Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology

In Vitro anticandidal efficiency of newly synthesized zinc oxide/chitosan/vancomycin nanocomposite using Bacillus Licheniformis compared to fluconazole

Mohamed I Abou-Dobara, Zakaria AM Baka, Shimaa M El-Salamony, Mohamed M El-Zahed — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The zinc oxide/chitosan nanocomposite functionalized with vancomycin (ZnO/CS/VA), which acts as a novel anticandidal modifier, was prepared using an environmentally friendly technique. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were biosynthesized using Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 4527 and then linked to chitosan (CS) and vancomycin (VA) through a green chemical method. Several methods were utilized to characterize the prepared nanocomposite. UV-Vis spectroscopy results indicated an absorption peak at 348 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analyses demonstrated that the material matrix of the nanocomposite included ZnO NPs and various active groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the ZnO/CS/VA nanocomposite was spherical-shaped with a size range of 56-80 nm. The anticandidal effect of ZnO/CS/VA, used as a modifier to enhance antimicrobial activity, was tested against Candida albicans ATCC 10231. ZnO/CS/VA exhibited significant anticandidal activity in the agar well-diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) compared to the standard drug fluconazole. As the ZnO/CS/VA dose and the anticandidal inhibition increased, the antimicrobial activity became reliant on the nanocomposite dose. Five μg/mL was enough to cause complete biocidal action against Candida albicans, while 25 μg/mL of fluconazole was required. TEM micrographs of ZnO/CS/VA-treated Candida albicans showed various malformations and distortions in cell structure, including damage to the cell wall and the presence of vacuoles, indicating its potent antimicrobial effects. The results suggest that the combination of zinc oxide/chitosan nanocomposite and vancomycin could serve as an effective biomaterial for antifungal treatment and other medical applications.

Influence of hydroponic solution based foliar application on yield and quality of mung bean microgreens

Eaknarin Ruangrak, Paweena Hassama, Nang Myint Phyu Sin Htwe — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the impact of various foliar nutrient solutions on the yield and quality of mung bean microgreens to identify the most effective formulation for enhancing growth and nutritional content. The experiment was carried out comparing four modified hydroponic foliar nutrient solutions (NSI): NSI, NSI+MSG (monosodium glutamate), NSI+U (urea) and NSI+AS (ammonium sulphate), alongside a distilled water (DW) control on plant growth and pigment, nitrogen, protein and amino acid composition. Results indicated that NSI treatment significantly improved fresh weight while NSI+MSG showed no significant from NSI and DW. Moreover, NSI+MSG and NSI+AS treatments yielded the highest chlorophyll A and B contents, enhancing nutritional value. Carotenoid contents increased notably with the NSI+AS, NSI+MSG, and NSI+U treatments. The study found significant variations in nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium content, with safe nitrate contents maintained across all treatments. Protein content was highest in the NSI and NSI+MSG treatments, highlighting their potential to enhance microgreen nutritional quality. Essential amino acids such as tyrosine and tryptophan were present across treatments, with phenylalanine detected only in NSI and NSI+MSG. Cysteine was not detected in NSI; only mung bean microgreens treated with NSI+MSG synthesized all four amino acids. In conclusion, NSI+MSG emerges as a promising foliar nutrient solution for optimizing both yield and quality of mung bean microgreens. These findings underscore the importance of tailored nutrient management in microgreen production, offering insights for sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives.

Potential of Royal jelly as antioxidant and antibacterial on Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis for toothpaste formulation

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Inadequate care can cause oral health issues, leading to harmful bacteria–fungi interactions. Natural compounds, such as royal jelly, which is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, may help reduce the risk of such problems. This study investigated the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of royal jelly, particularly its 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) component, in preventing oral diseases. Royal jelly was evaluated through antioxidant assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS); nitric oxide (NO); and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging tests, as well as antimicrobial assays using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion methods. The antioxidant activity values were 107.67 ± 0.12 µg/mL DPPH, 234.63 ± 0.41 µg/mL (ABTS), 158.61 ± 0.25 µg/mL NO, and 210.24 ± 0.23 µg/mL H2O2. Disc diffusion tests showed inhibition against C. albicans (57.79%), P. gingivalis (56.64%), and S. mutans (53.00%). These findings indicate that royal jelly is a promising candidate for toothpaste formulation due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of recycled Al film label /LLDPE composites

Siriwan naknoy , Pollawat Charoeythornkhajhornchai, Yanisa Laoong-u-thai — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Plastic waste contaminated with aluminum film, particularly metallized film, was recognized as a severe environmental issue because it could not decompose naturally, leading to a long-lasting environmental presence with heavy metal contaminants. Therefore, effective management was required to address this problem. This study aimed to recycle metallized film into new materials to maximize its reusability by using linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) incorporated with metallized film at 5, 7.5, and 10 phr. The morphology, thermal properties, and thermal degradation of aluminum (Al) film were investigated. The results showed that the addition of aluminum film into the LLDPE matrix slightly increased the melting point due to the effect of the third polymer component and the presence of aluminum particles in the blend. The melt flow index (MFI) of LLDPE with 5, 7.5, and 10 phr aluminum film significantly decreased because the aluminum particles restricted molecular chain mobility, resulting in lower flowability. Furthermore, phase separation of the polymer was observed after the addition of aluminum film into the LLDPE matrix. In addition, the mechanical property results showed that the tensile strength and modulus decreased, whereas the elasticity increased due to the presence of the Al film layer within the LLDPE matrix.

Nutrient enrichment of food waste compost using agricultural residues

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Food waste (FW) management is a critical global challenge due to its environmental and economic impacts. Composting provides a sustainable recycling pathway but FW alone often requires supplementation with carbon-rich residues to balance moisture and enhance compost quality. This study investigated the effects of co-composting FW with dried coffee grounds, soybean meal (SM), banana peel, and light rubber wood ash (LA) in different proportions (0–20% w/w) for 14 days in foam box systems. The objective was to identify the additive and concentration that most effectively improved the nutrient composition of the obtained compost. Results showed that agricultural residues significantly increased macronutrient levels. In particular, 20% SM yielded the compost with the highest nutrient concentrations, with total N, P₂O₅, and K₂O reaching 3.39%, 1.77%, and 2.89% (w/w), respectively, compared with 1.51%, 0.93%, and 0.61% (w/w) in the control. LA enhanced compost alkalinity and K₂O content. These findings demonstrate that SM and LA are promising additives for producing a nutrient-rich compost from FW that could contribute to sustainable waste management and the development of high-quality organic fertilizers.

Electro-oxidation of glycerol on CoNiBi supported on carbon cloth in alkaline media

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Toward the development of non-noble metal electrocatalysts for the valorization of glycerol, the effect of the addition of Bi on Co-Ni electrocatalysts supported on carbon cloth (CC) for the electro-oxidation of glycerol (EOG) was investigated. The CoNiBi/CC electrocatalysts were prepared via an electroless deposition method and characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their electrochemical activity was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The effect of the Bi (NO3)3 concentration in the electroless bath on the EOG performance was studied, finding that CoNiBi/CC prepared using 6 mM Bi (NO3)3 (CoNiBi_6/CC) provided higher current density and lower onset potential than other electrocatalysts. The effect of applied potentials on the formation of products was also investigated. The analysis of the liquid products using high-performance liquid chromatography showed that formic acid (FA) was obtained as the main product along with oxalic acid as a minor product. The highest rate of FA formation was 772.95 mol cm−2 h−1 at 0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl after 2 h of reaction, and the highest selectivity for FA was 77.5% at 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Overall, the CoNiBi/CC electrocatalyst is a promising and cost-effective alternative for the electrochemical valorization of glycerol into value-added chemicals.

Quality comparison of vermicompost generated from chicken waste, rice straw, and melastoma weed using Perionyx and Lumbricus earthworms

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Vermicompost is commonly used as a source of plant nutrients in sustainable agriculture. Several studies have shown that its quality is primarily determined by the substrate type and earthworm species involved, as both factors directly influence the nutrient composition. Therefore, this study aims to determine the yield and quality of vermicompost derived from chicken waste, rice straw, and Melastoma biomass using Lumbricus rubellus and Perionyx excavatus earthworms. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 2 factors was used, namely substrate type (chicken waste, rice straw, and Melastoma) and earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus and Perionyx excavatus), with each treatment combination replicated 3 times. Vermicomposting process was carried out for 8 weeks at room temperature, with moisture maintained as needed. After incubation, vermicompost was sieved and analyzed for nutrient content and yield. The results revealed that vermicompost derived from chicken waste had the highest content of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and copper (Cu), while Melastoma-based vermicompost exhibited the highest total nitrogen (N) and the lowest C/N ratio. However, no significant differences were observed in organic carbon (C), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) across the different substrates. Lumbricus rubellus and Perionyx excavatus produced comparable vermicompost yields, pH levels, and nutrient content, suggesting similar productivity. These results emphasize that the yield and quality of vermicompost are strongly influenced by substrate type, indicating its significance in promoting sustainable agriculture.

Influence of maturity stage and storage duration on the physicochemical properties and eating quality of Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata D.C.)

Tam. T. T. Dang, Ngoc. T. A. Tong — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) is notable for its rich vitamin C and phenolic content, both of which are significantly influenced by the fruit’s maturity stage and tend to decline during storage. This study evaluated the physicochemical and bioactive attributes of Barbados cherry at different maturity stages—unripe, half-ripe, and ripe—and during the preservation period to determine changes in fruit quality. The results indicated that the highest amounts of vitamin C (100 mg/g) and total phenolic content (TPC, 90 mg GAE/g) were found in unripe fruit, while half-ripe and ripe fruits exhibited higher protein, carotenoid, and sugar contents. During storage, half-ripe Barbados cherry stored at 12 ± 2 °C maintained superior physical and nutritional quality, retaining vitamin C (57.15 mg/g), TPC (51.46 mg GAE/g), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, 29.45 mg TE/g) after six days. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among vitamin C, TPC, and DPPH, suggesting coordinated degradation of antioxidant compounds during preservation. These findings emphasize that harvesting Barbados cherry at the half-ripe stage and storing it under moderate refrigeration effectively maintains both nutritional and sensory qualities, providing practical recommendations for postharvest handling and short-term commercialization.

Water transport in Thai glutinous rice during soaking: investigation using 1H-NMR relaxation

Nattawoot Maleelai, Wiwat Youngdee, Nath Saowadee — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Glutinous rice requires a longer soaking time than other rice cultivars. In this study, water transport in Thai glutinous rice RD6 was compared with that in the non-glutinous cultivars Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML) and Chai Nat 1 (CN1) using time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance. The amylose and amylopectin percentages of the three rice cultivars were measured to study their potential links to the water absorption of the rice, which was measured after soaking for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h. CN1 became saturated with water within 1 h, whereas RD6 and KDML became saturated after about 2 h. Glutinous rice RD6 absorbed the greatest amount of water, whereas CN1 absorbed the least. The amount of water absorbed was inversely related to the amylose percentage of the three cultivars. A smaller amount of amylose in the amylopectin structure may provide more space to absorb water. The rate of water absorption of RD6 and CN1 was considered to have been greatest in the first half hour of soaking, where their free-water peaks dominated the T2 spectra. Most of the absorbed water of the three rice cultivars was in the loosely bound state, corresponding to the water in the amorphous growth shells of granules. The physically bound water peak of RD6 gradually shifted to a higher T2 value with increasing soaking time, indicating that the molecular mobility of water increases with soaking time.

Bioactive Cosmetic Potential of SCOBY-Fermented Mango Leaf Extract: Antioxidant, Photoprotective, and Wound Healing Properties

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Traditionally produced from tea and sugar using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), Kombucha is a fermented beverage that has recently been expanded to include variety of plant-based substrates for cosmetic purposes. Mangiferin, tannins, and gallic acid derivatives, which have antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, are abundant in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves, a byproduct of mango farming. This study investigated the antioxidant, UV-protective potentials, and wound-healing of mango leaf kombucha for cosmeceutical use. The study involved four main stages; mango leaf extraction, fermentation, product standardization, and pharmacological evaluation. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified, and bioactive constituents were identified using UPLC–MS. Total phenolic (29.1 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (9.14 ± 0.07 mg QE/g) contents were substantially higher in the fermented product than in the infusion (19.6 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g and 7.59 ± 0.03 mg QE/g, respectively). Nineteen bioactive compounds, including xanthones, flavonoids, and benzophenones, were detected. Mango leaf kombucha outperformed the infusion in terms of antioxidant activity (IC50 = 14 µg/mL vs. 24 µg/mL), UV protection (SPF 22.76 ± 0.68), and wound-healing efficacy (98.85% ± 1.34). These results demonstrate the potential of mango leaf kombucha as a natural component in cosmeceutical formulations aimed at photoprotection and skin restoration.

Sand-Based Thermal Storage for Building Heating Applications: A District Energy Case Study

David Milner , Kathryn Hinkelman , Jeffery Gifford , Wangda Zuo, Zhiwen Ma — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Buildings account for 40% of global energy consumption and contribute to 30% of global carbon emissions. As energy from renewable sources increases in availability and building designers push for increased electrification, thermal energy storage (TES) systems will play a crucial role in extending the usable time horizon of renewable energy. While water, molten salt, and phase change materials are typically used for building TES heating applications, silica-sand has emerged as an alternative medium for concentrated solar power applications due to its low cost, wide availability, and comparable system efficiency. This paper proposes a new silica-sand particle-based TES system for building heating applications. In this work, a novel steam plant for district heating applications is first designed to utilize silica-sand TES, which can be used for different district energy systems. To demonstrate the silica-sand TES plant performance, the design is modelled in Modelica based on a case study on the University of Colorado Boulder’s campus. The simulation results show that the sand TES plant is more costly to operate than a gas-boiler based plant due to the low cost of natural gas, while the site EUI and carbon intensity can be improved. This novel system shows initial promise as a low-carbon alternative to conventional natural gas steam boilers but will require further modelling and follow-up research to improve its energy efficiency. An eventual rise in natural gas prices, and reduction of electricity prices, could improve the economic viability of this system.

Comparison among the use of hydrocolloids to obtain texture-modified Riceberry rice porridge fortified with bio-calcium and fish protein hydrolysate from salmon (Salmo salar) frame for elderly with Dysphagia

Pakanun Charoensri, Kongkarn Kijroongrojana, Sineenath Sukkwai — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The effect of different types and concentrations of hydrocolloids (xanthan gum (XG) at 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%, guar gum (GG) at 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%, and modified tapioca starch (MS) at 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5%) on rheological properties of the protein hydrolysate and bio-calcium fortified Riceberry rice porridges for elderly with dysphagia was investigated. Rheological properties of porridges were as dependent on types and concentrations of the thickener, except MS. The flow behavior index (n) of all porridges was less than 1.0 which was shear thinning behavior. Increasing gum-thickener concentrations in porridges increased both apparent viscosities at a shear rate of 50 s-1 and consistency coefficient (K). Both XG and GG at the similar concentrations gave a similarly steady viscosity. Moreover, the viscosity at the shear point of these samples was obviously higher than that of the control (p<0.05). Nevertheless, the addition of MS had no effects on viscosity, K or n values of the porridges (p≥0.05). Riceberry Rice porridges with XG and GG at levels of 0.25-0.75% were classified by the National Dysphagia Diet Task Force; NDD (US standard) as having a Honey-like consistency. While those with MS at levels of 1.0-1.5% had a nectar-like consistency in the similar range of the control sample (no hydrocolloids). Acceptance tests among elderly participants (n = 50) showed that porridge containing 0.25% XG, 0.25% GG, and 1.0% MS achieved the highest scores across all attributes, with liking scores ranging from 7.12–7.86, 6.94–7.64, and 6.42–7.38, respectively, depending on the hydrocolloids.

Accelerating Paper Waste Decomposition in Home Composting, Promoting Sustainable Resource Circulation

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The increase in global consumption has led to a significant increase in the amount of paper waste, one of the major components of municipal solid waste. As a cellulose-based material, paper can undergo biological degradation through composting. In this study, the biodegradation of five commercial paper-based packaging materials in a home composting system under ambient conditions was evaluated. Test samples (2.5 × 2.5 cm) were composted with synthetic organic waste from three microbial sources: dairy cow manure (DCM), microbial activator super LDD1 (LDD1), and photosynthetic bacteria (PSB). The results indicate that LDD1 and PSB, combined with DCM, significantly accelerated degradation, achieving visible decomposition within 2 weeks. However, nonbiodegradable plastic coatings on paper food boxes hindered complete degradation. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed progressive fiber decomposition, while germination index values exceeding 60% indicated compost maturity. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of paper waste biodegradation, thus informing waste management strategies and promoting sustainable organic waste treatment.