Current Research on Biosciences and Biotechnology

Effects of brewing conditions and organoleptic assessment of cascara from Coffea arabica L.

2024-09-01T06:05:08+00:00

The conversion of coffee cherries into coffee beans results in notable by-products, particularly coffee pulp. This by-product, such as cascara, has the potential for further valorisation to produce bioproducts with economic value, possessing high levels of antioxidants and ascorbic acid. This study aimed to determine the optimize variations in brewing conditions of Arabica (Coffea arabica L.) cascara on antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid. This study encompassed three brewing conditions, including temperature (80, 85, 90, and 95 °C), time (2, 4, 6, and 8 min), and volume (100, 150, 200, and 250 mL). The results revealed that the optimal brewing conditions in terms of antioxidant activity in Arabica cascara were brewing at a temperature of 90 °C for 2 min, using 100 mL of water while in terms of ascorbic acid content were brewing at a temperature of 80 °C for 8 min, using 250 mL of water. Subsequently, organoleptic assessments were conducted using brewing at a temperature of 90 °C for 2 min, using 200 mL of water with the mass ratio of cascara to herbal extracts (4:1, 4:2, and 4:3) including mint leaf, lychee, strawberry, and raspberry extracts. The preferred formulation for Arabica cascara tea involves brewing with a 4:1 mass ratio of cascara to mint leaf based on taste, aroma, and color. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimal brewing conditions for Arabica cascara on maximizing the antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid, and the inclusion of herbal extracts enhances its overall preference among panellists.

Potential antidepressant activity of n-hexane extract from old Areca catechu Nut by reducing depressive-like state in Swiss albino male mice

2024-09-01T06:05:08+00:00

Depression is a psychological disorder caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters that can be managed with antidepressants. One of the local plants with the potential as an antidepressant is areca nut. However, its’ antidepressant effects in nonpolar solvents have not been studied recently. Equipping the extract to animals sub-chronically could mimic the clinical antidepressant treatment. Thus, the current investigation studied the antidepressant action of the hexane extract of old areca nut by utilizing acute and sub-chronic FST. This research started with extracted areca nut using n-hexane and continued with phytochemical tests. During FST, the animals were treated with n-hexane extract (50 and 100 mg/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), and saline (0.1 mL/20 g). The phytochemical test of the extract showed positive results from the content of secondary metabolites, namely saponins and steroids. n-Hexane extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg gave the best action in decreasing the immobility period. After sub-chronic medication, the secondary metabolites of the extract did not induce any toxic effects. This study’s findings imply that depression may be treated with conventional medicine, such as old areca nut extract.

High performance liquid chromatography assessment of antibiotic residues in poultry and fish feeds in Bangladesh

2024-09-01T06:05:08+00:00

The extensive use of antibiotics in animal feed in Bangladesh raises concerns in commercial poultry and fish feeds, posing risks of antibiotic resistance in the food chain. This study aimed to critically examine feed safety and quality by assessing tetracyclines (oxytetracycline, tetracycline, and chlortetracycline) and amoxicillin in commercially produced poultry and fish feeds. Fifteen feed samples from different areas in Dhaka and Gazipur were collected and subjected to extraction and analysis with a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection (PDA) method. The HPLC method was validated for linearity (R²>0.999), accuracy, and precision, limit of detection or LOD (0.72 to 1.77 µgkg^-1) and limit of quantification or LOQ (1.77 to 3.69 µgkg^-1), meeting European Union and Codex Alimentarius Commission standards. Matrix-matched calibration curves for each antibiotic in poultry and fish feeds exhibited excellent linearity. The sensitivity of the HPLC system was demonstrated through low LOD and LOQ. Results indicated moisture content 6.58-11.22% in poultry feeds and 6.58-11.02% in fish feeds, while ash content 4.42-12.83% in poultry feeds and 4.94-8.23% in fish feeds. Antibiotics were found to be below detection limits in all feed samples, suggesting their absence or levels below the maximum residue limits established by regulatory bodies. The study highlights the importance of monitoring antibiotics in feed to ensure food safety and mitigate antibiotic resistance risks. Further research on a larger scale is recommended to validate these findings and contribute to the development of robust regulatory frameworks for antibiotic use in animal feed production in Bangladesh.

A Brief Review of the Global and Indonesian Diagnostic Development for Sexual Transmitted Diseases

2024-09-01T06:05:09+00:00

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases with a high prevalence rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1 million STDs are transmitted every day, those diseases are chlamydia, syphillis, trichomoniasis, ghonorroea, and virus caused diseases (hepatitis B virus, immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus). Early and accurate examination and detection are important to help with the healing and control of these diseases. One of the examination methods that could be used is using the laboratory diagnostic methods which contribute to 40% to 60% of the process of diagnosing a disease. Thus, early detection not only helps control the spread of STDs but also facilitates the healing process. However, in Indonesia there are obstacles in the examination of diseases due to several factors, such as inadequate surveillance system and limited examination facilities, so that most people are undiagnosed. Therefore, this review will discuss in more depth the development of diagnostics for sexually transmitted diseases in Indonesia and globally. Global development in diagnostics is very broad and diverse, in which many diagnostic techniques has already been established. The development of diagnostic techniques has progressed rapidly from simplex assays to multiplex and also computerized assays. Diagnostic techniques in Indonesia has also developed and some of the local kits have already been in the market showing that Indonesia is already moving towards production of local diagnostics.

Unlocking copper flotation efficiency: the interaction of Citrobacter sp. strain SKC-4 with chalcopyrite concentrate as a potential eco-friendly reagent alternative

2024-09-01T06:05:09+00:00

This research explores the viability of bioflotation as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical reagents in processing copper sulfide ores. It primarily focuses on the interactions between bacterial cells and chalcopyrite concentrate. A key objective is to identify bacterial strains suitable for use as bioflotation reagents. The study specifically examines the interaction between Citrobacter sp. strain SKC-4, a bacterium native to sulfur-rich environments, and chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) concentrates over a 30-day period. This bacterium is known for its ability to produce biosurfactants and oxidize iron and sulfur, making it an ideal candidate for various roles in bioflotation, such as biocollectors, biodepressants, and biofrothers. Experimental setups involved mixing chalcopyrite concentrates (-200+325 mesh, 25% w/v) with the bacterial strain (10% v/v) in modified LB media under aerobic conditions with constant shaking. Periodic sampling facilitated subsequent analyses. Results indicated biosurfactant production by the bacteria, as evidenced by the detection of hydroxyl (OH) groups, amine (NH) groups, and glycosidic bonds (C-O-C), along with the identification of hydrophilic C=O groups through FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analysis, suggesting the presence of biodepressant, biocollector, and biofrother properties. Surface tension measurements consistently showed values below that of water (71 mN/m), supporting the biosurfactants' potential as flotation biofrothers and biocollectors. These findings suggest that employing Citrobacter sp. strain SKC-4 could substantially reduce the environmental impact of using chemical reagents in the flotation process. This study not only proposes a sustainable substitute for traditional flotation reagents but also demonstrates the potential of bioflotation to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of copper sulfide ore processing. The adoption of microorganisms as bioflotation reagents could transform the mineral processing industry by minimizing chemical use and environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable mining practices.

Isolation of α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitor from titanus (Leea aequata L.)

2024-09-01T06:05:10+00:00

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. Indonesia was ranked fourth globally, with over 12 million people suffering from diabetes. Natural-based drugs can be an alternative for treating diabetes with fewer side effects and are expected to be more economical than conventional drugs. One of the plant families used to reduce blood glucose levels is the Vitaceae family. One of the Vitaceae species currently used for traditional medicine is Leea aequata. This study aimed to isolate active compounds with α-glucosidase inhibitor activity from titanus plant. This study began with collecting leaf, fruit, and stem samples from titanus plants that grow in North Sumatra. The extraction method used was maceration using ethanol 96%. The isolation stage started with fractionation, followed by purification with column chromatography, in which TLC monitored for each process. α-glucosidase in testing was carried out on extracts, fractions, and isolates using a reagent Multiscan microplate reader at 400 nm. Compound identification was done using spectrodensitometry and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The IC₅₀ value of the ethyl acetate fraction (2.4±0.02 µg/mL) was higher than the ethanol extract (8.96 ± 0.44 µg/mL), n-hexane fraction (21±0.61 µg/mL), and water fraction (16.96 ± 0.38 µg/mL), so it was continued to the isolation stage. The isolated compound was characterized as 3,3′,4′,5,7-Pentahydroxyflavone 3-rhamnoside (quercitrin) with the IC₅₀ was 12.25 ± 0.2 µg/mL.