The Science Letters (ScL) (ISSN: 1675-7785, e-ISSN: 2682-8626) is is a double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access, and biannually online-published (January and June) international journal for the complete coverage of all topics in science and technology-related areas. Science Letters aims to be recognized as an important forum for researchers from academic and private arenas to exchange the latest results from research, especially in science and technology, in a broad sense, both original papers and reviews. PUBLICATION IS FREE OF CHARGE. ScL is indexed in Google Scholar, MyJurnal and MyCite. Please visit our official website at https://scilett-fsg.uitm.edu.my/. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT MANUSCRIPT
Influence of Agar and Konjac on the Quality and Stability of Coffea liberica–Infused Marshmallows
This study investigated the physicochemical effects of incorporating agar and konjac powders into Coffea liberica–infused marshmallows as alternatives to gelatin, addressing dietary preferences such as halal and vegan requirements. Various analyses, including total phenolic content (TPC), texture profile, color, moisture content, water activity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were conducted during storage. Results showed that marshmallows containing Coffea liberica had higher TPC, with MKAC exhibiting the highest value (0.8740 mg GAE/g) compared to the gelatin control (0.2294 mg GAE/g). Texture profile parameters, including hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience, increased consistently across all formulations during six days of storage. Color analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.977) between hydrocolloid b* values and marshmallow lightness (L*). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in moisture content, whereas water activity showed no significant variation (p > 0.05) throughout storage. SEM analysis distinguished hydrocolloid-based samples by differences in surface roughness, smoothness, and pore distribution. Overall, agar and konjac powders, together with Coffea liberica, significantly influenced the physicochemical properties of marshmallows, offering potential as plant-based alternatives for the confectionery industry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aisya Azlee, Eng Keng Seow https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Degradation Kinetics and Antioxidant Capacity Study of Suji Leaves Extract (Dracaena angustifolia)
Synthetic colorants, prized for their diverse colors, homogeneity, and cost-effectiveness, are highly stable under various environmental conditions. Despite these advantages, health concerns have fueled a growing interest in natural alternatives. This study employs Dracaena angustifolia, a pigment-rich plant that produces green extracts suitable for food. The study aimed to determine the stability of Suji leaf extracts through degradation kinetics analysis and assess the physicochemical properties over four weeks. Optimal conditions for colorant stability were identified based on the concept of degradation kinetic concept, which measures absorbance at different pH levels and temperatures. The physicochemical properties studied over four-weekend the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic, color in color, and chlo, prophyll content for both Suji leaves exleaf (Dracaena angustifolia) and synthetic powder colourantcolorantse four weeks, an inverse relationship was observed between the DPPH scavenging effect and total phenolic content. A decrease in total phenolic content and an increase in IC50 values in the Suji leaf extract suggested a potential weakening of its antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the Suji leaves extract exhibited significantly higher chlorophyll content but lower color intensity and stability than synthetic powder, positively correlating with total phenolic content. The degradation kinetics study revealed that Suji leaf extract was the most stable at pH 7.0 and 4°C. In contrast, the synthetic powder colorants showed optimal stability at pH 4.5 and 40°C. These findings and in-depth research underscore the potential of Suji leaf extract as a stable and natural colourant, particularly in the food industry, replacing synthetic powder colorants.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rumaisya Yasmin Mohd Nazri, Adi Md Sikin , Wan Saidatul Syida Wan Kamarudin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Enhancing Xylitol Production Via Recombinant Escherichia coli: A Box-Behnken Design Approach
To enhance xylitol production while addressing the inefficiencies of conventional methods, this study explores the use of genetically modified Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Utilizing glucose as the primary substrate, this research capitalizes on the metabolic versatility of E. coli to convert glucose, a readily available and cost-effective sugar, into xylitol. This process harnesses the potential of microbial synthesis for xylitol, a sugar alcohol significant for its dental health benefits and non-caloric nature. Production process optimization was conducted through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) integrated with a Box-Behnken Design (BBD). This approach facilitated the systematic evaluation of three key culture conditions: post-induction temperature (36.2°C), pH (7.2), and agitation rate (184.1 rpm). The optimization resulted in a substantial 2.7-fold increase in xylitol concentration, achieving up to 1.60 g/L. The model's effectiveness was validated by a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9847), emphasizing the predictive accuracy and robustness of the experimental design. This study demonstrates an economically and environmentally sustainable method for xylitol production. It advances the field of microbial engineering, underscoring the critical role of integrating advanced genetic modifications with process optimization for efficient biochemical production.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iffah Nazihah Mustaffa, Zanariah Hashim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Optimal Effective Carrier Barrier Height of the AlGaN-based Deep-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode through the Wedge-shaped Electron Blocking Layer
This work demonstrates the enhancement of luminescence intensity of aluminium gallium nitride (AlGaN)-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diode (DUV-LED) via the wedge-shaped electron blocking layer (W-EBL). The AlGaN-based DUV-LED suffers from low luminescence intensity emitted by the device due to electron overflow and minimal hole injection. Utilising the W-EBL in the epitaxy layers with an optimal effective barrier height structure can reduce the overflowing electron and increase the transportation of hole into the active region. The increment in confinement of carrier in the multiple quantum well (MQW) increased the radiative recombination rates and boosted the luminescence intensity of the DUV-LED by 48%.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Amirul Hairol Aman, Nurul Fathinah Azrisham, Ahmad Nadzimuddin Nazmi, Ahmad Fakhrurrazi Ahmad Noorden https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Adsorption Behavior During Decolorization of Crude Glycerin Solution
Crude glycerin, a by-product of the transesterification of oleochemicals, undergoes several processes to recover glycerine, which is commercially used in many daily personal care products. Crude glycerin is typically brown due to the solution's presence of lignin, tannin, and organic matter. This study uses sewage sludge as an adsorbent to decolorize crude glycerin through an adsorption process. Initially, the crude glycerin and the prepared adsorbent will be characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional groups, color concentration with UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and particle size distribution using a Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). The adsorption behavior was elucidated at different agitation speeds (62.5 rpm, 125 rpm, and 250 rpm), adsorbent dosages (10 g/L, 20 g/L, and 30 g/L), and particle sizes of the adsorbent (100 microns, 200 microns, and 300 microns). The color intensity before and after adsorption was analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, and the absorbance was used to determine the percentage of color removal. The findings showed that the optimum color removal from crude glycerin was achieved at 125 rpm agitation speed, 30 g/L adsorbent dosage, and 100 microns of adsorbent particle size, with 33.4%, 40.8%, and 40.2% of removal, respectively. At a 125 rpm agitation speed, the Langmuir isotherm fit the experimental data with KL­­​ and qmax values of 0.0028 L/mg and 8.25 mg/g, respectively. The Freundlich isotherm could describe the adsorption process at 30 g/L adsorbent dosage with KF and 1/n values of 0.142 mg/g and 0.135, respectively. Additionally, the experimental findings using 100 microns of adsorbent fit well with the Langmuir isotherm, with KL​ and qmax​ values of 0.057 L/mg and 0.246 mg/g, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 Indok Nurul Hasyimah Mohd Amin, Nursyakirah Ahmad Suhaimi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Self-Healing Natural Rubber (NR) Based on Zinc Diacrylate (ZDA) Networks
Rubber product waste has an impact on the environment that goes beyond landfills. Due to the long degradation phase of rubber materials, improper disposal can lead to the release of potentially hazardous substances and environmental pollution. Self-healing offers an alternative to investing in environmentally manufactured products to reduce these harmful environmental effects. Zinc diacrylate was grafted into natural rubber as a self-healing substance. This study aimed to examine the effect of zinc diacrylate, as a self-healing agent, on the properties of zinc diacrylate grafted natural rubber. The tensile properties of the cured rubber were tested before and after the healing process to determine the healing efficiency of the zinc diacrylate grafted natural rubber, and it achieved 72% healing efficiency. The crosslink density test findings indicate that the covalent crosslink density increased with increasing zinc diacrylate content. In contrast, the ionic crosslinking increased with increasing zinc diacrylate content until it reached a maximum value at NR/10ZDA and decreased at 20 phr of zinc diacrylate. Covalent and reversible ionic interactions were present in NR/10ZDA and NR/20ZDA. FESEM images corroborated the results, showing that NR with 10 phr of zinc diacrylate had the best tensile strength, elongation at break, and self-healing ability. The fractured contact surface of NR/10 ZDA revealed no discernible gap, indicative of a highly effective self-repairing process. This study demonstrates zinc diacrylate’s potential as a self-healing agent that could render a new era of ecologically friendly rubber goods.
Zainathul Akhmar Salim Abdul Salim Abdul Salim
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Fatihah Ismadi, Nurul Aizan Mohd Zaini, Dalina Samsudin, Faiezah Hashim, Zainathul Akhmar Salim Abdul Salim Abdul Salim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Mobile Application for Stunting Recognition Education Using Video-Based Learning Method
Stunting is a nutritional problem in Indonesia that negatively impacts children's capacity for growth and development. The importance of stunting education in Indonesia is highly emphasized because stunting is very prevalent in Indonesia. The observation activities found that many parents did not know about the use of stunting applications, and 98 children experienced stunting. This research aims to design mobile android-based stunting learning media using material sources taken from stunting books and journals. The learning media concept is created in the form of video-based learning. The waterfall research model includes requirements, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. The testing carried out in this research consisted of black box testing, and software functionality was able to run well and was declared successful. In contrast, for material testing, after being calculated on a Likert scale, the result was 96,9% and got an excellent score, same as learning media testing, which reached a mark of 94,8% and got an excellent score, same integrated healthcare center (posyandu) mothers for user testing. It received a score of 95.8% based on the results, which concluded that the testing of this application was excellent and was used as a learning medium for parents to understand stunting.
Copyright (c) 2025 Khoirunnisa Larasati, Faisal Reza Pradhana, Dihin Muriyatmoko, Muhammad Alwi Yusron, Lulu’ Luthfiyah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Comparison of Dimensional Accuracy and Surface Quality of 3D Printed Parts from Various Slicing Software and Infill Patterns
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is a subcategory of Additive Manufacturing (AM). FFF is also widely used in 3D printing technology with the globally known AM. To accommodate the rapid growth, numerous research studies and developments have contributed to the significant achievement of FFF. For example, many slicing software applications are available to provide better-quality printed parts. The purpose of slicing software is to instruct the 3D printer to perform operations. Therefore, selecting the best slicing software among various options is crucial. In this article, a comparative study of dimensional accuracy and surface quality of 3D printed parts from various slicing software (Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, and CraftWare Pro) and infill patterns (line, grid, and gyroid) was conducted. Dimensional accuracy was measured based on the dimensional error recorded by the printed parts to the designed dimension. Meanwhile, the surface quality was measured based on the surface roughness value recorded from the printed parts. The lowest surface roughness was suggested as a better surface quality product. From the study conducted, it can be concluded that Ultimaker Cura produced better dimensional accuracy compared to PrusaSlicer and CraftWare Pro. In addition, the infill pattern did not affect the dimensional accuracy of the produced part. In contrast, the infill pattern affected the slicing software selection for surface quality. A line pattern using CraftWare Pro is recommended to produce better surface quality. Meanwhile, Ultimaker Cura is ideal for generating grid infill patterns, whereas PrusaSlicer is recommended for gyroid infill patterns.
Copyright (c) 2025 Normariah Che Maideen, Koay Mei Hyie, Nor Azirah Mohd Fohimi, Nor Suhada Abdullah, Lyvanrick Slyvaris Jumly, Shuib Sahudin, Hamid Yusoff https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Simulation of AlGaN-based DUV-LED with The Variation of Step Al-graded QWs Configuration
Analysis of aluminum composition grading is presented to enhance the efficiency of AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs). The optical performance of LEDs with varying quantum well (QW) thickness and aluminum composition grading were examined through drift-diffusion simulations. All LEDs featured step-graded QWs from 0.43 to 0.45 aluminum composition and have a total QW thickness of 3 nm, with thickness variations occurring at different aluminum composition gradings. Compared to LEDs with 0.5 nm and 1 nm QW thickness at an aluminum composition grading of 0.43, the LED with 1.5 nm demonstrated a high internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 53.06%. The LED emitted at 283.327 nm. This design mitigated polarization effects, enhanced carrier injection efficiency, and improved carrier transport within QWs. This, in turn, increased the radiative recombination rates and luminescence intensity of the LEDs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Wan Nur Amierha Wan Ibrahim, Faris Azim Ahmad Fajri, Mohammad Amirul Hairol Aman, Ahmad Fakhrurrazi Ahmad Noorden https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-Based Classification of Photocatalytic Dye Degradation Utilizing MATLAB
This study applied MATLAB-based artificial neural network (ANN) methods to predict photocatalytic dye degradation. Standard experimental techniques need help to capture process complexity, hindering accurate predictions. Leveraging machine learning, specifically ANN, and optimal design and input variables, this research overcame challenges to create a prediction model. Real-life data were used to evaluate the model's accuracy, offering valuable insights into effective and affordable wastewater treatment approaches. The Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm wasemployed in this study's ANN architecture and was well-suited to non-linear regression problems. Experimental data on photocatalytic dye degradation were used as real-life data that serve as the basis for evaluating the accuracy and performance of the prediction model. The results showed that the ANN models performed well, with R2 values ranging from 0.9917 to 0.99814 in training, validation, and testing for the selected structure (3-10-1) predictions for photocatalytic dye degradation. This study successfully developed a highly accurate ANN model for predictingphotocatalytic dye degradation during wastewater treatment, demonstrating machine learning’s promising potential for optimizing such environmental processes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohd Arif Effandi Samawi, Mohd Fadhil Majnis, Mohd Azam Mohd Adnan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Unveiling Polypropylene's Repetitive Recycling Potential at High Temperatures
Polypropylene (PP) is renowned for its lightweight, chemical stability, hygienic properties, and low cost, making it a valuable material in many applications. However, improper disposal of PP presents significant environmental hazards. One of the efforts made to reduce plastic pollution is through recycling. The semi-crystalline behavior of PP is prone to degradation in its mechanical performance, especially when the plastic undergoes a high-temperature reheating process. This study investigated the degradation limits of recycled PP produced from injection molding from the 15th to 19th cycles at two different temperatures, namely 220 °C and 240 °C. A comparison of the tensile and bending properties of the recycled product was made for these two temperatures to determine the maximum limit of PP degradation. When recycling began at the 15th cycle, there was a significant reduction in tensile and bending properties compared to the original PP. Subsequently, the degradation rate was relatively slow from the 15th to the 19th cycles. As the recycling temperature increased, it was found that the degradation of yield strength became more severe. The decrease in bending strength could be more pronounced with the effect of temperature. The color transformation of recycled PP, resulting from the chain scission effect, contributed to the deterioration of its mechanical properties. Thus, industrial users must consider the down-cycling resilience to extend PP recycling beyond 15 cycles.
Copyright (c) 2025 Koay Mei Hyie, Nor Suhada Abdullah, Hamid Yusoff, Normariah Che Maideen, Nor Azirah Fohimi, Mohd Hidayat Wajdi Abu Seman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Phytochemistry, Cytoprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Myrmecodia platytyrea Ethyl Acetate Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 Cells
Inflammation is a hallmark pathology for many diseases, including cancer, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration. Myrmecodia platytyrea(Rubiaceae), an epiphytic plant native to Southeast Asia, Australasia, and Papua Island, has been investigated for its ethnomedicinal applications. However, the potential effects of ethyl acetate extract from M. platytyrea against inflammation are yet to be widely studied. This present study sought to evaluate the phytochemical components of M. platytyrea ethyl acetate extract and investigate its cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects on RAW 264.7 cells. Phytochemical screening was performed based on standard qualitative tests, while the IC50 value of the extract in RAW 264.7 cells was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Subsequently, RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated with various extract concentrations (2, 4, and 8 µg/mL) and induced with 1 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. The effect of the extract on cell viability and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured using MTT and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Phytochemical screening identified the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phytosterols in the extract. The extract displayed moderate cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells, with an IC50 value of 61.53 ± 1.26 μg/mL. It protected RAW 264.7 cells against LPS-induced cell growth inhibition and significantly reduced TNF-α levels dose-dependently. As a result, this study demonstrated the potential of M. platytyrea as a natural source for developing a therapeutic agent for inflammation-related diseases.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aisyah Jaafar, Aisyah Hasyila Jahidin, Fazleen Haslinda Mohd Hatta, Nurul Alimah Abdul Nasir, Mizaton Hazizul Hasan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Optimizing Garlic Oil Extraction: A Comparison of Microwave Heating and Traditional Drying Method
Pre-treatment, such as drying, is important in producing high-quality essential oil from plants. Due to a lack of pre-processing treatment, heavy losses are incurred in terms of both the quality and quantity of garlic oil. These losses could be attributed to respiration, transpiration, or microbiological spoilage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of oven drying and microwave heating on the oil yield of garlic. The nutraceutical industry is currently keen on obtaining garlic extracts using mild extraction processes to recover high levels of labile allicin. Therefore, the oil is extracted using a modern method, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). In this study, MAE was conducted to determine the optimum extraction conditions, including extraction time and sample-to-solvent ratio, to achieve the highest yield of garlic oil. MAE can significantly reduce extraction time and solvent consumption compared to conventional methods such as solvent extraction and maceration. Based on the results obtained, garlic heated using a microwave yielded a higher oil yield than oven-dried garlic, with percentages of 11.18% and 6.78%, respectively. The best extraction time using MAE was found to be 20 minutes, and the optimal sample-to-solvent ratio was 1:1.5. Moreover, the efficiency of extraction obtained from microwave-heated garlic exceeded that of oven-dried garlic, with percentages of 31.94% and 12.91%, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 Syahril Ishmir Hasim, Sitinoor Adeib Idris https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Condition Based Monitoring of Railway Tracks using Metal Magnetic Memory (MMM)
This paper presents condition-based monitoring of railway tracks using Metal Magnetic Memory (MMM). Railway tracks face extreme conditions due to the effects of speed and high temperatures caused by train wheels. The focus was on inspecting the rail tracks to detect defects and wear. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques are needed for early detection of failures, especially in stress concentration zones, particularly to detect micro-cracks and fatigue damage. Conventional rail track inspection methods are visual, and there needs to be more automated equipment. Most NDT techniques struggle to maintain a constant distance between the sensor and the rail surface under real conditions. This study assesses the effectiveness of Metal Magnetic Memory (MMM) technology in determining locations with high magnetic stress, which would be prone to rail material deformation. MMM data was collected on new and used rail tracks to evaluate its capability to detect locations with higher magnetic stress. The comparative results demonstrated that MMM can effectively detect locations with high magnetic stress on used rail tracks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohd Arif Mat Norman, Syed Mahathir Al-Attas, Mazian Mohammad, Jamaluddin Mahmud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Ground Point Removal From 3D Point Cloud Using 3d Ransac Based on Normal Vector
Capturing objects in the real world using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is challenging due to the existence of ground points. The ground point tends to reduce the performance of computer vision-related tasks such as object recognition, detection, segmentation, and classification. This paper proposes a ground removal method for 3D Point Cloud using Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC). RANSAC algorithm effectively removes ground points on normal vector-based 3D points cloud objects. RANSAC fits data models containing significant inliers. By selecting the coordinate points, followed by calculating plane equation coefficients using normal vectors, removal is done by calculating each point's distance from the ground plane and identifying inliers based on a specified threshold. This analysis shows that the RANSAC algorithm effectively removes ground points.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Rifqi, Dihin Muriyatmoko, Oddy Virgantara Putra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from Ramadan bazaar in Kuching, Sarawak
E. coli contamination is not in compliance with food safety international standards. As such, this study assessed the occurrence of E. coli contamination. The study also investigated multiple antibiotic resistance indices among E. coli isolates. A total of 194 food samples from six categories (beverages, sweet cakes, cooked meat/fish, cooked rice, cooked vegetables, and noodles) were analyzed to determine the E. coli count using a standard method. The results showed that 20% of the samples were contaminated with E. coli. Cooked rice showed the highest mean value of 3.785 ± 0.000 Log CFU/g. While noodles (2.344 ± 0.791 Log CFU/g) and beverages (2.002± 0.504 Log CFU/ml) have shown the most unsatisfactory level of E. coli among food categories. The multiple antibiotic resistance index of E. coli isolates in this study ranged from 0.12 to 0.59, and ampicillin showed the most resistance antibiotics. E. coli indicates the lack of good food handlers and hygiene practices, whereby consuming contaminated food may pose a risk of food poisoning.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Azyla Azmi, Sharifah Aminah Syed Mohamad; Abu Muslim Ahmad; Najihah Mohd Sani, Siti Roha Ab Mutalib, Fazdlina Sapee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
A Comprehensive Review: Assessing Crumb Rubber Integration in Bitumen for Road Construction
This review paper investigates the effectiveness of Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB) in the construction of roads, with an emphasis on its potential to enhance pavement quality and contribute to environmental sustainability. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of integrating crumb rubber, obtained from used tires, into bitumen. This addresses the rising issue of tyre waste and improves the structural integrity and durability of road surfaces. The research undertaken by numerous experts emphasizes the importance of high-quality pavements in ensuring stable, smooth, and safe pavement surfaces. Conventional pavements frequently deteriorate rapidly due to traffic loads and temperature fluctuations. However, adding CR to bitumen has been demonstrated to greatly reduce these concerns by increasing pavement durability and serviceability, prolonging its lifespan, and lowering maintenance requirements. The review summarizes results from multiple studies, emphasizing that CRMB consistently exhibits a higher softening point and lower penetration values compared to conventional bitumen. The wet mixing process for CRMB preparation involves heating bitumen and integrating CR at high temperatures to produce a homogeneous mixture. When combined with penetration and softening point testing, this procedure illustrates the increased stiffness and temperature resistance provided by CR. Based on the results gathered, CRMB substantially improves the properties of bitumen, thereby establishing the substance as a feasible alternative for upgrading the longevity and effectiveness of road infrastructure. The paper emphasizes the need for additional research to balance rigidity and flexibility in CRMB to accommodate diverse climatic challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Najihah Mad Rosni, Noor Syafiqah Mohd Sabri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Tensile and Morphological Properties of Biodegradable Composites Reinforced with Kenaf Core Fibres
The combination of biodegradable polymers and affordable organic fillers has demonstrated efficacy in the production of economically viable composites, serving as a means to tackle environmental concerns and create products with enhanced mechanical characteristics. Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a high ductility and low crystallinity polymer. In the present research work, kenaf core reinforced composites were prepared via melt blending method using completely biodegradable PBAT. A polymer composite reinforced with 10wt %, 20wt %, and 30wt % amounts of kenaf core has been prepared and characterized for its tensile and morphological properties. The modulus of elasticity of all composites exhibited a higher value compared to the neat polymer, with the extent of improvement being dependent on the proportion of kenaf core incorporated. The PBAT composite with 30wt% kenaf core had a favorable modulus of elasticity, measuring 585 MPa. Morphological interpretation through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals improved interaction and interfacial adhesion between PBAT and kenaf core. The distribution of the kenaf core inside the PBAT blend was uniform and consistent. The results reported in the present work support the idea that the above-mentioned natural fibers can be used as filler material to obtain environmentally friendly polymer composites with improved properties.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhamad Haikal Hamdan, Siti Noorbaini Sarmin, Triana Harmini, Oddy Virgantara Putra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
A 3D Point Cloud Human Body Parts Segmentation Using U- Net Based on Spherical Projection
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has become crucial in human activity recognition. LiDAR reflects and receives laser beams from humans, including surrounding objects, visualizing the reflected results as a 3D Point Cloud. This often faces challenges like object shape variations and noise that can cause overlap, hindering segmentation and object recognition accuracy. The spherical projection approach is used to address these issues. This paper proposes a spherical projection for the segmentation approach, which comes as an answer. The methodology employed in the study focuses on effectively partitioning data derived from LiDAR technology, leveraging a unique spherical projection technique. This innovative approach involves the transformation of a three-dimensional Point Cloud into a two-dimensional projection, facilitating more efficient segmentation processes. Integrating U-Net, a deep learning model recognized for its prowess in image segmentation tasks, aims to enhance the accuracy and precision of delineating human body parts from LiDAR-generated data. The proposed method contributes to advancing the segmentation technique field and highlights the potential applications of U-Net in LiDAR data preprocessing. The model achieved an accuracy of 99.74% and Intersection Over Union (IoU) results of 87.92%.
Copyright (c) 2024 Hanafie Rizal Fathoni, Triana Harmini, Oddy Virgantara Putra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Protective Effects of Baeckea frutescens Leaves Ethanolic Extract Against Cisplatin-induced Cell Death in Liver Cells
Cisplatin is a cytotoxic drug that is commonly used to treat bladder, ovarian and testicular cancer. While treatment using cisplatin is effective, its potential hepatotoxic effects require careful monitoring and management. Adjuvants may help mitigate these effects by protecting liver cells through the antioxidant property, thereby improving the overall treatment outcome. This study investigated the potential of Baeckea frutescens leaves ethanolic extract, to mitigate cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. Using the human liver cancer cell line HEP-G2 as an in vitro model, the cytoprotective effects of B. frutescens extract was evaluated against cisplatin-induced cell death. The extract was co-administered with cisplatin, and cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. The results demonstrate that B. frutescens extract significantly protected HEP-G2 cells from cisplatin-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner ranging from 6.25 to 100 µg/ml against 10 µM cisplatin. This protective effect is likely attributed to the antioxidant properties of the extract, which can scavenge ROS and reduce oxidative stress. These findings suggest the potential of B. frutescens to be developed as adjuvant therapy to ameliorate cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, thereby improving the therapeutic index of Cisplatin. Importantly, further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this protective effect and to evaluate its efficacy in vivo.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurhanani Ayub, Siti Nur Munirah Ismail, Salfarina Ramli, Richard Johari James, Mohammad Zulfadhly Jan Jam, Hasseri Halim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Harnessing Biofilms: Unlocking the Potential of Lignocellulose for Sustainable Bioethanol Production
Bioethanol is a promising renewable energy source with the potential to reduce global reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Lignocellulose, a complex and abundant biomass composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, represents a sustainable feedstock for bioethanol production due to its widespread availability and non-competition with food resources. However, the efficient conversion of lignocellulose to bioethanol faces challenges, including the recalcitrance of its structure and the need for effective pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation processes. This review critically evaluates the role of microbial biofilms in enhancing lignocellulose-to-bioethanol conversion. It explores the potential of biofilms in improving pretreatment efficiency, facilitating enzymatic hydrolysis, and optimizing fermentation processes. Additionally, the review highlights the application of biofilms in enzyme immobilization and bioreactor design, emphasizing their ability to enhance process stability, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging the unique properties of biofilms, this review provides insights into advancing bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anati Abd Rashid Syaida, Mohd Taufiq Mat Jalil, Mohd Fakharul Zaman Raja Yahya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Antibacterial Activity of Probiotics Isolated from Commercialized Yogurt Against Pathogenic Bacteria
Probiotics have garnered considerable attention as potential agents for inhibiting pathogenic bacteria due to their beneficial effects on gut health and immune modulation. The study aimed to identify probiotic strains with significant antibacterial potential that could be used as natural alternatives to traditional antibiotics. The antibacterial activity of cell-free supernatant (CFS) and cell lysate (CL) of both LAB isolates against skin and food-borne bacteria was observed via disc diffusion assay where the inhibition zone sizes range from 8.5 ± 0.15 mm to 12.0 ± 0.82 mm in diameter. The standard broth dilution was performed to estimate the MIC and MBC values for both isolates, which exhibited 25-50 g/mL values against Gram-positive bacteria, while against Gram-negative bacteria, the values range between 12.5-100 µg/mL. Only the CL of both isolates exhibited bactericidal effects on the tested bacteria with a ratio ≤ 4. This study's inhibitory effects and results have proven the presence of antibacterial composition in commercial yoghurt as a natural agent that can inhibit the growth of common skin and food-borne pathogenic bacteria. As the issue of antibiotic resistance continues to grow, this study offers promising implications for developing alternative, sustainable antibacterial interventions to safeguard public health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Husna Auni Mohamad Zawawi, Nurul Aili Zakaria, Syarifah Ab Rashid, Mohd Fakharul Zaman Raja Yahya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Microbial Dysbiosis and Immune–Barrier Interactions in Atopic Dermatitis: A Review
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease characterised by immune dysregulation, skin barrier dysfunction, and microbial imbalance, which collectively contribute to a substantial global health burden. Epidemiological evidence shows increasing prevalence worldwide, with pronounced rises in urbanised Asian populations and early childhood. Advances in molecular and multi-omics approaches have transformed skin microbiome research, revealing consistent patterns of reduced microbial diversity and dominance of Staphylococcus aureus, alongside complex interactions with protective commensals such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. These microbial shifts exacerbate type 2 immune responses and barrier disruption, establishing a self-perpetuating cycle of chronic inflammation. Advances in molecular and multi-omics approaches have enhanced understanding of AD heterogeneity, linking genetic factors, skin barrier impairment, and immune–microbiome interactions to disease pathogenesis. This review summarises current insights into the role of the microbiome in AD, emphasising host–microbe interactions, geographic and ethnic differences, and novel therapeutic opportunities targeting microbial modulation. Future progress requires harmonised, multicentre, longitudinal studies that integrate immunological, genetic, microbial, and barrier-related data to unravel AD complexity. Such approaches will enable precision medicine strategies and robust evaluation of novel interventions, addressing a critical need for effective and tailored therapies across diverse populations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Ain Mohd Noor, Nur Najibah Yusra Sulaiman, Siong Meng Lim, Kalavathy Ramasamy, Muhamad Fareez Ismail https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Phytochemical Analysis of Volatile Compounds from Two Varieties of Leucaena Leucocephala (Taramba and Wondergraze) Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Method
Leucaena leucocephala var. Taramba and Wondergraze, leguminous trees native to Central America, have excellent potential as a fodder crop for livestock. The volatile constituents of L. leucocephala varieties Taramba and Wondergraze from Malaysia have not yet been reported. This information is crucial for understanding the value of this species. In this study, the volatile constituents of the methanolic extract of L. leucocephala (var. Taramba and Wondergraze) fresh leaves were determined, as well as those after being ensiled for 30 days. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyse volatile compounds in fresh and ensiled samples, identifying over 20 volatile compounds. The volatile compounds of both Taramba and Wondergraze varieties showed different patterns, such as α-tocopherol and thiophene, while β-amyrin and campesterol were only present in Wondergraze and Taramba, respectively. However, the main constituents, such as n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecadienoic acid, and β-sitosterol, were similar. In the ensiled samples, we observed the disappearance of some volatile compounds present in the fresh sample and the identification of additional volatile compounds, such as linoelaidic acid and α-tocospiro B. Additionally, these results revealed that some volatile compounds in the Taramba and Wondergraze varieties have been shown to possess various important biological activities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Firstca Aulia Rachma, Agustono Wibowo, Nurain Aziman, Norizan Ahmat, Iswan Budy Suyub, Suhaidi Ariffin, Neni Kartini Che Mohd Ramli, Megat Ahmad Kamal Megat Hanafiah, Mohd Nazrul Hisham Daud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Detection of five mycotoxins in cocoa bean and its products with QuEChERS Method using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.
Cocoa beans are essential for various food and beverage products, necessitating imports due to high demand. A validated analytical method for simultaneously detecting ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) in cocoa was developed using the QuEChERS technique. The analysis was performed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in positive MRM mode. Results showed strong linearity (correlation coefficients > 0.999), with detection limits for mycotoxins between 0.11 and 0.99 µg/kg and quantification limits from 0.34 to 2.99 µg/kg. The average recovery rates ranged from 73.4% to 103.5%, with RSDs between 8.2% and 31.5%. This method is sensitive, accurate, and reliable for mycotoxin detection in cocoa products.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amira Syafiqah Harith, Muhammad Isfaiz Iskandar, Badrul Hisyam Zainudin, Aznie Aida Ahmad, Suzannah Sharif, Zaidah Zainal Ariffin, Muhd Fauzi Safian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Antibiofilm and antibacterial properties of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus from the oral microbiome
The human oral microbiome plays an important role in balancing beneficial and harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity. Certain oral bacteria are known to produce substances that inhibit the formation of microbial biofilm and growth of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The oral microbiome of the Malaysian population is largely uncharacterized, and there is very little information on its diversity and potential as a source of probiotics or antibiofilm and antibacterial metabolites. The objectives of this study are to characterize the taxonomic composition of the oral microbiome in selected healthy Malaysian subjects; and to assess the capacity of bacterial isolates from oral microbiome to produce antibiofilm and antibacterial compounds. Metagenomic sequencing showed that the oral microbiome includes predominantly bacteria from the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria while Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Phorphyromonas and Fusobacterium are the most represented genera Altogether, 117 bacterial cultures were successfully isolated from these microbiomes, where 14 (12.0%) isolates inhibited Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 35984) biofilm formation at maturation stage with highest activity observed at 94.8%. Twelve (10.3%) isolates displayed antibacterial activity with the highest activity observed against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) at 76.9%, followed by Bacillus subtilis (ATCC6633) at 56.6%; but no activities were observed against E. coli (ATCC 25922) or S. aureus (ATCC 25923). Identification via 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the majority of the oral bacterial isolates displaying the antibiofilm and/or antibacterial activities were Streptococcus salivarius followed by strains of S. aureus. Two of these isolates, SA78 and SA10, produced both antibiofilm and antibacterial activities and were identified to be S. salivarus suggesting the potential of this species in treating oral infections and improving dental health. Understanding the oral microbiome composition and using resident beneficial bacterial species as oral probiotics may provide a novel strategy for addressing oral diseases.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Hasanah Dawis, Muhammad Danish Mohd Nazli, Nik Airin Syazlin Azhan Azhan, Mohd Shafiq Aazmi, Aziyah Abd Aziz, Mohammad Faiz Foong Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Mass-Spectrometry Phytochemical Profiling of Etlingera coccinea (Blume) S. Sakai & Nagam from Sabah
Etlingera coccinea (Blume) S. Sakai & Nagam is classified in the genus of the Etlingera (Zingiberaceae). Locally known as ‘tuhau’ in Sabah, it is used as traditional remedy such as to cure food poisoning, stomachache as well as condiment in cooking. Previous studies on the genus Etlingera have focused on its phytochemical compounds and biological activities. However, mass-spectrometric profiling of crude extracts has not been reported. In this research, E. coccinea stalks were taken from two different localities: Ranau and Tambunan areas to determine their chemical profiles. Each of locations have three types of crude fractions: n-hexane, chloroform and methanol. The phytochemical screening for both locations show the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins. Through thorough chemical profiling, the library of Liquid Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis results showing 10 and 8 known metabolites found in Ranau methanolic, and chloroform extracts respectively. While for Tambunan methanolic and extracts were 8 and 4 known metabolites found. Additionally, Gas Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified of n-hexane extracts from Ranau and Tambunan reported 15 and 9 known metabolites respectively. All identified phytochemical compounds have their own potential application such as antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. The roles could serve as a basis for further exploration of the chemical composition as well as the biological activities of E. coccinea.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurfateen Helmy Abdellah Nazeer, Julenah Ag Nuddin, Fatimah Salim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Determination of Macronutrients and Trace Elements in Potential Nickel Hyperaccumulators from Ultramafic Areas in Sabah using Atomic Spectroscopic Analysis
Hyperaccumulators species are widely distributed on ultramafic lands where it is capable to accumulate extremely high concentration of metalloids such as Ni, Co and Mn in the above-ground parts without showing any signs of toxicity. However, related information on identified hyperaccumulators from Sabah such as elemental distribution is insufficient due to lack of fundamental studies. The aim of this study is to contemplate hypernickelophores as tropical metal crop candidate for sustainable metal farming and environmental cleanup through evaluation of macronutrients and trace elements such as Na, Ca, K, Ni, Co and Mn in identified hyperaccumulators using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). 8 species of previously identified hyperaccumulating plants (Psychotria sarmentosa, Glochidion sp. ‘bambangan’, Rinorea, bengalensis, Rinorea javanica, Actephila alenbakeri, Walsura pinnata, Xylosma luzonensis and Mischocarpus sundaicus were collected from serpentinite area in Kinabalu Park for this study. 4 hypernickelophores which are G. sp. ‘bambangan’, R. bengalensis, R. javanica and P. sarmentosa were found with the accumulation of Ni as much as 10 784 mg/kg, 13 196 mg/kg, 13 780 mg/kg and 17 085 mg/kg, respectively. These findings suggest that these species hold promise for phytoremediation and phytoextraction in Malaysia, particularly in regions with ultramafic soils. Therefore, further study on G. sp. ‘bambangan’ should be carried out as it is an undescribed taxon which is endemic to Sabah. Apart from that, it is crucial to determine the most suitable agronomic practices for the hypernickelophore so the metal bioavailabilty can be increased. Therefore, it can be utilized in the application of metal farming which is a novel mineral extraction technology.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Syafiqah Salim, Julenah Ag Nuddin, Matsain Md Buang, Sukaibin Sumail, Antony van der Ent, Echevvaria Guillaume https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Potential of Local Microalgae Isolates in Biotechnological Applications
Microalgae biofilms have emerged as a promising candidate in biotechnology, including enhancing biomass production for various applications and as an efficient alternative to conventional wastewater treatment. This study explores the potential of local microalgae in reducing pollutants in wastewater by sequestering nitrogen and phosphorus while generating biomass that can be used for human food and animal feed. Local microalgal isolates are known to have potential in offering cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable nutrient removal while enabling resource recovery and minimizing ecological risks in wastewater treatment. A total of eight microalgal biofilm samples were successfully isolated and preliminary identified. Three were from the Chlorophyta group, one was Cyanobacteria while the other belonged to the Ochrophyta group. Highest biomass yield was produced by isolate MA12 at a 90.0% increase in wet weight mg/L, followed by 76.9% and 70.0% by MA22 and MA19, respectively. When grown in synthetic wastewater for seven days, the highest reduction in TN was observed in MA18 at 43.5% while MA7 showed a remarkable performance of 95.0% of reduction of TP. Integrating microalgae biofilms into wastewater treatment systems can thus enhance pollutant removal and contribute to the circular economy by converting waste into valuable bioproducts. This study highlights the novelty of using local microalgae isolates both in environmental protection and resource recovery, paving the way for their implementation in sustainable wastewater management practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nik Airin Syazlin Azhan, Mohammad Faiz Foong Abdullah, Umi Marshida Abd Hamid, Norashirene Mohamad Jamil, Aziyah Abdul-Aziz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Unmasking Microplastic Pollution: A Study on the Distribution and Impact of Microplastics in Yuehai Lake, China
The increasing use of plastics has led to a significant environmental challenge: microplastic (MP) pollution, which poses threats to aquatic ecosystems and human well-being. Freshwater habitats, including lakes, are particularly vulnerable to such contamination. This study investigates the characteristics and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in Yuehai Lake, China. Water samples were collected from five locations and analyzed using laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy to assess MP presence and concentration. MPs were detected at all sampling sites. The highest concentration, exceeding 1400 particles/L, was recorded at S5 (Lijing Street), while S1 (Yuehai Fishing Base), a site primarily used for fishing activities, recorded a concentration of 1100 particles/L. MP fragments were the predominant form (63.36%), followed by fibers (33.22%) and films (3.42%). Seventeen polymer types were identified, with fluororubber (FKM) being the most common (22.80%), followed by fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ, 16.90%), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE, 13.58%), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 10.10%). The composition and morphology of MPs suggest automobile tire contamination as a primary source. Over 90% of the MPs detected were small-sized particles (20–100 μm). The Pollution Load Index (PLI) confirmed MP contamination at all sites. These findings provide essential insights to support governmental initiatives in environmental protection, policy development, and public awareness, contributing to improved ecological health and sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jia Ren, YiChao Li, Yuwen Wang, Huifang Yang, Faeiza Buyong https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0