Electrospun nanofibers of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) were successfully functionalized with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) to develop multifunctional membranes with enhanced hydrophobicity and antibacterial performance, aimed at self-cleaning air filtration applications. ZnO NPs, synthesized via a precipitation method and deposited at various loadings (5 - 20 wt%), were uniformly coated on the surfaces of PVDF-HFP nanofibers, as confirmed by SEM-EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses. The incorporation of ZnO significantly increased the crystallinity of the nanofibers from 25.1% for uncoated fibers to 55.4% at 20 wt% ZnO content, improving both structural ordering and thermal resistance up to 525 °C. Notably, the 5 wt% ZnO-coated composite exhibited the highest water contact angle of 143.5° and the lowest surface energy of 7.4 mJ/m², indicating superior hydrophobicity favorable for self-cleaning. Furthermore, mechanical testing revealed balanced tensile strength of 2.48 MPa and flexibility at moderate ZnO loadings (10% - 15%), demonstrating strong interfacial bonding between ZnO NPs and the polymer matrix. Antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis showed clear inhibition zones up to 17.1 mm, confirming potent bactericidal efficacy arising from reactive oxygen species generation and Zn2+ ion release. Collectively, these results highlight that ZnO/PVDF-HFP nanofiber membranes possess high hydrophobicity, thermal stability, mechanical durability, and antibacterial activity, making them promising candidates for smart air filtration and protective mask applications. HIGHLIGHTS ZnO modification enhances β-phase evolution and increases crystallinity of PVDF-HFP nanofibers from 25.1% to 55.4%, resulting in improved thermal stability (up to 525 - 700 °C) through strong nanoscale interfacial bonding. Hierarchical surface roughness generated by ZnO deposition significantly boosts hydrophobicity, yielding a maximum water contact angle of 143.5°, together with balanced mechanical properties suitable for durable and self-cleaning membrane applications. ZnO-induced reactive oxygen species generation and Zn2+ release provide strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, supporting their use in high-performance air-filtration and protective-mask systems. A clear structure function correlation links ZnO-driven phase evolution and surface engineering to the enhanced antibacterial, thermal, and filtration performance of the nanofiber membranes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
This study investigated the influence of extraction temperature on the physicochemical characteristics of Arabica and Robusta coffee bean extracts from Indonesia using Soxhlet extraction with 50% ethanol as a solvent. Light-roasted coffee beans were extracted at three different temperatures: 58 ± 2 °C, 68 ± 2 °C, and 76 ± 2 °C. The results showed that extraction yield increased over time; however, at higher temperatures, yield declined after 6 h, likely due to compound degradation or solvent saturation. Kinetic modelling effectively described the extraction process, with the extraction rate for Arabica increasing from 0.398 to 0.480 %/h (R² = 0.953 to 0.981), while Robusta was more temperature-sensitive, rising from 0.394 to 0.686 %/h (R² = 0.921 to 0.971). As the extraction temperature increased, Robusta extracts exhibited higher refractive index and specific gravity than Arabica. Additionally, significant colour changes were observed in both coffee types (p < 0.05) based on L*, a*, b*, and Hue angle values, with Arabica extracts appearing darker than Robusta. Higher temperatures also resulted in increased total fat content, rising from 0.64 to 3.05 %wb in Arabica and from 0.62 to 1.86 %wb in Robusta. In contrast, phenolic content decreased with increasing temperature, from 0.10 to 0.09 g GA/g in Arabica and from 0.17 to 0.13 g GA/g in Robusta. The optimal extraction temperature for maximizing yield and physicochemical properties may vary depending on the coffee type (Arabica or Robusta). HIGHLIGHTS Soxhlet extraction using ethanol was validated as a green alternative to hexane for indigenous Java coffee. Increasing temperature significantly improved extraction rates, especially for Robusta. High temperatures maximized oil yield but degraded heat-sensitive phenolic compounds. Refractive index and specific gravity increased with temperature, reflecting higher solute concentration. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
The rhizome of Zingiber ottensii Valeton (ZT) has traditionally been used to treat wounds and various digestive disorders, including flatulence, stomachache, and peptic ulcers, as well as to alleviate inflammatory conditions. However, the impact of the steaming process - commonly employed in Thai folk medicine to prepare ZT rhizomes - on their anti-inflammatory activity and chemical constituents has not yet been scientifically investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory activities, analyze the chemical composition, and quantify bioactive constituents of essential oil, including steamed and non-steamed extracts. In vitro anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by measuring NO inhibition using Griess reagent in RAW 264.7 cells, as well as IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2 production using an ELISA test kit. Chemical composition was analyzed using GC/MS, and bioactive constituents in the extracts were quantified by HPLC. Among all ZT extracts, the essential oil (ZTEO) exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on NO and IL-6 production. In comparison, the non-steamed hexane (ZTNH) and ethanol (ZTNE) extracts were significantly more effective than the steamed hexane (ZTSH) and ethanol (ZTSE) extracts in suppressing these inflammatory mediators. Zerumbone also demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting NO and IL-6, being at least 57-fold more potent than diclofenac. GC-MS analysis revealed notable differences in the chemical profiles of steamed and non-steamed ZT extracts and essential oil. Zerumbone and α-humulene were identified as the major sesquiterpenes in all tested samples, while terpinen-4-ol was absent in both the steamed hexane and ethanol extracts. The HPLC results further confirmed a significant decrease in zerumbone content in the steamed extracts compared to their non-steamed counterparts. Overall, the steaming process appeared to reduce both the anti-inflammatory activity and zerumbone content of Zingiber ottensii rhizomes, suggesting that non-steamed rhizomes are preferable for preserving their bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential. HIGHLIGHTS The essential oil, hexane and ethanol extracts of Zingiber ottensii Valeton (ZT) rhizome exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through the inhibition of key pro-inflammatory mediators, NO and IL-6. The non-steamed ZT extracts were significantly more effective than the steamed extracts in suppressing NO and IL-6 inflammatory mediators. Zerumbone and α-humulene were found to be the main monocyclic sesquiterpene constituents in ZT essential oil, as well as in hexane and ethanol extracts. Zerumbone demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting both NO and IL-6 productions, being at least 57-fold more potent than diclofenac. Steaming was found to reduce both the biological activity and zerumbone content of ZT extracts compared to their non-steamed counterpart. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. A key pathological mechanism involves excessive hydrolysis of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase (AChE), resulting in impaired cholinergic neurotransmission. Therefore, AChE remains a major therapeutic target. Curcuma xanthorrhiza rhizome contains diverse bioactive compounds with reported neuroprotective potential. This study presents the first integrated metabolomics-bioactivity-ADMET workflow applied to ethanolic C. xanthorrhiza extract to systematically identify potential natural AChE inhibitors. Secondary metabolites, including total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, were quantified by colorimetric methods. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. Metabolite profiling was conducted by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS, and AChE inhibitory activity was assessed using the Ellman method, with donepezil as the reference drug. Molecular docking against AChE (PDB ID: 6O4W) and in silico ADMET prediction were performed to elucidate binding interactions and pharmacokinetic suitability. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity and significant AChE inhibition (IC₅₀ 46.63 µg/mL), while donepezil showed very strong inhibition (IC₅₀ 0.03 µg/mL). Metabolomic analysis identified 43 compounds, predominantly curcuminoids and sesquiterpenes, with xanthorrhizol quantified as a major constituent. Docking analysis revealed several high-affinity ligands; bisdemethoxycurcumin showed the strongest binding energy (ΔGbind −11.55 kcal/mol) but less favorable ADMET properties. In contrast, xanthorrhizol (ΔGbind −8.63 kcal/mol) demonstrated balanced binding interactions and a more favorable predicted pharmacokinetic profile. Overall, this integrative approach enables rational prioritization of bioactive constituents from complex plant extracts and highlights xanthorrhizol as a promising candidate for further experimental validation as a natural AChE inhibitor. HIGHLIGHTS Ethanolic extract of Curcuma xanthorrhiza showed strong antioxidant capacity. Ethanolic extract of Curcuma xanthorrhiza showed strong inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. High levels of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids are quantified prior to metabolomic profiling. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS-based metabolomics identifies 43 bioactive compounds in ethanolic extract. In silico docking reveals xanthorrhizol and bisdemethoxycurcumin as key acetylcholinesterase binders. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Nitrate contamination in agricultural groundwater poses significant environmental and health risks. Developing low-cost, locally available adsorbents is crucial for sustainable water treatment. Raw perlite (RP) and acid-modified perlite (MP) were investigated as adsorbents for nitrate removal in batch systems. Both perlites were characterized via nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Adsorption performance was evaluated under varying pH, contact time, and initial nitrate concentration conditions. Equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models, while kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were assessed to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. HCl modification enhanced the structural and surface properties of perlite. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 6 with an equilibrium time of 60 min. The Langmuir model best described the equilibrium data, with maximum adsorption capacities of 39.22 mg/g for RP and 54.94 mg/g for MP at 30 °C. Kinetic analysis indicated a pseudo-second-order model fit, and thermodynamic evaluation confirmed that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. Mechanistic insights revealed that physical adsorption predominated, driven mainly by electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic displacement, cation bridging, pore filling, and ion exchange. Regeneration tests demonstrated good reusability of both adsorbents for up to 5 cycles. HCl-modified perlite exhibits superior adsorption capacity and reusability compared to raw perlite. These findings highlight its potential as an efficient and sustainable adsorbent for nitrate removal from groundwater. Furthermore, this research significantly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 6 (Target 6.3) by enhancing water quality and SDG 12 (Targets 12.4 & 12.5) through the valorization of local mineral resources and the promotion of circular economy principles. HIGHLIGHTS Chemically modified perlite volcanic rock with HCl enhanced nitrate removal efficiency. FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM, and XRF analyses were conducted to characterize the adsorbents. Adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The predominant adsorption mechanisms were electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic displacement, cation bridging, pore filling, and ion exchange. Effective nitrate removal was demonstrated in real water samples. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Palm oil is a strategic agricultural crop in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, contributing significantly to national economies and requiring continuous improvements in harvesting efficiency and mill operations. The growing demand for higher efficiency and consistent quality in palm oil mills has accelerated the adoption of advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), which is increasingly applied across agricultural sectors, including oil palm production. This review aims to examine the development of convolutional neural network (CNN)-based approaches for ripeness grading of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) using CNN techniques. It provides an overview of research trends and technical progress in this field, showing that Malaysia leads scientific publications related to palm oil ripeness detection, followed by Indonesia. Most existing studies employ 1-stage object detectors, especially YOLO-based architectures, due to their real-time capability and relatively high performance. However, these methods are often trained and evaluated using datasets limited to specific environments, plantation conditions, or fruit varieties, which constrains generalization and large-scale deployment. Key research gaps are identified, including limited dataset diversity, high computational requirements, insufficient integration with Internet of Things (IoT)–based plantation and mill management systems, and the lack of real-time estimation of quality indicators such as free fatty acid (FFA) content and kernel-related attributes. Future research directions highlight the need for multimodal sensing, multi-camera systems, and multi-task learning frameworks that integrate ripeness grading with oil extraction rate (OER) estimation to support more effective operational decision-making in palm oil production systems. HIGHLIGHTS Research on CNN in palm oil has increased since 2017 with the adoption of DL. Malaysia leads publications in palm oil ripeness research, followed by Indonesia and Thailand. One-stage detectors, particularly YOLO-based models, are most commonly used for real-time grading. Most CNN-based systems rely on external visual features for ripeness classification. Multimodal approaches for real-time biochemical assessment remain limited. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
miR-15b-5p is a multifunctional microRNA (miRNA) that is highly context-dependent in cancer, acting as either an oncomiR or a tumor suppressor miRNA (TSM) depending on tumor type, molecular characteristics, and microenvironment. This review synthesizes existing evidence to outline pathway and network integration underlying the context-dependent biological roles of miR-15b-5p across different cancers. Integrated multi-omics cancer profiling demonstrates significant upregulation across several solid tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), prostate cancer (PCa), melanoma, and early-stage breast cancer. Conversely, downregulation has been observed in some malignancies, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, and KRAS-mutant CRC. This indicates the dual roles of miR-15b-5p. Upstream, miR-15b-5p is regulated by multiple lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes, which affect key targets such as CHRM3, PPM1D, CCND1, CDC42, CA2, and CCNE2, which are involved in oncogenic pathways such as PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, p53, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, and VEGF signaling. In our analysis, the PI3K/Akt network and its interaction with p53 and mTOR appear to be prominently affected signaling pathways, although other regulators such as PAQR3, AXIN2, and ACVR2A may contribute to broader tumor-specific phenotypes. By systematically integrating evidence across diverse malignancies and distinguishing experimentally validated targets from predicted interactions, this study provides a consolidated and mechanistically grounded framework positioning miR-15b-5p as a context-dependent therapeutic, prognostic, and diagnostic candidate. While current evidence remains largely preclinical, our synthesis clarifies inconsistencies in the literature and establishes a structured foundation for future clinical validation. HIGHLIGHTS Dual roles of miR-15b-5p as an oncomiR and tumor suppressor miR in cancer pathogenesis has been described in many studies. miR-15b-5p is regulated by multiple lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes, which affect key target genes. Several key cancer related signaling pathways are regulated by miR-15b-5p, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, p53, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, and VEGF signaling. mir15b-5p' has potential as a therapeutic target, prognostic, and diagnostic biomarker in human cancers. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis) is a protein-rich microalga widely recognized for its nutritional value; however, the bioactivity of its native proteins is limited. This study aimed to investigate whether bromelain-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis could enhance the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of S. platensis proteins. Proteins were extracted by freeze–thawing and sonication, followed by bromelain-mediated hydrolysis at pH 7 and 65 °C for 4 h. The resulting hydrolysates were characterized in terms of yield, degree of hydrolysis, molecular weight distribution, amino acid composition, and functional groups using standard analytical techniques. Bioactivities were assessed through ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), disk diffusion antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, protein denaturation inhibition, and lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The hydrolysis process yielded low-molecular-weight peptides (≤15 kDa) with an increased degree of hydrolysis and protein content compared to the crude extract. The protein hydrolysates exhibited measurable ferric reducing activity in the FRAP assay; however, their antioxidant reducing power was lower than that of the crude protein extract and therefore considered moderate rather than enhanced. In contrast, the hydrolysates demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity compared with the non-hydrolyzed protein. In anti-inflammatory assays, the hydrolysates significantly inhibited protein denaturation and suppressed nitric oxide production in a concentration-dependent manner while maintaining high cell viability. These findings indicate that bromelain-assisted hydrolysis effectively enhances the bio-functional properties of S. platensis proteins. Thus, S. platensis protein hydrolysates show potential as natural sources of multifunctional bioactive compounds for food and biomedical applications. HIGHLIGHTS Bromelain-mediated hydrolysis effectively converted Spirulina platensis proteins into low–molecular weight peptides (≈6 - 7 kDa), protein yield (67.5%) and degree of hydrolysis (60.515 ± 1.058%). Structural (FTIR, SDS-PAGE) and compositional analyses confirmed extensive protein conformational changes and enrichment of bioactivity-related hydrophobic and polar amino acids after hydrolysis. Bromelain-derived protein hydrolysates exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against coli and S. aureus, with lower MIC and MBC values compared to crude protein. The hydrolysates have anti-inflammatory activity, strongly inhibiting BSA denaturation and suppressing nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages (IC₅₀ = 10 µg/mL) without cytotoxic effects. An integrated in vitro evaluation demonstrated the multifunctional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of bromelain-hydrolyzed platensis proteins, supporting their application as sustainable bioactive agents. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress as the main mechanisms. Standard therapies such as statins are not fully effective in preventing the development of atherosclerosis, so additional therapies are still needed. Allium ascalonicum L extract contains quercetin, kaempferol, and allicin, which have antioxidant potential. Objective: To analyze the therapy of Allium ascalonicum L extract variety Bima, sourced from local farmers in Brebes, Central Java, Indonesia combined with atorvastatin, which has not been specifically studied in a rat model of atherosclerosis, the duration of long-term therapy (12 weeks), and to analyze complete and integrated molecular variables. This study simultaneously analyzed oxidative stress and histopathology variables, including serum Nrf2, tissue Nrf2, SOD, and coronary artery histopathology, which are potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis, and assessed the correlation between serum Nrf2 and tissue Nrf2, which has not been done in previous studies. Methods: The in vivo experimental study was conducted using rat fed an atherogenic diet to induce atherosclerosis. Treatment groups received Allium ascalonicum L extract and/or atorvastatin for 12 weeks. Results: Allium ascalonicum L extract therapy significantly increased serum Nrf2, tissue Nrf2, and SOD levels (p < 0.05), and histopathology showed a decrease in the degree of atherosclerosis and coronary artery wall thickness. The best effect of Allium ascalonicum L extract was seen in group P3, which was induced with an atherogenic diet and given combination therapy with 500 mg/kgBW of Allium ascalonicum L extract and 0.9 mg/kgBW of atorvastatin. A very strong correlation was found between serum Nrf2 and tissue Nrf2 (r: 0.865). In conclusion, Allium ascalonicum L extract has been proven effective as a preventive therapy in reducing oxidative stress and improving coronary artery histopathology in rat models of atherosclerosis. Serum Nrf2 marker can be proposed as a marker for monitoring atherosclerosis therapy. HIGHLIGHTS Allium ascalonicum L extract boosts serum and tissue Nrf2 levels in atherosclerosis. Combination therapy prevents oxidative stress and coronary artery damage in rat models of atherosclerosis. Strong correlation found between serum and tissue Nrf2, aiding non-invasive monitoring. Allium ascalonicum L extract improves SOD activity, enhancing antioxidant defense. Histopathology shows decreased atherosclerosis severity and vessel thickness post-treatment. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Helicobacter pylori infection is a major global public health problem. Although H. pylori eradication has been shown to reduce the incidence of gastric cancer, increasing resistance to standard antibiotic therapy decreases treatment success rates. Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum contains active compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant thus potential as an adjuvant for inhibiting H. pylori. This study aimed to demonstrate and verify the effect of ZOR extract therapy on the inhibiting of H. pylori in patients with chronic gastritis. Study parameters included TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, and quality of life based on the SF-NDI. A randomized controlled trial with a pre-post test was conducted from July 2024 to June 2025 at Sebelas Maret University Hospital, Sukoharjo. Thirty patients with chronic ulcers due to H. pylori infection were divided equally into 3 groups: A positive control standard eradication therapy, treatment 1 with the addition of 500 mg ZOR capsules, and treatment 2 with the addition of 1 g ZOR capsules. The intervention lasted for 2 weeks. Parameters evaluated before and after the intervention included serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, and quality of life using the SF-NDI. Statistical analysis used ANOVA/Kruskal Wallis test with a significance level of p < 0.05. ZOR supplementation at doses of 500 mg and 1 g reduced TNF-α levels. Administration of 1 g ZOR also reduced IL-6 and IL-1β levels between groups. The reduction in MDA was not significant. Quality of life scores were found primarily in the 500 mg and 1 g ZOR groups, with significant results p < 0.05. Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum supplementation can be applied as an adjuvant in H. pylori eradication therapy, potentially providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects thus improving quality of life in patients with chronic gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori infection. HIGHLIGHTS Red ginger adjuvant therapy reduces key inflammatory cytokines in pylori gastritis. Zingiber officinale Rubrum improves patient quality of life alongside standard care. Dose-dependent effects shown; 1g more effective reducing IL-6, IL-1β than 500 mg. Significant SF-NDI score improvement with ZOR supplementation vs. control. ZOR may provide anti-inflammatory support amid rising pylori antibiotic resistance. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Liver cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most commonly occurring form. In an attempt to find safe and effective alternative therapies, this study assessed the anti-cancer potential of ethanol-based silver nanoparticles synthesized from Alpinia galanga rhizomes (white galangal) (AgNPs-AG). The metabolite profile of the ethanol extract, analyzed by LC-MS, identified 20 major compounds, among which 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoylserine emerged as the top anticancer candidate (Pa = 0.383) based on PASS prediction. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was successfully achieved using the extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the formation of stable silver nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm, while FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of –OH and C=O functional groups that functioned as capping agents. Particle size analysis showed an average size of 6.35 nm with a uniform distribution, and a zeta potential of –28.6 mV indicated good colloidal stability. Further in silico molecular docking supports the anticancer potential of 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoylserine, which shows strong binding to Caspase-9 (–7.3 kcal/mol), implying intrinsic apoptosis pathway activation. In vitro toxicity was evaluated using the Huh7it hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Treatment with AgNPs-AG at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 200 μg/mL for 24 and 48 h of incubation caused a decrease in cell viability, depending on the dose and time. The IC₅₀ values obtained were 71.046 μg/mL (24 h) and 63.395 μg/mL (48 h), indicating increased cytotoxicity with longer exposure. Collectively, findings highlight the encouraging potential of AgNPs-AG as a novel candidate for liver cancer therapy. HIGHLIGHTS Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using Alpinia galanga ethanol extract exhibit high colloidal stability and small particle size, 6.35 nm. LC-MS profiling identified 20 metabolites, some of which can act as bioreductants and contribute to anticancer activity. AgNPs-AG exhibited time- and dose-dependent cellular toxicity against Huh7it hepatocellular cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects were associated with ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis and inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. In silico docking revealed strong binding of 2,3-Dihydroxybenzoylserine with caspase-9, EGFR, CDK4, and p53, supporting the mechanisms of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Malaria remains a major global health challenge and requiring the continuous discovery of new and effective antimalarial agent to combat drug resistance. The production of natural antimalaria drugs often requires large amount of plant biomass that raising seriuos concern about plany consevation and resource sustainability. Endophytic fungi, which biosynthesize the same metabolites as their host plant, represent an alternative source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, including antimalarial activity. This study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic fungi from breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) leaves, evaluate their antimalarial activity, identify their major metabolites, and analyze their molecular interactions with Plasmodium falciparum heme detoxification proteins. Endophytic fungi were isolated using the surface sterilization method and cultured on PDA medium, and then on rice medium. The ethyl acetate extracts of the selected isolates were evaluated for antimalarial activity against P. falciparum using the heme polymerization inhibition assay. The most active extract derived from JDSUM4 isolate (IC50 = 0.46 ± 0.15 µg/mL), was molecularly identified as Aspergillus flavus. The extract was subsequently analyzed using LC-MS/MS, which revealed ten major secondary metabolites. These compounds were selected based on Lipinski’s Rule of Five and subsequently subjected to molecular docking against heme peroxidase and histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP-2). Docking analysis showed that all compounds possessed favorable binding affinities, ranging from −4.0 to −6.3 kcal/mol for heme peroxidase and −4.2 to −8.1 kcal/mol for HRP-2. Among them, emodin, fluvastatin, and mycophenolic acid exhibited the strong affinity toward both targets, comparable to artemisinin as a positive control. Collectively, these findings indicate that metabolites from A. altilis leaf endophytic fungi, particularly those produced by isolate JDSUM4, hold promise as novel sources of natural antimalarial compounds targeting multiple heme detoxification pathways. HIGHLIGHTS Endophytic fungi from Artocarpus altilis were explored as a sustainable alternative source of antimalarial compounds. Seven isolates were screened, with Aspergillus flavus JDSUM4 showing the most potent activity (IC50 = 0.46 ± 0.15 µg/mL). LC-MS/MS profiling revealed diverse metabolites, including anthraquinones, diterpenoids, and fatty acids with potential synergistic effects. Molecular docking analysis identified emodin, fluvastatine, and mycophenolic acid as the secondary metabolites that show strongest interaction to heme detoxification related protein. This study demonstrates a eco-friendly approach for discovering antimalarial agent from fungal endophytes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induces chronic metabolic disruption characterized by sustained hyperglycemia, oxidative–antioxidant imbalance, and impaired steroidogenesis, resulting in progressive deterioration of male reproductive and sexual function. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenolic compound with metabolic and antioxidant activities, and has shown potential benefits in mitigating diabetes associated reproductive dysfunction. This study evaluated the effects of CGA on glycemic control, oxidative stress, testosterone levels, and libido parameters in male Wistar rats with T2DM. Thirty rats were divided into six groups (n = 5 per group): healthy controls, diabetic controls, diabetic + metformin, and diabetic treated with CGA at 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg BW. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and testosterone were measured on day 32. Sexual behavior was recorded over three consecutive days. CGA demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement across all biological parameters. The highest CGA dose is 25 mg/kg BW and can reduce HbA1c levels, decrease MDA, and increase SOD, testosterone levels and libido activity close to those of normal controls. Correlation analyses revealed strong relationships between glicemic control, oxidative, hormonal, and libido variables. In conclusion, CGA enhances glycemic control and redox balance, restores testosterone, and improves libido-related behavior in diabetic rats, with broader restorative effects compared to metformin. CGA represents a promising adjunctive strategy for addressing diabetes-related reproductive dysfunction HIGHLIGHTS Type 2 diabetes mellitus reduces glycemic control, increases oxidative stress, and disrupts hormonal balance and libido activity in male rats. Administration of chlorogenic acid (CGA) improves HbA1c, oxidative–antioxidant status, and testosterone levels in a dose-dependent manner. Improvements in metabolic and oxidative parameters are closely related to the recovery of libido activity, particularly the frequency of introduction and climbing. Libido activity reflects the integration of metabolic, oxidative, and hormonal improvements following CGA administration in diabetic rats. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Geothermal sludge contains a high concentration of silica (85% - 93%) that is typically waste in geothermal plant, offering a promising alternative silica precursor for synthesizing of silicalite-1. In this study, geothermal sludge was acid-leached to remove impurities and enrich reactive silica, then used for hydrothermal preparation of Fe-doped silicalite-1 with Fe addition of 0.002 - 0.014 mol. Low Fe loading preserved the MFI framework with only a slight reduction in relative crystallinity (Fe@S-2 = 95.81%), whereas excessive Fe loading largely suppressed MFI formation (Fe@S-14 = 1.77%) and produced a partially amorphous material. The as-prepared Fe@S-5 exhibited a spherical morphology with an average particle size of 2.89 µm and the external surface area increased with Fe loading, reaching 174.2 m2 g−1 for Fe@S-14. In methylene blue adsorption, Fe@S-14 showed the highest uptake of 46 mg g−1 compared with S-1 of 7.9 mg g−1. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model and equilibrium data were reasonably described by the Langmuir isotherm within the investigated concentration range. Overall, this work demonstrates a sustainable route to utilize geothermal sludge into functional adsorbents for dye-containing wastewater treatment with clear potential for industrial implementation. HIGHLIGHTS Geothermal sludge used as a silica source HCl leaching increased SiO2 purity to 93 wt% Higher Fe loading enhanced methylene blue adsorption performance The adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Asphalt Pyrolysis Oil (APO) obtained from Buton rock asphalt pyrolysis contains high oxygenate compounds, which cause the oil to be acidic and unstable; thus, it requires upgrading to improve its quality. Oxygenate compounds can be reduced by catalytic deoxygenation. This study utilized Buton rock asphalt solid residue (CRA), which is rich in CaCO₃, impregnated with Fe, Ni, and Zn metals as a deoxygenation catalyst (Fe/CRA, Ni/CRA, and Zn/CRA). GC-MS analysis revealed that the initial APO was predominantly composed of oxygenates and heavy fractions (C₁₈ and above) (45.91%). After deoxygenation using Ni/CRA, the C₁₁-C₁₈ fraction increased to 77.40% and the fraction greater than C₁₈ decreased to 16.32%. The Ni/CRA catalyst also showed the best performance with the highest liquid yield (69.11%) and the lowest coke (1.42%). These results indicate that Fe/CRA, Ni/CRA, and Zn/CRA have the potential to improve the quality of APO liquid fuel. HIGHLIGHTS Char residue asphalt (CRA) impregnated with Ni, Fe, and Zn deoxygenation catalysts for asphalt pyrolysis oil (APO). Ni/CRA capable of increasing the C11–C18 fraction up to 77% and the fraction greater than C₁₈ decreased to 16.32% after deoxygenation reaction. The Ni/CRA catalyst showed the highest liquid yield (69.11%) with the lowest coke (1.42%). The Ni-CRA catalyst promoted the hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of oxygenate compounds (acids, ketones, esters), so it was effective in reducing oxygenate content. Fe/CRA and Zn/CRA also showed an upgrading effect, although with lower activity than Ni/CRA. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Chitin, one of the most abundant sustainable biopolymers in nature, exhibits source-dependent structural variations that significantly influence its functional properties and applications. This study presents a multi-scale morphological analysis combined with hierarchical multivariate discrimination to comprehensively characterize chitin extracted from 5 diverse biological sources: marine mollusks (cockle, mussel), marine crustacean (shrimp), and terrestrial insects (cricket, silkworm pupa). Chitin was extracted through sequential deproteinization, neutralization, and demineralization processes. Scanning electron microscopy at 25,000× magnification revealed distinct morphological characteristics across all sources. Marine mollusk chitin exhibited highly organized fibrous (cockle) and compact plate-like (mussel) structures, while shrimp demonstrated extensive porous networks. Multi-scale analysis (5,000× - 25,000×) of insect chitin revealed a remarkable hierarchical organization with a consistent sheet-like (cricket) and wrinkled (silkworm pupa) morphologies maintained across all magnification levels, distinguishing them from marine sources. Extraction yields varied significantly (4.09% - 15.07%), with marine sources (shrimp, cockle, mussel) achieving the highest yields, correlating with their high-density structures. Degree of acetylation ranged from 68.20 ± 1.00% (cricket) to 83.39 ± 1.26% (shrimp) to 89.15 ± 1.52% (silkworm pupa), while true protein content ranged from 4.50 ± 0.34% (shrimp) to 8.19 ± 0.31% (cockle). Synchrotron Radiation-coupled Fourier-transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectroscopy combined with hierarchical multivariate analysis (PCA) successfully discriminated all sources. Comprehensive PCA (73% variance) separated marine mollusks from other sources, but shrimp, cricket, and silkworm pupa remained overlapping. Focused PCA performed specifically on these 3 non-marine sources (71% variance) successfully resolved their subtle spectral differences. These findings establish structure-property relationships across multiple scales, providing practical guidance for selecting chitin sources for biomaterial applications. The multi-scale approach reveals that hierarchical organization in insect chitin influences extraction efficiency and molecular properties. HIGHLIGHTS Integrated multi-scale characterization (SEM, synchrotron-FTIR, PCA) provides comprehensive assessment of source-dependent chitin hierarchical organization beyond single-method approaches Distinct hierarchical features in insect chitin compared to marine sources, affecting extraction efficiency and molecular composition Non-destructive chitin source identification and property prediction using synchrotron-FTIR with PCA discrimination Targeted selection of chitin for specific biomaterial and bioengineering applications based on source-dependent structural features Comprehensive multi-scale comparison of chitin from diverse biological sources as baseline data for chitin standardization GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Urena lobata is recognized for its traditional medicinal use, particularly in addressing inflammation-related ailments. This study examined the anti-inflammatory properties of U. lobata extract and its fractions, focusing on their ability to suppress nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, a key mediator of inflammation. In vitro experiments using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages showed that the crude extract of U. lobata had an IC50 of 58.05 ± 5.87 µg/mL, while the ethyl acetate fraction showed greater suppression of NO formation with an IC50 of 31.40 ± 10.56 µg/mL. On the other hand, the n-butanol fraction and the water-soluble fraction did not have a significant effect on inhibition. Toxicity tests also showed that the n-hexane fraction was good at reducing NO formation (IC50 of 49.73 ± 9.49 µg/mL), but was toxic to cells at higher concentrations (> 200 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate fraction also inhibited the formation of important pro-inflammatory mediators, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Protein target analysis revealed 40 proteins associated with the inflammatory cascade as potential targets for active chemicals in U. lobata. Molecular docking studies identified quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin as key bioactive compounds with strong binding affinity for inflammation-related proteins such as AKR1B1, NOX4, and CDK5, which subsequently influence NO suppression during inflammation, suggesting a multi-target mechanism of action. These results emphasize the therapeutic potential of U. lobata and its bioactive chemicals as candidates for natural anti-inflammatory drug formulations, while also underscoring the need to evaluate potential cytotoxicity in future studies. HIGHLIGHTS Urena lobata extract and its ethyl acetate fraction significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compared with other fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited superior anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀: 31.40 ± 10.56 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate fraction successfully downregulated key pro-inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-12, and iNOS. Using molecular docking, quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin were identified as key bioactive compounds targeting inflammation-related proteins (AKR1B1, NOX4, and CDK5). The multitarget mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of lobata was demonstrated by the prediction of 40 inflammation-related protein targets. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were synthesized via the sparking process at different durations and modified with gold (Au) by DC magnetron sputtering to study the effects of microstructure, plasmonic interactions, and interfacial charge transport. Pristine TiO2 films showed a transition from fine, uniform nanograins (1 h) to agglomerated structures (3 - 5 h), reducing transparency and increasing defect density, while thicker films exhibited improved electrical continuity. The 1 h TiO2 film offered the optimal balance of high transparency (~90%), uniform morphology, and long-term hydrophilicity. Au deposition significantly influenced film properties: Increasing sputtering current (10 - 50 mA) enhanced Au loading, transforming discontinuous nanoparticles into a percolated network at 30 mA, and causing agglomeration at 50 mA. This morphology controlled plasmonic absorption, sub-band-gap optical behavior, and conductivity. Au modification reduced sheet resistance from 37 MΩ/sq to 5.8 Ω/sq (30 mA) and enabled visible-light absorption via localized surface plasmon resonance and metal-induced gap states. Au-coated films maintained water contact angles <30° over 60 days, attributed to stabilized surface hydroxylation and suppression of hydrocarbon adsorption. Sputtering at 30 mA produced the optimal Au-TiO2 architecture, balancing transparency, conductivity, plasmonic activity, and durable wettability, offering a promising approach for low-cost transparent coatings, optoelectronic devices, and self-cleaning surfaces. HIGHLIGHTS TiO₂ thin films were successfully fabricated using a sparking process and modified with Au by sputtering. Au deposition significantly reduced sheet resistance from MΩ to Ω range due to improved electrical percolation. Plasmonic interaction from Au nanoparticles enhanced visible-light absorption and optical behavior. The optimized Au-TiO₂ thin films maintained stable hydrophilicity (<30° contact angle) for 60 days. The developed Au-TiO₂ thin films show strong potential for transparent coatings, optoelectronics, and self-cleaning surfaces. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) is a promising spinel ferrite material due to its high chemical stability, moderate saturation magnetization, and significant coercivity, making it attractive for various technological applications such as magnetic data storage, sensors, and photocatalysis. Tailoring its properties via cationic substitution enables precise tuning of both structural and magnetic characteristics. In this study, zinc-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with Zn2+ concentrations of x = 0, 0.2 and 0.4 were synthesized via the sol-gel method and thermally annealed at 450 °C for 6 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed a single-phase face-centered cubic spinel structure (space group Fd-3m), corroborated by Rietveld refinement. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic vibrational bands at tetrahedral (v1) and octahedral (v2) sites, confirming spinel formation. Magnetic measurements showed a significant reduction in coercivity from 1,130 Oe (x = 0) to 247 Oe (x = 0.4), attributed to a domain transition from single- to multi-domain structure. Meanwhile, saturation magnetization increased from 75.77 to 104.74 emu/g, linked to the redistribution of non-magnetic Zn2+ ions to tetrahedral sites, replacing magnetic Co2+, and the migration of Fe3+ to octahedral positions. Additionally, the emergence of spin reverse-orientation of Fe3+ at tetrahedral sublattice contributed to the enhancement in magnetization. These interpretations were further supported by magnetic structure simulations using the BasIreps program, confirming the presence of spin-down ordering in trivalent cation of tetrahedral site. This study provides insights into Zn’s role in modulating the magneto-structural behavior of cobalt ferrite for advanced magnetic materials. HIGHLIGHTS Zn substitution effectively tailors structural and magnetic properties. Magnetization (Ms) increases while coercivity (Hc) decreases with higher Zn content. BasIreps confirms spin reverse-orientation correlated with rising saturation magnetization. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
The increasing global energy demand driven by population growth and urbanization has intensified the need for sustainable energy storage solutions. Supercapacitors are attractive candidates owing to their high power density, rapid charge–discharge capability, and long cycle life; however, the development of environmentally friendly electrode materials remains a challenge. In this work, banana peel extract was employed as a green reducing agent for the hydrothermal synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanocomposites at 140, 160, and 180 °C. This green approach aims to minimize the use of hazardous chemicals while valorizing agricultural waste. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the successful formation of the composite, with temperature-dependent phase transitions and distinct morphologies. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the rGO/MnO₂ electrode synthesized at 140 °C delivered the highest specific capacitance of 601.41 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, outperforming those prepared at 160 °C (147.69 F g⁻¹) and 180 °C (549.09 F g⁻¹). These findings demonstrate that controlling the hydrothermal synthesis temperature significantly influences the composite's electrochemical properties. Therefore, banana peel-derived rGO/MnO₂ synthesized at 140 °C exhibits excellent capacitive performance, highlighting its potential as a sustainable electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. HIGHLIGHTS rGO/MnO₂ nanocomposites were synthesized using banana peel extract via a green hydrothermal method. The influence of hydrothermal temperature (140 - 180 °C) on structure and electrochemical performance was evaluated. The rGO/MnO₂ electrode prepared at 140 °C exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 601.41 F g⁻¹. Structural and morphological analyses revealed temperature-dependent phase and morphology evolution. Banana peel-derived rGO/MnO₂ demonstrates strong potential for sustainable supercapacitor electrodes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
