The Rajabhat Universities (มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏ, RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Ratchaphat) mean normal universities in Thailand.They were formerly called Rajabhat Institutes and originally formed the teachers college system. In 2005, King Bhumibol Adulyadej collectively elevated them to be universities. Many provinces have one—there are 38 total—and they are generally easier to gain admission to than the public universities (formerly the government universities). Most Rajabhat Universities offer graduate degrees, some even to the doctoral level. Enrollments have been shrinking. As of 2018[update], students numbered 540,000, down from 600,000.These institutions are equivalent to British polytechnics that have become universities. They face a similar challenge of matching the prestige of older institutions. They were conferred the royal word Rajabhat to possibly shield them from criticism and help raise their status..
Proteins from the bran of Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice at two maturity stages, green (GB) and fully ripe (RB), were extracted using single and sequential enzyme-assisted processes. Non-enzymatic extraction (control), α-amylase (AA), protease (PT), and two sequential treatments (AA-PT and PT-AA) were applied to defatted bran to evaluate their effects on protein yield, structural attributes, and functional properties. Protease-based extractions, particularly PT, produced the highest protein contents (28% in GB and 23% in RB) and significantly improved solubility, water- and oil-holding capacities, and foaming performance. GB extracts consistently outperformed RB across all functional and antioxidant measurements, indicating greater extractability and bioactive potential in green rice bran. Enzymatic hydrolysis also enhanced phenolic and flavonoid release, leading to markedly higher DPPH and FRAP activities. SDS-PAGE profiles demonstrated reduced band complexity and lower-molecular-weight protein in enzymatically treated samples, while FTIR spectra confirmed secondary structural modifications associated with hydrolysis. Overall, protease and sequential assisted extractions provide an efficient and sustainable approach to improving rice bran protein recovery and functionality. These findings highlight green rice bran as a promising source of high-value plant proteins for food and nutraceutical applications.
Watermeal (Wolffia globosa) is a nutrient-dense aquatic plant receiving increasing attention as a sustainable plant-based protein source due to its protein content and bioactive compounds. This study investigated the effects of two thermal processes, namely boiling and autoclaving, on the amino acid composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive compound and antioxidant activities of a watermeal extract (WME). Boiling markedly increased essential amino acids (45.4 to 79.9 mg/100 mL), particularly valine, methionine, and phenylalanine. Sweet-related amino acids remained predominant, although bitterness-associated amino acids also increased slightly after heating. Both processes lowered the pH and lightness but enhanced total soluble solids and protein content, with boiled samples showing the highest protein content (176 mg/100 mL), followed by autoclaved and raw samples. The total phenolic content nearly tripled after boiling, increasing from 236 to 635 & micro;g GAE/mL (2.7-fold), while total flavonoid content increased by 2.5-fold. DPPH radical scavenging activity increased by 7.5-fold in boiled samples (104 to 775 & micro;g AA/mL) and by 7.1-fold in autoclaved samples, accompanied by a corresponding rise in reducing power, as indicated by FRAP values (4600 to 5700 & micro;g FeSO4/mL). HPLC analysis confirmed an increased release of gentisic acid, catechin, and apigenin after boiling. These results suggest that thermally processed WME, particularly when processed by boiling, can serve as a promising functional ingredient for plant-based beverages, protein-fortified foods, and nutraceutical formulations, while providing a basis for the further development of sustainable protein ingredients through process optimization and product formulation studies.
Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent of southern blight, causes significant yield losses in chili pepper. Beneficial rhizosphere bacteria represent promising alternatives for sustainable disease management. In this study, thirteen bacterial isolates from the chili pepper rhizosphere were screened for antifungal activity, and a highly effective isolate was selected for further investigation. Whole-genome sequencing identified the isolate as Priestia aryabhattai, and antiSMASH analysis combined with LC-QTOF-MS profiling revealed multiple putatively identified metabolites, including cyclic peptides, lipid-related compounds, and previously reported bioactive molecules. Culture filtrates (CF) strongly inhibited mycelial growth (up to 99.8%) and completely suppressed sclerotia formation, while exhibiting broad-spectrum antifungal activity against ten phytopathogenic fungi. Application of the isolate enhanced chili seed germination and early seedling growth. In greenhouse trials, bacterial treatment improved seedling survival, showing efficacy comparable to fungicide treatment under the conditions tested. Field trials further demonstrated a substantial reduction in disease severity (73%), supporting effective pathogen mitigation across multiple experimental systems. Mechanistic investigations revealed mycolytic activity and disruption of redox homeostasis in S. rolfsii, as evidenced by increased ROS accumulation and altered antioxidant enzyme activities. Collectively, these findings support effective pathogen mitigation linked to mechanistic insights, highlighting P. aryabhattai R-KT-26 as a promising candidate for sustainable biological control of chili pepper southern blight.
Glycolipoprotein-biosurfactants produced by GRAS Lactobacillus plantarum MGL-8 are emerging as promising agents for food preservation; however, their application in starch-based edible coatings remains limited. This study evaluated a glycolipoprotein-incorporated coating to maintain the physicochemical and microbiological quality of mangosteen during storage. Coating films were prepared using corn starch (50 g/L) and glycerol (100 mL/L), with biosurfactant (BSF) at 0.3 and 0.6 g/L. Film barrier, mechanical, and structural properties were evaluated, and the 0.3 g/L formulation (EB-2) was selected based on balanced regulation of water vapor transmission rate (620 f 20 g/m2/day) and oxygen transmission rate (46 f 2 cc/m2/day), both measured at 90% relative humidity (RH), together with enhanced flexibility (break strain 45 f 14%) and structural integrity. Mangosteens coated with EB-2 were stored at 5 and 15 degrees C for up to 42 days and compared with controls. M3-EB2-coated mangosteens showed reduced microbial growth, with total viable counts 2-3 log CFU/g lower than uncoated samples, delayed yeast and mold proliferation, and no detection of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, or Escherichia coliduring storage at 5 degrees C for up to 42 days. Surface color was better preserved, as indicated by smaller overall color changes (Delta E) compared to uncoated samples, reflecting reduced oxidative deterioration during storage. Based on pathogen safety and color acceptability, M3-EB-2-coated mangosteens showed an estimated storage life of 42 days at 5-15 degrees C, and 35 days at 35 degrees C. Incorporating glycolipoprotein-BSF into a starch-based edible coating provides a promising and sustainable strategy to enhance food safety and extend mangosteen shelf life.
Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a major postharvest pathogen causing nutmeg black rot and was identified as the causal agent in Thailand, representing the first report in the country. Among 25 rhizosphere bacterial isolates, Priestia aryabhattai C-KT-3 exhibited the strongest antifungal activity in vitro, significantly reducing fungal growth in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo assays showed that both culture filtrates and bacterial cells reduced disease severity without adversely affecting fruit quality. These results demonstrate that C-KT-3 exhibits significant antifungal activity under both in vitro and fruit conditions. Genome analysis revealed multiple biosynthetic gene clusters, suggesting metabolic potential, while LC-QTOF-MS profiling indicated a chemically diverse set of putative metabolites. Biochemical assays suggested the induction of oxidative stress responses in the pathogen following treatment. Overall, these findings indicate that multiple mechanisms may contribute to the observed antifungal activity and highlight C-KT-3 as a promising biocontrol agent for postharvest nutmeg disease management.
