ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS - Carbon quantum dots enable sustainable applications in modern aquaculture - Biomass-derived carbon dots support green synthesis and circular economy - Fluorescent carbon dots enable rapid sensing of pollutants in aquatic systems - Carbon dots support bioimaging, antimicrobial activity, and gene delivery - Toxicity risks highlight the need for safety standards and life cycle assessment ABSTRACT Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as promising carbon-based nanomaterials owing to their excellent optical properties, high biocompatibility, and versatile synthesis routes. Recent research trends have shifted from fundamental synthesis and characterization to functional applications in bioimaging, biosensing, biomedical therapy, food safety, and aquaculture. Green synthesis using renewable biomass has become the dominant approach, supporting circular economy concepts while reducing hazardous waste. Numerous studies demonstrate that CQDs can act as sensitive sensors for heavy metals and pollutants, stable probes for cellular and in vivo imaging, antimicrobial agents, and efficient nanocarriers for drug and gene delivery. Despite these advances, toxicological findings reveal that CQDs may induce oxidative stress, developmental abnormalities, and ecological risks in aquatic organisms, particularly at high concentrations or when heteroatom-doped. Moreover, the absence of specific regulations highlights the urgent need for standardized safety protocols and life-cycle assessments. This review outlines the progress, applications, challenges, and regulatory considerations of CQDs, emphasizing their potential role in advancing sustainable biotechnology and modern aquaculture.
ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS - A native Synechococcus elongatus strain was isolated from coastal waters of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. - Molecular identification confirmed 99.70% sequence identity with S. elongatus. - High total phenolic (249.81 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (78.43 mg QE/g) contents were recorded - LC-MS analysis identified 30 bioactive compounds, including palmitic and juniperic acids. - The methanolic extract showed moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 114.34 mg/L) and anticancer potential (LC50 170.07 mg/L). - Toxicity testing yielded an LC50 of 254.06 mg/L, supporting further investigation of its potential for sustainable nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. ABSTRACT Microalgae represent a potential biological resource for the development of functional raw materials due to their ability to produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to identify, characterize the secondary metabolite content, and evaluate the bioactive potential of the microalga Synechococcus elongatus isolated from the coastal waters of Tambo Watu Beach, Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. Sample identification was performed using morphological and molecular methods. Molecular analysis using BLASTn revealed that the WW1 isolate shared a 99.70% identity with the species S. elongatus. The methanolic extract from the microalgal biomass yielded 13.5%. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids/steroids, but was negative for saponins. Quantitative analysis revealed a total phenolic content of 249.81 mg GAE/g extract and a total flavonoid content of 78.43 mg QE/g extract. Compound identification via LC-MS successfully detected 30 compounds, including fatty acids such as palmitic acid and juniperic acid, as well as other compounds like xanthine and deoxycholic acid, which have potential applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields. Bioactivity testing demonstrated that the S. elongatus extract possessed moderate antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 114.34 mg/L. Toxicity assessment using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) showed weak toxicity with an LC₅₀ value of 254.06 mg/L, indicating its safety profile. Furthermore, the extract exhibited moderate anticancer potential with an LC₅₀ value of 170.07 mg/L. However, the extract showed no antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, nor antifungal activity against C. albicans, at concentrations up to 100 mg/disk. In conclusion, the S. elongatus isolate from Konawe waters is a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, exhibiting moderate antioxidant and anticancer bioactivities with low toxicity. These results affirm its potential for further development as a candidate for functional raw materials in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS - Information on salinity-tolerant mulberry accessions is currently unavailable. This research reveals the discovery of salinity-tolerant mulberry accessions from the exploration of various mulberry accessions in Indonesia. - Salinity-tolerant mulberry accessions can be utilized for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. - Salinity stress treatment is known to increase secondary metabolites in mulberry plants. - Profiling of secondary metabolites in mulberry plants in response to salinity stress is known. - The integration of metabolomics and ecophysiology offers a new perspective on how plants adapt to stress. ABSTRACT Land salinity in Indonesia continues to increase, therefore research is needed to obtain saline-resistant plants such as mulberries. Mulberry plants are well recognized for their resilience to various abiotic stresses, including salinity. This study aimed to identify tolerant accessions to salinity stress, in accordance with their growth characteristics, and to examine the alterations in secondary metabolites as a reaction to salt stress. The experiment was designed using a factorial randomized block design, which included seven mulberry accessions, identified as MB1 through MB7, and varying NaCl concentrations of 0% (control), 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%. The study’s results showed that MB2-3 accession tolerates high salinity stress by accumulating proline, flavonoid compounds, phenolic and dissolved sugars, as well as secondary metabolites, with increasing NaCl concentration. Based on the results of UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis of mulberry leaf extract, 100 selected metabolites were obtained. The heat map results showed metabolic substances such as phenylpropanoids, organic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates increased in response to salinity stress. The integration of metabolomics and ecophysiology called ecophysiolomics offers a new perspective on how plants adapt to stress. By analyzing the involvement of metabolites that facilitate tolerance to salinity stress, we can gain a valuable understanding of how mulberry plants endure this environmental challenge. .
ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS - Golden apple snail extract was successfully developed into a biostimulant containing NPK nutrients, 12 amino acids, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). - The biostimulant significantly enhanced coffee seedling growth, including plant height, root length, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and biomass. - Golden apple snail biostimulant achieved the highest Relative Agronomic Effectiveness (RAE) of 104%, outperforming conventional NPK fertilization. - Formulation without EM4 retained higher concentrations of macronutrients and amino acids, whereas EM4 supplementation increased IAA production. - Utilizing an invasive golden apple snail as a plant biostimulant provides a sustainable alternative to inorganic fertilizers for coffee nurseries. ABSTRACT The use of Golden Apple Snail (GAS), an invasive species, as a potential biostimulant source represents an innovation, particularly in sustainable agriculture and waste management. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the biochemical characteristics of GAS and assess its effectiveness on coffee seedling growth. The first test, detecting biochemical characteristics, was conducted using two formulations, i.e., 1) Formulation 1 = 1,000 g of fresh whole GAS extract + 500 g of sugar and 2) Formulation 2 = 750 g of fresh whole GAS extract + 500 g of sugar + 125 mL of EM 4. The results of the 14-day fermentation showed the presence of nutrients N, P, K, 12 amino acids, and phytohormones. Formulation 1 had a total amount of N-Total (1.76%), P2O5 (0.18%) and K2O (0.29%) and a higher amino acid content than those in Formulation 2. In phytohormone detection, IAA was present in both formulations. The results of this test were used for further tests on the growth of Robusta coffee seedlings. The second test of agronomic effectiveness was carried out using a Randomized Block Design, with 6 types of fertilization treatments: 1) Control (Without GAS and NPK Biostimulants); 2) GAS Biostimulant 50 mL/L; 3) GAS Biostimulant 50 mL/L + ½ dose of NPK; 4) 0.5 g Urea + 1 g TSP + 1 g KCL; 5) GAS Biostimulant 50 mL/L + Full NPK Dose; 6) 1 g Urea + 2 g TSP + 2 g KCL. Each treatment was divided into 3 groups having two plants in each group. Observation data at the age of 4 months were tested using ANOVA and showed that there were significant differences in all morphological observation variables, including plant height, root length, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, leaf area, fresh weight, and dry weight or biomass. Based on the dry weight data, a Relative Agronomic Effectiveness (RAE) test was also conducted, which showed that the GAS Biostimulant treatment produced the highest RAE value, namely 104%, compared to the use of NPK fertilizer, showing agronomic effectiveness of GAS Biostimulant as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers in coffee nurseries.
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS- First report of Podosphaera sp. on invasive Ageratum houstonianum in Nepal.- Pathogen identified by unique cask-shaped conidia, chasmothecia and fibrosin bodies.- Potential biocontrol agent discovered for managing this invasive weed.- This weed can act as a pathogen reservoir; monitoring is essential to protect nearby crops.ABSTRACTAgeratum houstonianum is an invasive annual weed in Nepal that grows in diverse habitats such as fallow areas, crop fields, and roadsides. This study reported a powdery mildew disease on this weed species, which causal agent was identified as Podosphaera sp. Pathogen identification was based on symptomatology and micromorphological observations. The pathogen was characterized by slightly dark, branched and septate hyphae with nipple-like appressoria; straight and unbranched conidiophore; hyaline and cask-shaped conidia with fibrosin-like bodies. Immature chasmothecia with mycelium-like appendages were also observed. The asci were ellipsoidal with a thin oculus. Based on the literature, the fungus was first reported in Nepal on Ageratum houstonianum. This report expands the known geographical distribution and host range of this powdery mildew pathogen in South Asia and highlights the pathogen as a potential biocontrol agent for this invasive weed. Additionally, A. houstonianum is common in agroecosystem, thus, it can serve as a reservoir of Podosphaera sp. facilitating spread to crop plants. Therefore, careful utilization, monitoring, and management of the pathogen are essential both to control the host weed and to limit the spread of pathogen to crops.
