering has emerged as a promising strategy to accelerate carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal by promoting the dissolution of silicate minerals and the subsequent carbonation reactions. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on microbial contributions to enhanced rock weathering as a climate mitigation strategy. Microorganisms play pivotal roles in facilitating rock weathering processes through diverse physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms. Recent advancements in microbial ecology reveal insights into the diversity and functionality of microbial communities across different environments and substrates. Bioengineering approaches offer opportunities to optimize microbial activities and metabolic pathways, thereby increasing mineral dissolution rates. Future research directions include integrating omics approaches, advancing experimental techniques, and developing sustainable strategies for large-scale implementation. Harnessing the potential of microbially-driven rock weathering presents promising avenues for mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Indian blackberry: Unveiling its health and organoleptic delights and use in beverage fermentation

2025-10-20T09:32:41+07:00

Recent years have witnessed a rise in interest in the fruit Indian blackberry, also known as Jamun or Jambu in the native language. Despite being in regular use at household levels, fruit, and other parts of the plant, have been investigated for its nutritional, biochemical and health values only recently. Several studies, spanning over the last decade, have reported various attributes of the fruit, especially the pulp, as having significant roles in combating diabetes, inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), abdominal discomfort, infections and even cancer. These beneficial properties of Jamun are attributed to diverse arrays of bioactive anthocyanidins, polyphenols and ellagitannins- all of which are crucial plant secondary metabolites (PSMs). These PSMs have been correlated with the ferric reducing as well as ROS quenching activities, indicating antioxidant activity. Additionally, an important biochemical called jamboline also contributes to antioxidant activity as well as supposedly prevents solubilisation of starch in presence of sufficient glucose. Apart from being rich in important PSMs, the fruit itself is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and vitamins that further contribute to its taste and aroma. As such, the fruit has been explored for its potential in producing functional food and beverages through microbial fermentations, especially wines. The potential for fermentation depends on the fact that jamun contains roughly 15-16 % w/w fermentable sugar. This review systematically summarizes the benefits of Jamun and its use as a fermentation substrate. Additionally, the possibility of using Jamun in fermentation of functional beverages other than wine has also been explored.

Oily Wastewater Remediation using Polyurethane Sponges Coated with an Optimised Amount of Graphene Nanoplatelets

2025-06-16T08:48:09+07:00

Oily wastewater discharged into water bodies without proper treatment can endanger aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study explored an alternative method for treating oily wastewater using a graphene-nanoplatelet (GNP)-coated polyurethane (PU) sponge and reported its oil absorption performance. The PU sponge surface was modified by dip-coating it with 0 g, 0.5 g, 1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g, and 2.5 g GNP aqueous suspension to prepare a GNP-coated PU sponge. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated that the GNP successfully coated onto the PU sponge surface. The GNP coating conferred a selective absorption ability to the PU sponges, which significantly enhanced their hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. The use of 1 g GNP achieved the highest oil absorption, which was approximately 44 times the original PU sponge mass. The morphological analysis confirmed that the GNP event dispersion on the PU sponge surface was the main reason for the oil absorption being highest at 1 g GNP. The results suggested that 1 g GNP should be used for modifying PU sponge surfaces for treating oily wastewater. Furthermore, the results provided fundamental knowledge and information that can facilitate the design and development of a GNP- and PU sponge-based material for treating oily wastewater.

Increasing compound hot-rainfall extreme in Thailand during 1970-2022

2025-06-04T15:40:42+07:00

Compound extremes often result in larger impacts than individual events and have recently received increasing attention. Based on quality-controlled observed data and commonly used empirical-based statistical method, this study examined changes in compound hot-rainfall extreme (CHRE) and their possible contributing factors in Thailand during 1970-2022. Analysis reveals that heavy rainfall preceded by extremely hot weather within three days in Thailand exhibited widespread and significant increases and acceleration in recent years. The results show that increased global mean temperature (GMT) accounted for 66% of Thailand’s CHRE changes, while short-term variations in CHRE were significantly correlated (r_s =-0.40) with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Moreover, the effects of urbanisation tended to amplify occurrence of CHRE. Our findings highlight that natural-to-anthropogenic climate change and localized urbanisation processes have already expanded the range of climatic hazards in Thailand with their complex combination appearing to dynamically induce back-to-back occurrence of CHRE. Since increased frequency of weather extremes and compound events are expected under a warming world, detection and attribution studies are further required to gain insight of the physical processes and drivers of CHRE, to improve their risk assessment and to develop effective adaptation measures.

Antibacterial activity of calamansi, Citrofortunella macrocarpa, fruit waste extract against aquaculture pathogens

2025-07-24T13:12:43+07:00

Infectious diseases and multidrug-resistant microorganisms in global aquaculture have become major challenges in the industry that necessitate innovative solutions. This study investigated the antibacterial potential of Calamansi Citrofortunella macrocarpa fruit processing waste. The extracts were evaluated for their efficacy against known aquaculture pathogens, including Streptococcus agalactiae, Aeromonas veronii, Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Different drying methods (sun drying, dehydrator drying, oven drying) were used to obtain dried calamansi powder. The semi-solid extract was prepared via maceration with 95% ethanol. Extraction yields varied across drying techniques, with sun-dried samples yielding the highest (7%), oven-dried extracts at 6%, and dehydrator-dried samples the lowest (3%). Antibacterial activity was assessed via agar well diffusion, and potency was further confirmed by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Inhibition zones across pathogens ranged from 5.7 to 9.1 mm, compared to oxytetracycline as the positive control (14.6 mm). MIC assays revealed stronger antibacterial effects in sun-dried and dehydrator-derived extracts (256–512 mg/mL), while oven-dried extracts exhibited weaker activity (1024 mg/mL). Calamansi fruit waste emerges as a promising alternative for combating aquaculture pathogens, contributing to waste management and sustainable solutions. However, we show here that antimicrobial potential is significantly influenced by drying methods. Further research is crucial for identifying specific antibacterial compounds, optimizing application methods, and ensuring safety in aquaculture practices. This investigation contributes valuable knowledge for harnessing the antibacterial properties of calamansi waste in aquaculture, addressing the pressing concerns of infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.

Morphophysiological response of iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to rice hull biochar

2025-08-15T08:57:42+07:00

Global food insecurity necessitates innovative, localized solutions to improve agricultural resilience, particularly in sloped or marginal lands where conventional farming is limited. This study evaluated the morphophysiological response of iceberg lettuce to varying concentrations of rice hull biochar in a raised-bed system under highland agro-ecological conditions in the Philippines. A randomized complete block design with three replications was implemented, testing five treatments: conventional practice, raised-bed with growing media (RBGM), and RBGM amended with 5%, 10%, and 15% rice hull biochar. Morphological parameters, chlorophyll content, and yield components were measured across two cropping cycles. Statistical analysis revealed that biochar-amended systems significantly improved head size, plant vigor, chlorophyll content, and dry matter yield compared to the control. The 5% and 15% biochar treatments consistently outperformed the conventional and unamended systems, with the latter yielding the largest head sizes in the second cropping cycle, suggesting both immediate and residual effects. The findings underscore the potential of rice hull biochar as a cost-effective, sustainable amendment that enhances soil properties and crop productivity in household-scale gardening systems. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting biochar’s role in regenerative agriculture, especially for resource-constrained settings, and offers practical recommendations for strengthening food self-sufficiency through home-based production.

Effects of different doses of sports liniment with massage on changes of myoglobin among male Muay Thai fighters: A randomised cross-over pilot study

2025-09-04T14:22:32+07:00

The pre-training application of sports liniment, whose pungent smell is a common feature of Muay Thai gyms, is routinely used by male Thai Muay Thai fighters, yet little research has examined its physiological effects on intramuscular oxygen stores. This study investigated the impact of different dosages (1, 3, and 5 mL) of Namman Muay (NM) liniment compared to a control (Baby Oil) on myoglobin oxygen saturation (Mb%) in the Rectus femoris muscle, crucial for kicking techniques. To enhance liniment permeation, two mechanical methods were utilized: Tape Stripping (TS) and Massage (MG). In a randomized, cross-over design, twelve male Muay Thai fighters participated in TS on Day 1, followed by MG on Day 2, receiving randomly allocated NM dosages or the control. A Moxy monitor measured Mb% at baseline, 20 min, and 45 min post-intervention. The results revealed all NM dosages combined with MG led to significant increases in Mb% at 20 minutes post-application. Notably, the 5 mL dosage with MG sustained significant increases at both 20 and 45 min post-application, showing a 26% increase at 20 min (p < 0.001) and a 17% increase at 45 min compared to baseline. The 5 mL TS group also exhibited a significant 9.1% increase post-application at 20 min (p = 0.016). These findings suggest that a 5 mL dosage of NM, particularly when applied with massage, significantly enhances myoglobin oxygenation. This implies that a higher amount of NM could potentially benefit the performance of male Muay Thai fighters.

Hydrogel-forming microneedles with epigallocatechin gallate and 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenylboronic acid for antibacterial wound healing and drug release

2025-08-18T11:56:11+07:00

Wounds in diabetic patients represent a major therapeutic challenge, necessitating advanced treatment strategies with sustained drug delivery and infection control. This research introduces a hydrogel-based microneedle dressing incorporating epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenylboronic acid (HPBA), focusing on the crosslinking interactions that govern their structural, mechanical, and functional performance. Among the tested formulations, the hydrogel containing EGCG and HPBA in a 1:1 ratio exhibited the greatest swelling ability, which was likely due to its efficient capacity to retain water. Meanwhile, the HPBA-only hydrogel showed the lowest swelling ability due to its dense polymer network. The 1:1 formulation also exhibited superior mechanical strength and flexibility, enabled by efficient crosslinking that enhanced structural integrity. Drug release studies revealed that the EGCG-HPBA (1:2) hydrogel allowed for rapid initial drug release, while the 1:1 formulation provided a slower, sustained release profile, making it more suitable for controlled drug delivery. Moreover, EGCG demonstrated significant bactericidal activity toward E. coli and S. aureus, and this activity was retained upon integration with HPBA. The results demonstrate that the EGCG-HPBA (1:1) hydrogel microneedle system is a promising multifunctional dressing for chronic wound management, combining mechanical resilience, controlled drug release, and antibacterial efficacy.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of tomato extract (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice macrophage cells

2025-08-25T14:42:37+07:00

Inflammation is considered a common primary contributor to multiple diseases; therefore, anti-inflammatory agents are important to reduce the associated risks. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit extract systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) contains numerous bioactive compounds. Therefore, SLE potential as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were evaluated in this study. SLE was extracted using the maceration method. NO scavenging activity of SLE was analyzed using Griess reagent. Cytotoxicity was performed using the MTS assay. LPS was used to induce RAW264.7 cells in the inflammation model. ELISA was used to measure PGE-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β protein levels, while colorimetry was utilized to examine total protein levels in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with SLE concentrations of 4 and 20 μg/mL. From this study, the IC₅₀ value was found to be 33.70 μg/mL, indicating that SLE has potential as an antioxidant, while 66.67 μg/mL SLE showed the greatest NO scavenging activity. SLE (4 and 20 μg/mL) was a safe concentration based on cytotoxic assay. SLE 20 μg/mL significantly reduced PGE-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β protein levels at the inflammation cells model. SLE showed its potential as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.

Use of water hyacinth-based compost to improve the growth and biochemical properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa L.)

2025-08-28T15:20:28+07:00

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive aquatic weed that spreads rapidly and poses serious ecological threats to freshwater ecosystems. Converting this biomass into compost offers a sustainable solution for weed management and soil fertility improvement. This study evaluated the effects of water hyacinth-based (WH-based) compost on the growth and biochemical properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa L.). Lettuce plants were cultivated for 45 days in a planting medium composed of 70% (v/v) topsoil and 30% (v/v) coconut coir, amended with 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% (v/v) of WH-based compost. Two commercial soil media without compost served as controls. Growth and biochemical parameters were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and means were compared with Tukey’s HSD test at p < 0.05. The 10% compost treatment produced the highest growth parameters, with a plant length of 27.33 ± 1.53 cm, a root length of 18.33 ± 1.53 cm, a leaf number of 26.83 ± 0.76, a bush width of 28.00 ± 1.00 mm, a plant thickness of 19.23 ± 0.73 mm, a leaf weight of 98.29 ± 1.00 g, and a dry weight of 4.93 ± 0.03 g. Additionally, 10% compost significantly increased protein, carbohydrate, and reducing sugar contents. Overall, WH-based compost at appropriate ratios can effectively enhance lettuce growth and biochemical quality while providing an eco-friendly approach to the management water hyacinth biomass.

Potential effects of astaxanthin on the growth performance, survival, and colour brightness of Channa marulioides (Bleeker, 1851) in feed domestication

2025-08-28T10:04:50+07:00

The domestication of native fish species such as Channa marulioides requires dietary strategies that replicate natural feeding habits while fulfilling nutritional requirements. This study evaluated the effects of artificial pellets enriched with astaxanthin in combination with different natural feed additives on growth, survival, and pigmentation. Fish were reared for 100 days under four dietary treatments: T1 (maggot), T2 (tubifex), and T3 (dried shrimp), each supplemented with 100 mg/kg astaxanthin in commercial pellets, along with a control group receiving only commercial feed. Diet strongly influenced growth performance, with T3 yielding the best results. Fish in this treatment achieved an average weight gain of 89.76 g, a length increase of 10.15 cm, and a relative length gain of 94.32%. Feed conversion efficiency was also highest in T3 (FCR = 1.33), outperforming the other treatments. Carotenoid accumulation in epidermal scales and tail fins was greatest in T3, with values of 8.51 and 13.6 μg/g, respectively, which corresponded to improved colour brightness as measured by the Modified Toca Colour Finder (m-TCF). Survival exceeded 80% in all groups, with no significant differences observed. These findings suggest that dried shrimp combined with astaxanthin-supplemented pellets represents the most effective feeding strategy to enhance growth and pigmentation, thereby supporting domestication and large-scale aquaculture of C. marulioides.

Application of silicon improved rice productivity and reduced chalky rice

2025-10-15T09:29:29+07:00

Chalkiness, together with head rice, is an important indicator of rice appearance quality. Chalky grains are more brittle than translucent grains and tend to break easily during milling. Silicon (Si) is recognized as a beneficial element that supports plant growth and enhances crop performance, particularly in rice. This study investigated the effect of Si application on rice yield, yield components and grain quality, including chalkiness. The available Si content in soil was also quantified. A pot experiment was conducted under a net-house from 2017 to 2018 across two planting cycles using Malaysian rice varieties, MR 263 and MR 297 (officially declared as MARDI Siraj 297). Five Si application rates, which were 0 (Si0), 100 (Si100), 200 (Si200), 300 (Si300), 400 (Si400) kg/ha, were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results indicated that Si application significantly increased available Si in the soil, with Si300 and Si400 increased by up to 79.8% compared to the baseline. Yield components, including the number of panicles and percentage of filled grains, increased significantly, resulting in higher rice yield. The optimum Si rate for maximum rice yield (9.10 t/ha) was estimated at 247 kg/ha. Furthermore, Si application increased head rice yield, reduced the percentage of broken rice and chalkiness, and improved grain whiteness. Regardless of variety, chalkiness and broken rice decreased by 55% and 19%, respectively, from Si0 to Si400. In conclusion, Si fertilization effectively improved rice productivity and grain quality, particularly by reducing the percentages of chalkiness and broken rice.

KIT/PDGFRA mutations and their associations with clinicopathological parameters in gastrointestinal stromal tumors of Vietnamese patients

2025-10-22T16:47:33+07:00

The study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of KIT/PDGFRA alterations, and to analyze the relationship between gene changes and clinical/pathological characteristics of Vietnamese GIST patients. Cross-sectional research was performed on 177 cases with GIST tumor, which was diagnosed in K Hospital, Vietnam. Realtime PCR allows identifying KIT/PDGFRA mutations. The frequency of KIT and PDGFRA mutations were 60.5% and 13.6%, in turn. In GISTs, KIT and PDGFRA modifications were not co-existence. KIT, as well as KIT/PDGFRA, changes tend to be in smaller tumor sizes (p<0.05). Moreover, KIT mutations had more significant frequency in the stomach than in other sites (intestinal and outside the gastrointestinal tract). PDGFRA alterations tend to be common in low-risk classification (p=0.032). The results provide molecular profiling, including KIT and PDGFRA mutations, which orient targeted therapy for Vietnamese GISTs, in which KIT exon 11 mutations are the most sensitive to imatinib, in contrast, the PDGFRA exon 18 variants (D842V) are resistant to this TKI. Additionally, GIST patients carrying PDGFRA mutation can be a potential biomarker for predicting the risk of tumor classification in the Vietnamese population.

Microclonal success of avocado using different scions and clonal rootstock varieties

2025-09-30T14:42:39+07:00

This study explored the microclonal compatibility of various avocado clonal rootstocks and scion varieties, assessing their influence on growth parameters such as leaf production, chlorophyll content, stem length, and stem diameter. The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plots, focusing on different clonal rootstock and scion combinations. The results demonstrated significant interactions between the clonal stock and scion varieties, influencing key growth metrics. 'Hass' scions microcloned onto 'Purple' and 'Evergreen' clonal rootstocks produced 5.60 leaves each, showing superior growth. In terms of leaf area, 'Hass' scions microcloned onto 'Purple' clonal rootstocks had the largest leaf area of 36.11 cm², significantly higher than other combinations. The chlorophyll content (Soil Plant Analysis Development [SPAD] values) was highest when 'Hass' scions were microcloned onto 'Purple' clonal rootstocks, yielding a 35.82 SPAD values. The highest stem length (6.02 cm) was observed in ‘Hass’ scion microcloned on ‘Evergreen’ clonal rootstock, while the biggest stem diameter (0.300 cm) was observed in ‘Evergreen’ scion microcloned onto ‘Purple’ clonal rootstock. These findings suggest that the pairing of 'Hass' microclone on 'Purple' clonal rootstock, can optimize early plant growth, leaf production, and plant health, and significantly impacts plant vigor. Further research may be conducted to monitor long-term plant health and refine microcloning techniques for improved avocado cultivation.

Optimization of γ-aminobutyric acid production by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from Vietnamese fermented pork (nem chua) using central composite design

2025-08-28T09:57:37+07:00

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) capable of biosynthesizing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have attracted increasing interest due to their status as safe microorganisms in food preservation and processing. In this study, GABA content was quantified using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and optimal fermentation conditions, including initial concentrations of monosodium glutamate (MSG), Tween 80, and pH, were modeled using response surface methodology (RSM). The results indicated that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum can produce GABA at a concentration of 1.533 mg/mL after 72 h of fermentation at 37ºC in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth supplemented with 1% MSG at pH 5.0. RSM analysis using central composite design (CCD) demonstrated that the maximum GABA production of 1.911 mg/mL was achieved in an optimized MRS medium with an initial pH of 4.97, supplemented with 59.72 g/L of MSG and 2.05 g/L of Tween 80.

Green extraction and characterization of Durian (Durio zibethinus Murray cv. ‘Puyat’) rind pectin

2025-09-17T09:40:34+07:00

The durian industry generates a significant amount of waste. In this study, durian rind was used for the extraction of pectin using citric acid. Extraction temperature was varied at 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C. The optimum extraction was 90°C, with a yield of 27.99%. The moisture and ash content of durian rind pectin were 10.45% and 4.43%, respectively, which are within the limit set by the International Pectin Producers Association. A low Water Activity (Aw) (0.57%) means it is shelf-stable. Pectin was characterized in terms of equivalent weight and methoxy content which were 412.39 g/mol and 8.26%, respectively. The anhydrouronic acid content of 89.56% indicates a high-purity pectin. Its 52.35% degree of esterification classifies it as high methoxyl. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra had characteristic peaks at 3493.48, 3288.57 and 2957.56, and 1712.35 cm^-1 corresponding, respectively, to –OH, –CH, and C=O, which was comparable to commercial pectin. The findings of this study align with the SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production by reducing waste generation through the valorization of agricultural waste products.

Phosphate adsorption from home industry laundry wastewater in Indonesia using teak wood-based activated carbon

2025-08-28T09:53:05+07:00

Laundry activities significantly contribute to water pollution due to the high phosphate content in detergents. When released into the environment, phosphates can cause eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates the potential of teak wood dust (Tectona grandis) as a low-cost and sustainable precursor for producing activated carbon to reduce phosphate levels in laundry wastewater. Activated carbon was prepared through chemical activation with H₃PO₄, which enhances porosity, surface area, and form oxygen-containing functional groups that promote phosphate adsorption. The produced activated carbon was characterized by determining its moisture content, ash content, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum to identify functional groups. The adsorption was performed in batch mode with variations in adsorbent mass (1, 3, and 5 g) and contact time (90-180 min). The objectives were to assess the effectiveness of teak wood dust-based activated carbon, determine the optimal conditions, and analyze adsorption kinetics. Results showed that teak wood dust-derived activated carbon effectively reduced phosphate concentrations below the standard limit. The highest adsorption efficiency occurred with 5 g of adsorbent and a 90-min contact time, while longer times decreased efficiency. The adsorption followed a zero-order kinetic model (R² = 0.965), indicating a nearly constant rate. These findings demonstrate that teak wood dust-based activated carbon provides an efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable solution for treating phosphate-rich laundry wastewater.