Elephant feces are a source of organic material that has the potential to support soil ecosystem sustainability. Elephant feces serve as a microhabitat, providing nutrients and a place to live for soil macrofauna that plays an important role in soil decomposition. However, the understanding of the community structure and ecological contribution of macrofauna in elephant feces is still limited, especially in the Bengkulu Elephant Training Center area. The objective of this study was to analyze the community structure and ecological roles of soil macrofauna in Sumatran elephant feces at the Seblat Elephant Conservation Area. Soil macrofauna in elephant feces is divided into two groups, namely Macroarthropods and Oligochaeta (Megadrilli earthworms). Macroarthropod samples were collected using the handsorting method on each bolus of feces, while earthworms were collected using the square method and the handsorting method on feces that had undergone further decomposition. The community structure of soil macrofauna in elephant feces consists of 18 species. Arthropoda comprises 15 species belonging to the classes Hexapoda, Arachnida, Crustacea, and Diplopoda. Trigoniulus corallinus is a dominant macroarthropod species with an absolute category (very frequently found) and a wide distribution in elephant feces. Oligochaeta consists of three species of megadrilli earthworms, namely Pontoscolex corethrurus, Drawida sp., and Pheretima Javanica. Drawida sp. have the highest density and were classified as constant (frequently found) in elephant feces. The Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s diversity indices for soil macroarthropods are relatively high, whereas those for Oligochaeta are low. Based on ecological roles, soil macroarthropods consist of detritivores, omnivores, predators, and herbivores. Detritivores are dominant in elephant feces. Among the Oligochaeta, epigeic earthworms are more dominant than endogeic earthworms. The presence of elephant dung in the central area of the Elephant Training Center is a means of conserving soil biodiversity, thereby contributing to improving soil quality and fertility.
Antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments has become an important public health concern due to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) through river water, which provides favorable conditions for biofilm formation and enables bacteria to survive environmental stresses, including antibiotic exposure. The Brantas River water is still widely used for household activities, increasing the potential dissemination of bacteria through water exposure. This study aims to determine the phenotypic characteristics, identify tetracycline-resistant bacterial species using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and analyze the level of biofilm formation and cell density within the biofilm by tetracycline-resistant bacterial isolates. Tetracycline-resistant isolates were phenotypically characterized and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Detection of tetracycline resistance genes was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Biofilm formation ability was evaluated using the crystal violet (CV) assay in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) and Brantas River water, exopolysaccharide (EPS) extraction, and then the cell density in the biofilm was calculated using Total Plate Count (TPC). Isolates TET-15.1 and TET-40.1 were found to be resistant to all four concentrations. Identification results showed similarities between TET-15.1 with Alcaligenes faecalis; and TET-40.1 with Serratia sp. The resistant genes found in both isolates were tet(S) and tet(B). Alcaligenes faecalis TET-15.1 had the highest biofilm formation ability and higher EPS production than Serratia sp. TET-40.1, with OD584 values ranging from 1.5 to 2.25 and EPS concentration of 4 – 5 mg/mL at tetracycline concentration of 8 μg/mL. The biofilm formation cycle reached maturity after 16 hours of incubation and then dispersed after 32 hours. These findings indicate that tetracycline-resistant bacteria from the Brantas River possess biofilm forming capabilities that may contribute to their environmental persistence and potential role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder influenced by multiple biological factors, including hormonal regulation, microbial activity, and inflammatory processes. The overactivation of androgen-regulated pathways contributes to excessive sebum production, which plays a central role in acne development. Although synthetic anti-acne drugs are widely used, their prolonged application may cause adverse effects, prompting growing interest in natural compounds as alternative therapeutic candidates. Diplazium esculentum, a medicinal fern traditionally used in Indonesia, has been reported to possess antibacterial activity; however, its molecular potential as an anti-acne agent remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to computationally investigate flavonoid compounds derived from Diplazium esculentum as potential anti-acne agents by evaluating their molecular interactions and pharmacokinetic properties. The research focuses on a molecular docking approach combined with pharmacokinetic and toxicity prediction to provide preliminary insights at the molecular level. Flavonoid compounds identified from liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry profiling, including apigenin, genistein, daidzein, and naringenin, were selected as ligands for computational analysis. Molecular docking simulations were performed to predict the interaction between these compounds and the androgen receptor, a key molecular target associated with hormone-regulated sebum production. In addition, pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties were evaluated using in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity prediction tools to assess drug-likeness and safety profiles. The results demonstrated that all evaluated flavonoids exhibited favorable binding interactions within the ligand-binding domain of the androgen receptor, with interaction patterns comparable to those of a reference compound. Pharmacokinetic predictions indicated acceptable absorption characteristics and low toxicity risk for the selected flavonoids. In conclusion, this computational study highlights the potential of flavonoid compounds from D. esculentum as promising natural candidates for anti-acne applications. The findings support the use of molecular docking and pharmacokinetic prediction as effective preliminary approaches for exploring drug potential and provide a scientific basis for further experimental validation.
Dinoflagellates are an important community of phytoplankton in estuaries and respond strongly to seasonal environmental changes. Regular field sampling was conducted to document species composition, seasonal fluctuations, dinoflagellate diversity, and various environmental factors in the tropical Hooghly River estuarine water (West Bengal, India). The pre-monsoon season revealed maximum diversity (H' = 2.603) and species richness (D = 3.605), while the highest dinoflagellate species observations were made in the post-monsoon season. Non–metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination revealed clear spatial heterogeneity among the study sites, with Site 3 being ecologically distinct and relatively more productive in terms of environmental conditions and dinoflagellate species composition. Spearman's correlation analyses showed temperature (ρ = −0.894, p < 0.001), salinity (ρ = 0.476, p < 0.001), TDS (ρ = 0.553, p < 0.001), nitrate content (ρ = −0.748, p < 0.001), and Chl-a (ρ = 0.833, p < 0.001) were strongly correlated with the numerical abundance of all dinoflagellates. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed how changes in physicochemical parameters across all seasons affect dinoflagellate assemblage, seasonal distribution, and composition in Hooghly estuarine waters. Temperature, salinity, and nutrient contents are the primary factors influencing the regulation and proliferation of different dinoflagellate species. Presence of potentially toxic (Dinophysis spp.) and harmful dinoflagellate species (Tripos fusus, Tripos furca, Pyrophacus spp.) remains a concern for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB). A consistent rise in salinity levels in the river water poses an alarming threat to the ecological health of the estuary and its long-term viability.
Research on the Gletang plant (Tridax procumbens) is still in its nascent stages and requires further development. The presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and tannins is one of the reasons for the potential possessed by T. procumbens. Our previous study successfully demonstrated the antibacterial activity of leaf, flower, and stem extracts against oral pathogenic bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. This study introduces a bioactivity guided fractionation approach of Tridax procumbens, integrating phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, and antibacterial evaluations, coupled with LC-MS based compound identification to pinpoint the most active fraction. The fractionation of T. procumbens was carried out using column chromatography. Phytochemical screening tests, total phenolic and total flavonoid content analyses, antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity test were conducted for all fractions. The EATF was found to have the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC), with mean values of 16.573 ± 0.04 mg QE/g and 10.993 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity was also found in EATP with an IC50 of 5.839 ± 0.100 ppm. Antibacterial activity revealed that the EATP exhibited the best antibacterial activity against S. mutans and E. faecalis. The LC-MS analysis indicated the presence of octaverine, myristyl myristate, phenol, 2,2'-methylenebis(3,5,6-trichloro), and β-carotene in EATP. The findings provide a scientific basis for the development of plant based antibacterial agents targeting oral pathogens, while also supporting the advancement of evidence based phytopharmaceutical applications.
Medicinal plants with the therapeutic properties like Newbouldia laevis, where its pharmacological attribute is related to the existence of various bioactive compounds. This present study evaluates the physicochemical, drug likeness, pharmacokinetic factors (ADMET), pharmacodynamic factors (biological activity) and pharmacophore analysis of N. laevis phytochemicals by instrumentation of in-silico computational online webservers including SwissADME and ADMETlab2, ProToxII and StopTox, PASS online and ZINCPharmar webservers. The study revealed that 47 phytochemicals were identified from Newbouldia laevis based on the literature search. Based on our findings the 3-Dimentional (3D) structures and canonical SMILES identity of 40 and 44 respectively out of 47 phytochemicals that were found documented at PubChem and ChemSpider databases. Therefore, further analysis was based on the phytochemicals with the reported 3D structures and canonical SMILES identity. All the investigated N. laevis phytochemicals obey Lipinski's rule of five (RO5) except Newbouldiamide, stigmasterol glucoside and beta-sitosterol-3-O-D-Glucopyranoside. The present study disclosed that almost all phytochemicals tend to show decent smooth membrane permeability, oral bioavailability, and high gastrointestinal absorption in human gut. Moreover, these phytochemicals showed excellent bioactivity of enzyme inhibition for treatment of various diseases especially cancer. Lastly, the pharmacophore study revealed the functional descriptors in which almost all the phytochemicals one or more H bond donors, H bond acceptors, aromatic group, and hydrophobic bonds were identified as common descriptors except 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol. Hence, in-silico results permit us to agree that identified phytochemicals from N. laevis are predicted to be a prospective upcoming drug candidate, particularly through oral administration, owing to its germane Drug-likeness profile, excellent liposolubility, bioavailability, and adequate bioactivity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological profile.
This study examined the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Durio species from Siberut Island, Indonesia, within the broader Southeast Asian context, utilizing two molecular markers: rbcL and ITS. Leaf samples underwent DNA sequencing, followed by genetic distance estimation, phylogenetic reconstruction, and haplotype network analysis. The ITS marker exhibited high discriminatory power, effectively differentiating species and revealing distinct haplotype variation among populations, while resolving distinct clades with strong bootstrap support. Conversely, the rbcL marker, being highly conserved, provided reliable resolution at the genus level but was inadequate for distinguishing closely related species. A significant finding is the close genetic affinity between the wild variety Toktuk Geta from Siberut and D. singaporensis, a species previously recorded in Peninsular Malaysia. This association may indicate an unrecognized lineage or historically disjunct distribution, although confirmation necessitates broader sampling and additional markers. Substantial genetic differentiation was observed among D. zibethinus populations across Southeast Asia (FST = 0.49293), aligning with restricted gene flow among geographically distinct populations. These findings suggest that ITS is a suitable marker for species-level phylogenetics in Durio, whereas rbcL is more appropriate for genus-level identification. The unique genetic composition of Durio germplasm on Siberut Island highlights the conservation value of this region for plant genetic resources in the Mentawai Archipelago.
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder caused by insufficient insulin secretion and the inability of tissues to respond to insulin. Therapy can include the use of insulin in conjunction with other glucose-lowering agents, but these drugs have several limitations related to efficacy, tolerability, and potential side effects. The use of herbal medicines has begun to develop as a therapeutic option, including stigmasterol. Stigmasterol, which has been successfully isolated from several plants, has demonstrated antidiabetic activity in both in vivo and in vitro studies. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive exploration of the potential, mechanism of action, protein targets, and profile of stigmasterol found in red betel stem as a candidate natural antidiabetic agent in silico. The results of this study indicate that stigmasterol has potential as a drug candidate for the therapy of T2DM with a predicted limited level of toxicity. Computational analyses suggest that stigmasterol may possess therapeutic potential against T2DM by regulating biological processes associated with insulin resistance and the AMPK signaling pathway, potentially through interactions with the key targets STAT3, AKT1, NFKB1, HMGCR, MTOR, and ACACA. Both ligand-based (Support Vector Machine regression) and structure-based (molecular docking) approaches show promising results regarding the activity of this compound. Therefore, stigmasterol is predicted as a potential candidate for further development as a natural antidiabetic agent through the multitarget mechanism of action generated from this modeling. However, the pharmacokinetic profile of stigmasterol indicates potential challenges in meeting drug-likeness criteria, which require further experimental validation.
Tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme known for ability to degrade phenolic compounds, making it highly attractive for industrial applications, particularly in wastewater decontamination. While fungal tyrosinase is considered an excellent source for enzyme studies and applications, deeper investigations into its structural properties and phenol degradation activity are still needed. This study aims to elucidate the structural properties of tyrosinase from the mushroom Lentinula edodes (Edo-Tyr) and evaluate its phenol degradation activity. The amino acid sequence of Edo-Tyr was retrieved from GenBank (AB 033993.1) and used to construct three-dimensional models via Robetta, SWISS-MODEL, and Phyre2. The best model obtained from SWISS-MODEL indicated that the structure is predominantly helical, with a Cu2+ ion observed in the active site coordinated by His64, His90, His99, His261, His165, His289, and His290. Structural comparisons revealed similarity between Edo-Tyr and tyrosinase from Bacillus megaterium (Bm-Tyr), with an R.M.S.D of 1.38 Å. Sequence alignment further suggested that His265 serves as the active site in Edo-Tyr, analogous to His208 in Bm-Tyr. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that the catalytic mechanism of Edo-Tyr likely involves hydroxylation via an electrophilic attack, potentially facilitated by a tyrosine rotation event. Key residues implicated in this process include His64, His265, His90, Pro277, and Asp262. Subsequent in vitro assays using a phenol solution confirmed the recombinant Edo-Tyr's ability to degrade phenol, achieving a 48% reduction in phenol concentration with 0.3 U/µL of tyrosinase. These findings confirm the potential application of Edo-Tyr in bioremediation, specifically for phenol decontamination, highlighting its promise for industrial and environmental applications.
Green honey from Banggi Island, Sabah, is a premium product recognized for its distinctive color, yet its microbial composition remains poorly characterized. This study employed amplicon sequencing to investigate the microbial diversity of green honey, targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA V3 region and the fungal internal transcribed spacer one (ITS1) region. A total of 286 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified, comprising 270 bacterial and 16 fungal/yeast ASVs across 12 bacterial and 2 fungal phyla. The bacterial community was dominated by members of the phylum Pseudomonadota, with representative genera including Comamonas, Acidovorax, and Bacillus. Fungal profiling revealed a strong dominance of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, accounting for over 98% of fungal reads. Overall, fungal sequencing reads substantially exceeded bacterial reads, indicating a fungal-enriched microbial profile in this honey sample. These findings provide the first integrated characterization of both bacterial and fungal communities in Banggi Island green honey. While the results highlight distinct microbial patterns potentially shaped by local environmental and floral factors, functional, safety, and bioactivity implications remain exploratory and warrant further investigation using complementary approaches.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) remains a major public health problem in Indonesia, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas where Aedes aegypti thrives. Tomohon City has experienced a significant increase in DHF cases and, in early 2024, ranked among the top five regions with the highest Incidence Rates (IR) in Indonesia. This study aimed to assess the distribution and density of A. aegypti larvae through ovitrap-based surveillance and to evaluate residents' basic knowledge of DHF and its vectors in Kolongan Satu Village, Tomohon City. A cross-sectional study was conducted using larval surveillance and a structured questionnaire. A total of 200 ovitraps were placed both indoors and outdoors in and around 100 houses across five surveillance stations. Egg collection was carried out in two stages. Collected eggs were identified morphologically as A. aegypti. Vector density was analyzed using the Ovitrap Index (OI) and Ovitrap Density Index (ODI). Residents’ knowledge regarding DHF transmission, vector characteristics, and preventive measures was assessed descriptively. The results showed that the OI values during stage 1 were 25.5% indoors and 39% outdoors, while during stage 2, the values were 24% indoors and 35% outdoors, indicating a medium level of vector presence. The ODI increased markedly from 3.21% in stage 1 to 9.72% in stage 2, reflecting a high density of A. aegypti. Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of DHF, its vectors, and preventive strategies, although some difficulties in understanding scientific terminology were identified and addressed through education. These findings indicate persistent A. aegypti breeding in Kolongan Satu Village and highlight the need for strengthened vector control measures and continuous community-based education to prevent future DHF outbreaks.
This study investigates vegetation diversity within the agroforestry system of Kuta Traditional Village, West Java, Indonesia, a community renowned for its long standing integration of ecological principles and cultural traditions in land management. Twenty plots (20 m × 20 m) were purposively established to assess vegetation structure across four growth stages: trees, poles, saplings, and seedlings. Data collection includes the number of species and the number of individuals of each species, followed by the calculation of the Important Value Index (IVI), Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′), Margalef species richness index (R), and Pielou’s evenness index (E). Results indicated that Cocos nucifera and Arenga pinnata dominated the mature tree stage, while Coffea canephora prevailed at the pole stage. High diversity (H′ = 2.91–3.41) and richness (R = 5.13–6.23) were observed in trees, poles, and saplings, reflecting balanced community structures and sustainable regeneration. The seedling stage exhibited lower diversity (H′ = 2.67, R = 2.96) despite high evenness (E = 0.96), suggesting selective recruitment patterns. Principal Component Analysis revealed soil pH as the most influential environmental factor shaping species distribution. These findings underscore the importance of traditional agroforestry in sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining ecological resilience, thereby highlighting its significance as a model for sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation in culturally significant landscapes.
Excessive and inefficient fertilizer use in agriculture poses significant environmental and economic concerns, creating a demand for sustainable alternatives. Natural polymer-based hydrogels, particularly those derived from biopolymers such as chitosan and alginate, offer promising potential due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and water-retaining properties. However, limited studies have systematically optimized core–shell hydrogel systems based on natural polymers for their potential as nutrient carriers particularly in agricultural applications. The present study focuses on the preparation, statistical optimization and characterization of a core–shell chitosan/alginate (Chi/Alg) hydrogel system using CaCl₂ as a crosslinker. Key formulation parameters including polymer and crosslinker concentrations were optimized to enhance swelling capacity, water retention, and hydrogel yield. Results showed that higher chitosan concentrations led to significantly greater swelling (up to 1652%), while increased crosslinker concentrations accelerated water loss. Water retention improved at lower alginate–CaCl₂ concentrations, and hydrogel yield increased with higher alginate–chitosan ratios. Core–shell thickness varied with solidification time (1–40 minutes), ranging from 404.11 ± 18.47 µm to 735.33 ± 24.31 µm. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the materials’ structural composition and suitability as a nutrient carrier. SEM-EDX revealed particle sizes of 38–225 µm with porous, fibrous morphologies in hydrated form and successful Ca²⁺ crosslinking. FTIR spectra showed ionic interactions and characteristic shifts in amide groups. This study presents a novel, biodegradable core–shell hydrogel system optimized for nutrient carrier potential, contributing to the advancement of eco-friendly materials in sustainable agriculture.
Phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes, including phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC (PI-PLC) and non-specific PLC (NPC), play central roles in plant lipid signalling, although their genomic features and expression patterns in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) are still insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to identify all PLC family members in the peanut genome and to analyze their structural properties, phylogenetic relationships, and expression profiles across major tissues. Through homology-based searches and domain validation, we identified a total of 10 and 16 ArahyNPC and ArahyPI-PLC genes within the peanut genome, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis classified these PLC proteins into two distinct clades, including NPC and PI-PLC. Gene structure and physicochemical assessment indicated conserved organization and similar protein characteristics within each subfamily. Re-analysis of publicly available RNA-Seq datasets revealed clear tissue-specific expression patterns. Interestingly, ArahyNPC-02 and ArahyNPC-09 showed predominant expression in nodules, while ArahyPI-PLC-15 was expressed mainly in roots. These findings indicate functional diversification among PLC genes in peanut and highlight several candidates that may regulate key developmental processes. The results provide a comprehensive genomic resource that supports future functional studies on PLC-mediated signalling and contributes to breeding strategies aimed at enhancing stress resilience in peanut cultivars. This genome-wide characterization, combined with transcriptomic re-analysis, provides a systematic resource for understanding PLC-mediated lipid signalling in peanut. The identified tissue-preferential PLC candidates offer promising targets for future functional studies aimed at elucidating their roles in development and stress-responsive pathways.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a significant global health challenge, responsible for more than 90% of all diagnosed diabetes cases worldwide. The progression of T2DM is primarily driven by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, both of which contribute to various metabolic complications. Metformin is widely used as a first-line antidiabetic drug. However, its long-term use is associated with gastrointestinal disturbances, lactic acidosis, and vitamin B12 deficiency. These limitations highlight the need for safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. β-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene compound derived from the stem extract of Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav., has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antilipidemic properties that may support its potential as an antidiabetic agent. This study evaluated the pharmacological potential of β-caryophyllene as an antidiabetic agent through an in silico approach. The analysis included drug-likeness assessment via Lipinski’s Rule of Five, ADMET profiles, network pharmacology, such as KEGG pathway and GO, inhibitory activity prediction using SVM regression in DataWarrior, and molecular docking through AutoDockTools and BIOVIA Discovery Studio, with metformin used as a reference standard. β-caryophyllene fully complies with Lipinski’s Rule of Five, indicating good drug-likeness and potential for oral bioavailability. The IC50 prediction results indicated that β-caryophyllene exhibited stronger inhibitory potential than metformin against several key T2DM-related proteins, including IL6, HSP90AA1, NOS3, TLR4, KRAS, and NFKB1. Consistently, molecular docking analysis demonstrated that β-caryophyllene also had stronger interactions with these targets, exhibiting higher binding affinities compared to metformin. These proteins are implicated in insulin resistance, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. Additionally, pharmacokinetic data demonstrated high intestinal absorption (94.8%), extensive distribution (VDss ≈ 4.49 L/kg), minimal CYP450 inhibition, and limited toxicity risks. Collectively, β-caryophyllene exhibits good pharmacological properties and multitarget activity, supporting its candidacy for further in vitro and in vivo studies as a potential therapeutic agent for T2DM.
Plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are promising bio-stimulants for sustainable agriculture, enhancing crop growth, nutrient use efficiency, and soil fertility while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. This study evaluated an indigenous consortium of Azotobacter vinelandii and Bacillus cereus on sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata). The study utilized a completely randomized design with three treatments: control (no PGPR), seed soaking and root drenching, each replicated five times. Growth parameters, yield, kernel quality, stover nutritive value, and soil fertility indicators were measured. Both PGPR application methods significantly improved plant growth and yield. Specifically, there was a marked increase in plant height, stem diameter, cob weight, and kernel sweetness (measured in °Brix). Furthermore, the quality of the stover used as animal feed substantially increased, characterized by higher crude protein, dry matter, and total digestible nutrients (TDN), while crude fiber, fat, and ash remained stable. The bacterial consortium successfully enhanced soil health and fertility indicators, including microbial populations, organic carbon content, and available phosphorus. Seed soaking consistently produced superior results compared to root drenching. The indigenous PGPR consortium proved highly effective as a sustainable bio-stimulant, capable of boosting sweet corn productivity, improving stover feed value, and promoting soil health. Farmers are advised to apply the consortium via seed soaking to maximize yield and quality while reducing fertilizer dependency, supporting sustainable crop–livestock’s integration.
Coffee waste is an agricultural by-product that has been commonly used as compost and animal feed. It contains complex carbohydrate sources that can be further utilized for the production of bacterial cellulose. However, the sugar content in coffee waste is limited, so additional sugar sources such as molasses and pineapple peel extract are needed. Molasses and pineapple peel extract serve as substitutes for glucose and are expected to optimize the production of bacterial cellulose. This study aimed to determine the effect of different concentrations of molasses (0.5%, 2.5%, and 5% v/v) and pineapple peel extract (20% and 40% v/v) in coffee waste extract medium on bacterial cellulose production and to characterize the resulting membranes. The research stages included: (1) enrichment of starter culture and standardization of bacterial cell density; (2) extraction of coffee waste and pineapple peel; (3) production of bacterial cellulose using coffee waste extract medium supplemented with molasses or pineapple peel extract at varying concentrations; (4) physicochemical characterization of bacterial cellulose including weight, thickness, surface area, pH change, and tensile strength; and (5) analysis of membrane surface structure using SEM. The best physicochemical characteristics were obtained from the medium supplemented with 5% molasses and 20% pineapple peel extract. These treatments also yielded the best results in terms of SEM analysis and tensile strength.
B-cell lymphoma extra-large (Bcl-xL) is an anti-apoptotic protein that is crucial for cancer cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. Flavonoids have shown potential as anticancer agents through various pathways, including apoptosis. However, molecular interactions of flavonoids with Bcl-xL remain unknown. This study aims to evaluate the binding affinity and stability of myricetin and fisetin as Bcl-xL inhibitors using in silico approaches, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Molecular docking was performed by AutoDock Vina software to evaluate the binding affinity of myricetin and fisetin to the Bcl-xL protein. MD simulations were conducted using the AMBER 2022.1 package to analyze the stability and dynamic behavior of the flavonoids-Bcl-xL complexes over a 100 ns trajectory. Docking analysis revealed strong binding affinities for both flavonoids, with fisetin exhibiting a slightly higher affinity (-7.6 kcal/mol) compared to myricetin (-7.2 kcal/mol). MD simulations confirmed the stability of both complexes, with myricetin forming a more extensive hydrogen bonding due to its additional hydroxyl groups, contributing to lower RMSD fluctuations and higher structural stability. Binding free energy calculations further supported the favorable interaction of myricetin with Bcl-xL (-61.542 kJ/mol), suggesting its potential as a potent inhibitor. In silico analysis indicates that both myricetin and fisetin have promising inhibitory potential against Bcl-xL, with myricetin demonstrating better stability and binding efficiency. These findings provide a basis for further experimental validation and the potential development of flavonoid-based Bcl-xL inhibitors for targeted cancer therapy.
The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is a subspecies of tiger classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to poaching and illegal trade. In the law enforcement process, it is very important to ensure that the sample is indeed from a Sumatran tiger. Seized samples from illegal trade cannot be identified based on their morphology because they have been degraded and processed into other forms. Previous studies have reported the use of molecular markers for Sumatran tiger identification, which involve lengthy procedures and analyses. Therefore, for a more effective identification process, faster and more accurate techniques are needed. This study aims to design tetra primers for the identification of Sumatran tiger subspecies, particularly from incomplete confiscated samples, using the Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers. The primers were designed using the Primer1 application and validated in silico with CloneManager and NCBI BLAST, as well as through direct testing on Sumatran tiger blood samples. The design results showed one pair of primers with optimal specifications, producing G allele fragments (452 bp), A allele fragments (408 bp), and internal control fragments (819 bp). Specificity testing results indicated that all samples were Sumatran tigers, with amplification bands at 452 bp and 819 bp. These results demonstrate that the developed tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay provides a rapid and practical molecular approach for identifying Sumatran tiger samples, particularly for forensic verification of confiscated wildlife materials.
Halomonas smyrnensis AAD6T is a halophilic bacterium capable of utilizing haloalkanoic acid and possessing a specific gene for the uptake of organohalide pollutants. This distinctive characteristic has garnered the attention of researchers who seek to understand the underlying mechanisms. Among its genome, a putative permease protein known as DehHsAADcPt has been identified as a potential candidate for facilitating the uptake of these pollutants. Structural predictions of DehHsAADcPt have been conducted to gain a better understanding of its potential role in pollutant uptake. The predictions of DehHsAADcPt's structural characteristics, presented in this study, shed light on its potential application in bioremediation efforts. The implications of these findings are discussed in detail. The in-silico characterization and functional analysis of DehHsAADcPt was carried out with different bio-computational tools or servers. DehHsAADcPt belongs to the ABC inner membrane transporter permease family protein that is highly basic, hydrophobic, and thermostable having a molecular weight of 58,885.47Da as revealed from ExPASy server. The DehHsAADcPt compost mostly alpha helix structure and functional motif belongs to the binding-protein-dependent transport system inner membrane components and phage shock protein family. The 3-D structure obtained by AlphaFold2 homology modeling program and verified by Ramachandran plot revealed that most of the residues are in the allowed or favored regions of the plot. Likewise, several amino acid residues are predicted as ligand binding residues and most of them are highly conserved. The different computational tools used have proven to give holistic structural analysis predictions of DehHsAADcPt and revealed the concerted nature of these tools in elucidation. This study provides valuable insights into the structural and functional properties of DehHsAADcPt protein, which could pave the way for its potential application in the bioremediation of halogenated organic pollutants.
