Journal of Materials in Life Sciences (JOMALISC) <span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Journal of Materials in Life Sciences (JOMALISC)"}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":575,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":13689059},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"12":0}">Journal of Materials in Life Sciences is an open-access journal aimed at providing coverage of high-quality, peer-reviewed original research and review articles of interest to academic and industrial researchers. JOMALISC welcomes quality research in the area of Biology, Pharmaceutical, Medical, Agriculture, Environment, Sport Science, Veterinary, Food and Toxicology. JOMALISC is published online with a frequency of two (2) issues per year (May & November). Indexed in MyJurnal
Synthesis of Surface-Bound ZIF-8 Layers on Titania for the Photodegradation of Tetracycline
Tetracycline’s presence in water systems poses significant environmental and public health concerns due to extensive pharmaceutical discharges. Accordingly, considerable research efforts have been directed toward developing efficient catalytic systems for the photodegradation and removal of tetracycline from contaminated water. Thus, in this work, a series of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/titania (ZIF-8/TiO2) composites were synthesized with varied precursor concentrations of zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2·6H2O) and 2-methylimidazole (C4H6N2). The precursor ratios were adjusted to control the growth and distribution of ZIF-8 on TiO2, thereby tuning its physicochemical properties and photocatalytic performance. The prepared samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of ZIF-8, reduced bandgap energies (down to 3.07 eV), and mixed anatase-rutile phases. Using tetracycline as the target pollutant, the UV light photoactivity of the ZIF-8/TiO2 composites was evaluated. Compared with commercial TiO2, the composite prepared with 0.5 mM Zn(NO3)2.6H2O and 4.0 mM C4H6N2 (ZIF-8/TiO2 (0.5,4.0)) exhibited enhanced photoactivity for tetracycline degradation (91.01%). These properties, including the high tetracycline photodegradation ability, make the ZIF-8/TiO2 (0.5,4.0) photocatalyst a promising material for practical water treatment applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Materials in Life Sciences
Evaluating Photodegradation Performance of Phosphate Glass Doped with Titanium Dioxide for Water Remediation System
The purpose of this study is to prepare, characterize and to evaluate the photodegradation properties of TiO2-doped phosphate glass with a focus on its ability to degrade methyl orange (MO) dye under ultraviolet (UV) light. Phosphate glasses known for their versatility and bioactive properties were doped with different amounts of TiO2 (ranging from 0% to 1.0 mol%) to enhance their photodegradation performance. The glass samples were made using the melt-quenching technique and their structures were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The XRD results showed that the TiO2 in the phosphate glass formed a semi-crystalline structure with the rutile phase being dominant. UV-Vis DRS analysis revealed a slight narrowing of the optical band gap as TiO2 content increased from 5.41 eV (0% TiO2) to 5.19 eV (1.0% TiO2). While this suggested improved photodegradation performance, the photodegradation tests showed an unexpected increase in absorbance for all samples rather than a decrease. This suggests that the photodegradation process was less efficient than anticipated with the increase in absorbance being especially pronounced in samples with higher TiO2 concentrations which had the highest absorbance at 1.059 a.u. at 506 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed that TiO2 was integrated into the phosphate glass matrix and formed Ti–O–P bonds. However, the presence of non-bridging oxygens and shifts in the P–O–P vibrations indicated that the TiO2 was not uniformly dispersed which could have hindered its photodegradation performance. Based on these results, the study concluded that the photodegradation efficiency of TiO2-doped phosphate glass could be significantly improved by optimizing the crystallinity of TiO2, adjusting the TiO2 doping levels and improving the dispersion of TiO2 within the glass matrix.
Investigation Of Nonlinear Optical (NLO) Response Of Metal Complexes via Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) Method
Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models establish a quantitative link between the chemical structure of compounds and their activity, providing insight into how specific fragments or sub-structures influence properties. Nonlinear optics (NLO) studies phenomena arising from changes in a material’s optical characteristics under light, where interactions can produce new optical fields with altered phase, frequency, amplitude, polarization, or propagation path. Experimental development of NLO materials is often costly and time-consuming, requiring multiple procedural steps. Computational approaches such as QSAR can predict the NLO potential of compounds more efficiently, reducing the need for extensive experimentation. In this study, nine metal complexes were geometrically optimized using Gaussian16 and analyzed via QSAR. Structure 4 was the most stable, with the lowest optimization energy of –0.7132 a.u., while Structure 6 had the lowest band gap energy of 0.16354 eV. Structure 2 exhibited the highest dipole moment (11.85 D), and Structure 5 showed the lowest (0.00 D). QSAR analysis revealed that band gap energy contributed most significantly to the NLO response of these metal complexes, with an R² value of 0.445. These results highlight the potential of computational QSAR as an effective tool for predicting NLO behavior in metal complexes. Further research is necessary to improve prediction accuracy and to deepen understanding of structure–property relationships in NLO materials.
Hollow Silica-Encapsulated TiO2 Functionalized with pH-Responsive Poly(acrylic acid) for Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A
Titania (TiO2) is widely recognized as a stable and non-toxic photocatalyst, yet its performance is restricted by a wide bandgap, rapid electron–hole recombination, and insensitivity to pH variations. Direct surface modification of TiO2 with polymers further complicates applications, as the strong oxidative activity of TiO2 can degrade organic components and compromise polymer stability. In this work, core–shell nanocomposites were engineered by encapsulating TiO2 within hollow silica shells and subsequently modifying the outer surface with pH-responsive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), forming PAA/SiO2/void/TiO2. The nanocomposites were synthesized using monomer volumes of 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 mL, denoted as (0.7)PAA/SiO2/void/TiO2, (1.4)PAA/SiO2/void/TiO2, and (2.1)PAA/SiO2/void/TiO2, respectively. Structural and chemical analyses confirmed the successful integration of all components. 1H NMR validated the PAA structure, while FTIR and TEM revealed characteristic bands and a distinct hollow core–shell morphology with uniform TiO2 encapsulation and a stable SiO2 framework, though the PAA layer was not visible due to its organic nature. UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy revealed a bandgap of 3.6 eV, attributed to the hybrid framework. Although substantially higher activity was expected with the addition of PAA, the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) remained relatively low. The (0.7)PAA/SiO2/void/TiO2 achieved 16% degradation under UV and 7.5% under visible light, while higher PAA loadings further reduced activity due to excessive surface coverage. Despite the lower activity, the photocatalyst exhibited pH-responsive behavior, with BPA degradation increasing from 4.4% at pH 5 to 7.5% governed by the surface functionality of PAA. These findings highlight the potential of PAA/SiO2/void/TiO2 as pH-responsive photocatalysts for emerging contaminant degradation.
Synthesis of Niobium-Doped Silica-Titania Composites via Solid-State Method for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
The increasing use of synthetic dyes, such as methylene blue (MB), creates environmental concerns because of their toxic and persistent nature. In this study, a series of niobium-doped silica-titania (Nb-SiO₂/TiO₂) composites with 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mol% Nb were synthesized using sol-gel and solid-state doping methods. Characterization of the 9% Nb-SiO₂/TiO₂ sample revealed an amorphous phase, an increase in bandgap from 3.05 to 3.58 eV, and a significant surface area rise up to 322 m²/g. The photocatalytic performance of the samples was tested under visible light. The 9% Nb-SiO₂/TiO₂ sample exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving MB degradation of 65% (15 ppm MB) and 83% (5 ppm MB) after 6 hours of reaction. These results demonstrate the composite's potential to effectively treat dye-contaminated wastewater.
Bamboo Activated Carbon-Magnetite as An Adsorbent for the Dispersive Micro-Solid Phase Extraction of Methyl Paraben and Hydroquinone in Skin Care Sample
This study was performed to investigate the ability of newly synthesized bamboo activated carbon-magnetite (BAC-M) as an adsorbent for dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-µ-SPE) of methyl paraben and hydroquinone paraben in skin care sample. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analysis. Quantification of methyl paraben and hydroquinone was conducted using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Few parameters of D-µ-SPE were optimized and evaluated such as sample pH, mass adsorbent, extraction time and volume of desorption solvent. The optimum conditions of this method were sample pH 5, 40 mg of adsorbent, 3 min extraction time and 70 µl, and methanol as desorption solvent. The optimized method showed good linearity with R2 of 0.9963 and 0.9978 for methyl paraben and hydroquinone respectively. In addition, the limit of detection (LOD) values were 2.60 mg/L and 2.97 mg/L for methyl paraben and hydroquinone. As for recoveries, both analytes showed satisfying recoveries with 86.5% for methyl paraben and 117% for hydroquinone with relative standard deviation (RSD) < 10%. For the real sample analysis, both analytes were detected as such the amount of methyl paraben was 2.7 mg/L and hydroquinone was 4.56 mg/L, whereby the latter compound was still detected in skin care sample even though its usage has been banned by the Health Ministry of Malaysia.
Vermicomposting for Degradation of Cotton using African Night Crawler Worm
The fashion industry has driven global economic growth and cultural change for decades. In 2013, textile production reached 92.3 million tonnes, with fashion waste predicted to hit 148 million tonnes by 2030. Vermicomposting offers a promising solution for organic waste. This study evaluates the effectiveness of African Night Crawler Worm (ANC) in vermicomposting cotton under varying conditions. It assesses the physicochemical properties of the resulting vermicompost and vermitea, focusing on nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), glucose, and the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. The study compares degraded cotton structure using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FeSEM) analysis. Six treatments manipulating ANC amount, moisture content, and composting duration were tested. The cotton degraded successfully, with higher ANC amounts, 60-80% moisture, and 90-day composting yielding the best results. Nutrient concentrations in vermicompost increased significantly, with vermitea glucose at 9.1260 mg/mL. The C/N ratio initially around 22.7:1.8, increased to 23.6:1.9 by day 60, then dropped to 19:1 by day 90. FeSEM analysis showed significant structural changes in cotton post-vermicomposting. These findings highlight ANC vermicomposting's potential for efficient cotton degradation and nutrient enrichment, supporting sustainable waste management.
Effect of Voltage on Pd-rGO Composite Catalytic Activity for Hydrogenation
The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a palladium–reduced graphene oxide (Pd-rGO) composite, the computational evaluation of its catalytic capability, and the assessment of its catalytic performance under different applied electric field (EEF) strengths. Pd-rGO was synthesized using a modified Hummers chemical-reduction route, selected for its simplicity, reproducibility, and minimal reliance on specialised instrumentation. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed using Gaussian 16 with the WB97XD functional and 6-31G basis set to predict the catalytic behaviour of the composite toward octene hydrogenation. Experimentally, catalytic testing was carried out in an EEF-induced system using an H-TECH Education 1-Cell Rebuildable Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Kit at three applied voltages: 0, 0.8, and 2.0 eV. The freshly synthesized Pd-rGO was dispersed in deionised water, sonicated together with washed and dewaxed cotton textile, and dried to form catalyst-coated cotton sheets. These coated sheets served as catalyst platforms and were used to convert octene into octane under hydrogenation conditions. The resulting octane product was extracted into a hexane solvent mixture and analysed by gas chromatography to determine catalytic activity. Both computational and experimental findings revealed that application of an electric field significantly enhanced catalytic activity, with the best performance observed at 0.8 eV, moderate activity at 2.0 eV, and the weakest conversion at 0 eV. Overall, the study highlights the synergistic effects of Pd-rGO and external electric fields in promoting hydrogenation reactions
Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin Loaded CMC Hydrogel Combined with Near Infrared Radiation on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from Curcuma longa, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties against various cancers, including breast cancer. However, its clinical potential is often limited by poor bioavailability and rapid degradation. To address these challenges, it necessitated a hydrophilic system such as hydrogel to enhance its efficiency. Hydrogel drug delivery systems derived from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are gaining attention due to their affordability, water solubility, and capacity for controlled drug release. Additionally, near infrared radiation (NIR) has emerged as a non-invasive strategy to enhance drug delivery efficacy through localized hyperthermia. In this study, CMC hydrogel was synthesized from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and characterized using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM to analyze chemical modifications. Curcumin was incorporated into the hydrogel matrix via physical adsorption, with optimal curcumin concentration determined through drug release kinetics. The anti-cancer activity of the Cur-loaded CMC hydrogel was then evaluated against MCF-7 breast cancer cells using MTT assay, both as standalone treatment and in combination with near infrared radiation. Results demonstrated that Cur-CMC hydrogel effectively enhanced curcumin delivery to target cells, evidenced by a significant reduction in cell viability as compared to free curcumin. While the addition of NIR did not lead to a marked increase in cytotoxicity, it represents a feasible approach for future exploration in enhancing localized treatment strategies.
A Study on Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) and Biofilm Eradication of Vibrio cholerae in Shrimps
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health security threat. One factor that exacerbates this issue is the formation of bacterial biofilms, which can increase the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) of bacteria. Biofilms are particularly challenging to control due to their resistance to both chemical and physical stressors, including antibiotic therapy. This study focused on investigating the MAR in relation to the eradication of Vibrio cholerae biofilms. The bacteria were obtained from shrimp specimens collected during a recent outbreak in Limbang, Sarawak. Antibiotic Susceptibility Tests (ASTs) were conducted on sixteen V. cholerae isolates from environmental and clinical samples (shrimps). The results revealed six distinct antimicrobial resistance profiles, with MAR indices ranging from 0.10 to 0.38. Notably, the isolates VC006 and VC026 exhibited the highest MAR index of 0.38. A MAR index greater than 0.2 is indicative of contamination from high-risk sources and suggests a high probability of multi-drug resistance. The antibiotic chloramphenicol was selected as the agent for determining the Minimal Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) due to its known efficacy in quantifying the zone of inhibition. The results showed that concentrations ranging from 3.125 mg/mL to 25 mg/mL eradicated about 50% of V. cholerae biofilm formation (MBEC50), while higher concentrations of 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL achieved 90% eradication (MBEC90). In conclusion, the findings suggest that chloramphenicol is a highly effective antimicrobial therapy against multi-drug resistant and biofilm-forming strains of V. cholerae. This study underscores the importance of understanding and addressing MAR in the fight against AMR.
In silico Evaluation of ssDNA Aptamer against 2GHV of SARS-CoV
SARS is an infectious disease that caused a global outbreak due to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This disease could cause severe symptoms in humans and even lead to fatality. The screening of SARS can be challenging, whether in terms of cost, time or energy. The goal of this study is to investigate the potential binding of the CoV-RBD-1C aptamer, which was retrieved from a previously reported journal. This aptamer targets 2GHV, the SARS-CoV spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD), obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PBD). Several bioinformatics tools, including Mfold, RNAComposer, and PyMOL, were used to design the predicted aptamer. The structures for both aptamer and target protein were minimized using GROMACS software, and the HDOCK web server was used as a docking tool. The optimization strategy for improving the aptamer’s binding affinity was only conducted with the truncation method. The results indicated that the binding affinity between the optimized aptamer and the target protein is higher compared to the unrefined aptamer. The study also documented the incorporation of the chosen reporter, DAPI, into the designed ssDNA aptamer and then bound it against the target protein. The result showed that the binding affinity of RBC-APT01-DAPI-2GHV was significantly higher than that of RBC-APT-2GHV. The incorporation of ssDNA aptamer-reporter into the target protein suggests that the aptamer may be designed as an aptasensor in the future. This RBC-APT01-DAPI-2GHV also provides an opportunity for creating a new technique for the recognition of SARS-CoV and also helps in the diagnosis of the disease.
In Silico RNA Aptamer targeting the Receptor Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Spike Protein
The rise of SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially Omicron, underscores the necessity for specific diagnostic tools. Aptamers are promising due to their high specificity and strong target affinity. This study aims to develop an RNA aptamer targeting the Omicron receptor binding domain (RBD. Initially, an oligonucleotide pool was constructed using RANDNA software and evaluated based on secondary structure properties. The 3D structures of the filtered sequences were modelled and docked with the Omicron RBD to identify the best aptamer candidates. The top three aptamer candidates which exhibited the highest number of binding site interactions, have been chosen for further analysis using molecular dynamics simulations. APT 6 exhibited negative docking score (-19.2 kcal/mol) and formed the greatest number of interactions with the mutated amino acids (G446S, Q493R, G496S, Q498R, N501Y and N505H) within the binding site. The RMSD and RMSF analyses of complex indicate good stability and flexibility, while Rg measurements reflected a compact and stable structure. The findings suggest that this APT 6 is tailored for detecting the Omicron variant, indicating its potential utility as a diagnostic tool.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Materials in Life Sciences (JOMALISC)
Eco-Friendly Fabrication of Persicaria odorata - Silver Nanoparticles - Kaolinite Composite and Its Efficacy as Antibacterial Agent
This study presents the green synthesis of silver nanoparticle-incorporated kaolinite (K-AgNP-Kaol) using Persicaria odorata leaf extract as a natural reducing and capping agent. The biosynthesis was optimized by adjusting extract volume and reaction temperature, with optimal AgNP formation achieved at 0.6 mL of extract and 80°C, as indicated by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 431 nm. Structural and morphological characterizations were conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), confirming the successful incorporation of AgNPs into the kaolinite matrix without compromising its structural integrity. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus, and Cutibacterium acnes (both Gram-positive) through disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. The K-AgNP-Kaol composite exhibited inhibitory effects against all tested strains, with enhanced efficacy in deionized water compared to saline, likely due to reduced silver ions in the solution because of silver chloride (AgCl) formation in the saline solution. These findings highlight K-AgNP-Kaol as a promising, eco-friendly antibacterial material suitable for broad-spectrum applications.
Fatty Acid Profiles Based on Their Locality in Urinary Extracellular Vesicles by Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
The use of fatty acids in extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been largely understudied, despite their selective characteristics which hold potential as disease biomarkers. EVs are nanosized vesicles secreted by human cells and play key roles in intercellular communication. Although lipid profiling of EVs has shown promise in differentiating between healthy and diseased individuals, fatty acids specifically remain underexplored. Due to their structural simplicity and high selectivity, this study focuses on optimizing the isolation of urinary EVs and analyzing their fatty acid content using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The goal is to identify fatty acid profiles in EVs based on the locality of urine samples (control and luminal space) and evaluate their potential as practical indicators for disease detection. Optimal EV isolation was achieved using a 2-cycle ultracentrifugation process, yielding vesicles with an average size of 131.87 nm and significantly higher protein concentration (2.970 mg/mL, p < 0.05). A total of 14 fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were detected, with 12 shared across all localities and four (C13, C15, C18, and C30) found to vary by sample origin. Tetracosanoic acid methyl ester was the most abundant (84.05%), while tetradecanoic acid methyl ester was the least (11.79%). These results support urinary EV fatty acid profiling as a promising non-invasive biomarker strategy.
Dissolution Behavior of Polysaccharides in Choline Chloride-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents : A Comparative Study of Urea and Oxalic Acid Systems
Polysaccharides are essential biopolymers composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds, serving both structural and storage functions in biological systems. Representative polysaccharides such as cellulose, chitin, chitosan, and alginate possess distinct physicochemical properties and industrial relevance. Cellulose, a β-D-glucose polymer, forms rigid plant cell walls and is resistant to dissolution due to extensive hydrogen bonding. Chitin, present in arthropod exoskeletons and fungal cell walls, and its derivative chitosan offer broad biomedical applications. Alginate, derived from brown seaweed, is appreciated for its gel-forming capacity and biocompatibility. However, the strong hydrogen bonding networks in these polysaccharides hinder their solubility in conventional solvents, necessitating harsh chemical or physical treatment, which is often environmentally and economically unsustainable. Deep eutectic solvents (DES), formed by mixing a hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), have emerged as a green and cost-effective alternative for polysaccharide processing. These solvents disrupt internal hydrogen bonding through intermolecular interactions, enhancing solubility while preserving structural integrity. This study investigates the dissolution behavior of various polysaccharides in DES systems based on choline chloride combined with urea (CCU) or oxalic acid (COA), with a focus on optimizing parameters such as temperature, component ratio, and HBD type. Dissolution efficiency was evaluated gravimetrically, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was used to assess structural changes and interactions. Results revealed that cellulose dissolution in CCU is optimal at temperatures below 90 °C, while temperatures above 100 °C promote carbamation, inhibiting dissolution. Conversely, the COA system induced structural modifications even below 100 °C, suggesting stronger reactivity. Overall, ChCl/urea showed more favorable, non-destructive interactions, indicating its potential as a more suitable DES for polysaccharide dissolution.
Optimization of Magnetic Micro Solid-Phase Extraction Using Alginate Chitosan Amine-Functionalized Silica-Coated Adsorbent for Determination of Pyrocatechol in Coffee
This study aimed to optimize the parameters for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) for the analysis of pyrocatechol in coffee using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry instrument. The magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) adsorbent used was alginate chitosan amine-functionalized silica-coated (alg/Cs-NH2-SiO2/Fe3O4). The effect of desorption solvent, elution time, and mass of sorbent were investigated. The calibration curve showed a straight line with R2 = 0.9985, which showed that there was a linear relationship between the concentration of the substance and its response (absorbance). As the curve was linear, it showed that the instrument’s response was directly proportional to the concentration within the measured range. The optimum MSPE conditions were ethanol as the desorption solvent, 80 mg of alg/Cs-NH2-SiO2/Fe3O4 adsorbent and 30 seconds of extraction time. Under the optimized conditions, the MSPE method showed good linearity in the range of 1-10 mg/L with coefficient of determination R2 = 0.9965. The method showed limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification that were calculated to be 1.0 mg/L. Good precision achieved with relative standard deviations (RSD) < 10% and good repeatability 0.55%. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of pyrocatechol in coffee. The consistency of absorbance values observed across multiple measurements (1.438, 1.430, and 1.435) suggests reproducibility and reliability of the experimental results. These findings demonstrate the stability and robustness of the UV-Vis analysis technique used in this study.
Green Magnetic Adsorbent Functionalized with Humic Acid for Efficient Removal of Saxitoxin from Water
Water contamination by saxitoxin (STX), originating from harmful algal blooms intensified by anthropogenic eutrophication, poses a serious ecological and public health concern due to its potent neurotoxicity. This study developed a novel, eco-friendly magnetic humic acid-functionalized adsorbent (Fe3O4-HA) for STX removal from water. Fe3O4-HA was synthesized via co-precipitation, followed by humic acid (HA) functionalization. Successful synthesis was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry, revealing the presence of key functional groups, heterogeneous morphology, elemental composition (C, O, Fe), and paramagnetic properties (23.385 emu/g). The point of zero charge (pH 2.5) indicated the surface neutrality threshold. Batch adsorption parameters—solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and STX concentration—were optimized. Maximum STX removal (71.04%) occurred at natural solution pH (7.94) using 30 mg adsorbent, within 8 min, at an initial STX concentration of 100 µg/L. Kinetic analyses demonstrated the adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.9983), indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Multiple interactions—including electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions between negatively charged functional groups in HA and STX—were proposed. An analytical eco-scale evaluation yielded a score of 81, classifying the synthesis as environmentally friendly. Comparison with existing methods confirmed that Fe3O4-HA offers superior adsorption efficiency, rapid action, and eco-sustainability. Thus, Fe3O4-HA represents a promising adsorbent for practical environmental remediation of STX-contaminated waters, warranting further studies for real-world scalability and applicability. Keywords adsorption, magnetized adsorbent, humic acid, paralytic shellfish toxin, saxitoxin
Synthesis and Characterizations of Novel Mesostructured TUD-C supported Copper-doped Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has garnered extensive application as a photocatalyst owing to its excellent chemical stability and cost-effectiveness. Nonetheless, its practical efficiency is hindered by several intrinsic limitations, including a relatively wide band gap, rapid recombination of photoinduced electron-hole pairs, and a limited surface area, all of which significantly diminish its photocatalytic efficiency. To address these shortcomings, a series of novel copper-doped titania supported on Technische Universiteit Delft-Crystalline (TUD-C), denoted as xCu-TiO2/TUD-C (x = 0.1–1.0 mol%), were synthesized. The fabrication of these materials was achieved through a multistep process, involving sol-gel synthesis, hydrothermal treatment, wet impregnation, and calcination. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis confirmed that the TiO2 component crystallized in the anatase phase. Additionally, PXRD verified that the TUD-C support retained the Modernite Framework Inverted (MFI) zeolitic structure, along with a high specific surface area ranging between 270 and 321 m²/g. The successful incorporation of Cu-doped TiO2 onto the TUD-C support was validated through energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental analysis. Furthermore, diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible (DRUV-Vis) spectroscopy revealed a noticeable reduction in band gap energies for the 0.1, 0.5, and 0.7 mol% Cu-TiO2/TUD-C samples, which exhibited values of 2.93 eV, 3.06 eV, and 2.77 eV, respectively, lower than that of undoped TiO2 (3.29 eV). These findings underscore the promising potential of the synthesized Cu-TiO2/TUD-C materials as efficient visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for the degradation of various organic contaminants.
Polynomial-Optimized Calcination of TiO₂-Based Photoanodes for Enhanced Photocurrent in Solar Hydrogen Production: Integrating Data Science with Functional Design
The calcination temperature of metal oxide semiconductors plays a pivotal role in dictating their crystallinity, phase purity, and charge transport behavior, all of which are critical to enhancing photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this study, we apply a fifth-order polynomial curve fitting model to analyze and optimize the calcination temperature of various n-type semiconductors, ultimately identifying 550 °C as the first-layer calcination temperature for titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photoanodes. Based on this data-driven insight, bimetallic oxide composites of ZnO/TiO₂ (1:2) and MnO₂/TiO₂ (1:2) were synthesized via solid-state mixing followed by thermal treatment at the polynomial-predicted temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the formation of tetragonal anatase TiO₂, hexagonal wurtzite ZnO, and β-MnO₂ crystalline phases in their respective composites. Structural refinement revealed an increase in crystallite size and d-spacing shifts, indicative of heterojunction formation. Photoelectrochemical measurements under simulated sunlight revealed that MnO₂/TiO₂ (1:2) exhibited the highest photocurrent density (0.02052 A cm⁻²), outperforming pristine TiO₂ and ZnO/TiO₂ (1:2) composites. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further demonstrated a reduced charge transfer resistance in MnO₂/TiO₂ (9.76 Ω), supporting its superior PEC performance. This work demonstrates a successful integration of predictive modelling with materials synthesis, offering a rational and reproducible pathway for optimizing thermally treated photoanodes for solar-driven hydrogen generation
Biosorption Mechanism of Cadmium by Acid-treated Non-living Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain SBL
This research aimed to evaluate the effects of initial cadmium concentration and contact time on the biosorption capacity of cadmium by acid-treated non-living Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain SBL, to analyse the mechanism of the biosorption by kinetic models, and to characterise the morphological and functional group changes of Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain SBL in the biosorption process. The biosorption capacity of cadmium was quantitatively evaluated using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The data was then subjected to pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models to analyse the mechanism of the biosorption process. The changes in the morphological and functional group of Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain SBL in the biosorption process were observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of initial cadmium concentration showed that the percentage biosorption decreased with increasing initial cadmium concentration, where an initial cadmium concentration of 0.5 mg/L gave the highest biosorption capacity of 77.5%. The effect of contact time revealed that the percentage biosorption increased with contact time and reached equilibrium after 30 minutes. The optimal contact time is at minute 30, with a biosorption capacity of 68.5%. In the biosorption kinetic study, the data obtained fit the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the biosorption process occurs via chemisorption. The observation under SEM showed morphological changes of Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain SBL from smooth to rough surfaces, with the formation of pores following the biosorption process. The FTIR analysis showed hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups as the main functional groups involved in the biosorption process. The findings in this study suggested that the acid-treated non-living Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain SBL has a promising potential as a biosorbent for the removal of cadmium via biosorption.
Synthesis and Characterization of MIL-100(Fe) Metal-Organic Framework on Titania as Visible Light-Active Photocatalyst for Bisphenol A Degradation
Titania (TiO2) is a widely utilized metal oxide nanomaterial used for pollutant degradation, yet its limited activity under visible light restricts its broader photocatalytic applications. In this study, TiO2 was incorporated with a metal-organic framework, MIL-100(Fe), via the hydrothermal method forming MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 composites. This study also investigated the impact of different amounts of TiO2 in MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 composites. The structural and optical properties of the synthesized composites were characterized using various techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of both anatase and rutile TiO2 phases, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy validated the key functional groups. Ultraviolet-visible near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy revealed that MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 composites with 5.4 mmol of TiO2 (MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 (5.4)) exhibited a reduced bandgap of 1.70 eV, compared to 2.10 eV for MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 composites with 1.8 mmol of TiO2 (MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 (1.8)), enhancing visible-light absorption. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed a size distribution of 74.7 – 99.1 nm. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 composites was evaluated through bisphenol A (BPA) degradation under UV light irradiation initially. Notably, the synthesized MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 (5.4) exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity (81.43%), while MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 (1.8) showed the lowest efficiency (36.36%). Given the improved visible-light absorption from the reduced bandgap, further evaluation under visible-light conditions was conducted. The results revealed that MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 (5.4) achieved significant degradation (69.49%), whereas commercial TiO2 exhibited no activity (0%). These findings confirm that MIL-100(Fe)/TiO2 composites enhance visible-light-driven photocatalysis by extending light absorption and improving charge separation, thereby reducing electron-hole recombination for effective environmental remediation.
Deep Eutectic Solvent Derived from Paracetamol for Efficient Enzymatic Biotransformation
Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) has emerged as a promising green solvent for use in various chemical reactions, including enzymatic reactions. In this study, a paracetamol-based DES was synthesized and characterized for its physicochemical properties. Additionally, molecular simulation was performed to investigate the DES's effect on the Candida rugosa lipase activity. The characterization analyses confirmed that the paracetamol-based DES possessed similar functional groups to its original components but exhibited a lower melting point. The enzymatic activity of the lipase in the presence of the synthesized DES was significantly enhanced, leading to a high yield of free fatty acids (348.30 µmole). This study is the first to demonstrate the use of a paracetamol-based DES for enzymatic activity, providing evidence that DESs are an efficient replacement for conventional organic solvents in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Molecular simulation results showed that the DES's active ingredient, pTSA, exhibited potent catalytic properties and protonation abilities, which contributed to the observed enhancement in lipase activity. Furthermore, the paracetamol molecule present in the DES was found to have a significant impact on the chemical environment surrounding lipase, leading to indirect effects on its activity. In conclusion, this study offers a promising strategy for utilizing greener solvents in enzymatic reactions, demonstrating the potential of DESs as a versatile tool for enhancing the catalytic activity of enzymes. The results of this study highlight the importance of exploring alternative green solvents and provide a foundation for future research in this area.
Green Synthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles using Asystasia gangetica and its Antibacterial Study Against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria
Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) have various potential in medicine, catalysis and electronics due to their tailored properties on side and shape. it is important to obtain MgO-NPs by using green synthesis approach through the utilization of various parts of plants, such as the aloe vera plant, rambutan seeds, and clove flower, in synthesizing MgO-NPs. In this study, MgO-NPs are produced using Asystasia gangetica plant extract via the green combustion method. Characterization involves Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimetry (ASAP). TGA results reveal that MgO achieves its stability around 650 °C, leading to the determination of the calcination temperatures at 700 °C and 800 °C. FTIR analysis reveals Mg-O stretching (670 cm-1 to 700 cm-1). XRD and SEM show high crystalline MgO-NPs with particle sizes of about 149 - 298 nm. ASAP indicates mesoporous characteristics with plate-like pores. Antibacterial activities were evaluated through a well diffusion method using Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus is significant at concentrations of 500 mg/mL for MgO-NPs calcined at 800 °C, while no significant activity is observed against Escherichia coli. The promising results of green synthesis have high potential for further study.
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Anticancer Effects of Cisplatin and 6-Gingerol Co-Treatment on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Breast cancer is known to be a common cancer diagnosed by people around the world, and a high number of breast cancer cases are recorded annually. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive form of breast cancer, is often difficult to treat as it lacks expression of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptors that are often targeted for other breast cancer subtypes. Hence, chemotherapy remains the main option to treat TNBC. Cisplatin, a powerful anticancer drug, is commonly used as a chemotherapeutic agent for TNBC treatment. Nevertheless, the development of chemoresistance and adverse side effects observed in clinics limit the use of cisplatin in treating cancer. Various studies have shown that cisplatin, in combination with plant-based compounds, has successfully reduced its toxicity as well as tumour resistance to its treatment. Recent findings have shown that 6-gingerol, the major phytochemical in ginger, possesses excellent anticancer properties. Therefore, this study reports the anticancer effects of cisplatin, 6-gingerol and cisplatin-6-gingerol co-treatment on the cell viability and changes in morphology of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, which represents the TNBC subtype. Alamar Blue assay was performed to study cell viability while morphological changes in cells before and after treatments were observed via microscopy imaging. In addition, the drug-drug interaction was studied via the CompuSyn software. The IC50 concentrations of cisplatin, 6-gingerol and combined cisplatin-6-gingerol treatments were achieved at 8.08mM, 80.24mM and 58.53mM, respectively. In the combined therapy, a reduced cisplatin concentration (5mM) was used with 0-100 mM 6-gingerol.The combination therapy required a lower dosage of both agents (5mM cisplatin in combination with 58.53mM 6-gingerol) to inhibit 50% of MDA-MB-231 cell growth. Both solo and combined treatments reduced the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 effectively in a dose-dependent manner but with different capacities. Morphological changes of MDA-MB-231 cells upon each treatment suggested that each treatment could induce different cell fate. However, the analyzed drug-drug interaction between 5 mM cisplatin and 0-100 mM 6-gingerol on MDA-MB-231 cells revealed that the combined treatment exerted an antagonistic effect. It is presumed that the cisplatin concentration used counteracted with the effect of 6-gingerol, consequently affecting the overall inhibitory effect in MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, the present study shows that solo treatment of cisplatin and 6-gingerol, respectively, had a more significant inhibitory effect compared to the co-treatment on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. However, further studies are required to examine the combined effect of cisplatin and 6-gingerol using different combination strategies for more promising outcomes that can provide valuable knowledge in contributing to TNBC treatment management.
The Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal Complexes of Mono Thiourea as Ligand and its Nonlinear Optic Application
1,3-Diphenylthiourea (DPTU) is a promising candidate as a nonlinear optical (NLO) material due to its electronic structure, high dipole moment, and potential for strong nonlinear optical responses. It could be used in various photonic applications such as laser frequency conversion, optical switching, and signal processing. This study investigates the nonlinear optics (NLO) properties of metal complexes formed by using 1,3- diphenylthiourea as a ligand with different transition metals (copper, cadmium, and cobalt, labeled CA, CB, and CC respectively). Ligand was synthesized with a 70% yield. The characterization was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations with the 6-31G (d,p) basis set at the B3LYP level were used to optimize the structure of thiourea and compute the IR, 1H NMR, and UV-Vis spectra, which were then validated against experimental data. FT-IR analysis showed the C=S stretching peak at 1242.98 cm⁻¹ (experimental) and 1200.34 cm⁻¹ (computational) for the ligand. Upon complexation, the C=S stretching frequencies shifted to 1028.01 cm⁻¹ (CA), 1183.81 cm⁻¹ (CB), and 1205.50 cm⁻¹ (CC) experimentally, and to 1035.74 cm⁻¹ (CA), 1196.70 cm⁻¹ (CB), and 1221.18 cm⁻¹ (CC) computationally, with deviations under 5%. NMR analysis revealed amine peak signals at ẟ 9.633 ppm (H, NHa) and ẟ 8.169 ppm (H, NHb) for the ligand, shifting to ẟ 8.621 ppm (H, NHa) and ẟ 7.402 ppm (H, NHb) for CA. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a π–π* transition for the ligand at 238 nm, shifting to 253 nm (CA), 266 nm (CB), and 265 nm (CC), with additional Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) transitions at 701 nm (CA), 429 nm (CB), and 507 nm (CC). DFT calculations indicated that the cobalt complex (CC) exhibits the highest NLO properties, with a frequency-dependent first hyperpolarizability (βtot) value of 6030.985 x10⁻³⁰ esu at 1064 nm, supported by a high dipole moment and low energy gap, making it the best candidate for NLO applications.
In Silico Study on 5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6,7- dimethoxychromen-4-one as a Candidate IL-1R and TNF-R Inhibitor
Inflammation is an important process that fights infections and allows the repair of tissues; however, chronic inflammation is implicated in many diseases, including autoimmune diseases and tumorigenesis. Central to this process are the Interleukin-1 receptor and Tumor Necrosis Factor receptor that mediate the action of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α, respectively. This work is aimed at the theoretical investigation of the possibility of 5-Hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dimethoxychromen-4-one, a naturally occurring flavonoid with established anti-inflammatory properties, acting as an IL-1R and TNF-R inhibitor by in silico methods. In fact, molecular docking studies have indicated good binding affinities and identified crucial interactions with amino acid residues in the receptor binding sites. These observations strongly suggest that this compound is likely to inhibit IL-1R and TNF-R with high efficiency, leading to the modulation of the inflammation-related pathways. Further experimental validation is required to confirm these interactions and also to assess their therapeutic potential in inflammatory disorders.
Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Purple Non Sulfur Bacteria for Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Solution
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses serious environmental and health challenges due to its high toxicity and non-biodegradable nature. Conventional methods for Cd removal are often expensive and environmentally unsustainable, highlighting the need for alternative bioremediation approaches. Purple Non-Sulfur Bacteria (PNSB) have shown potential in heavy metal biosorption, but their application in Cd removal requires further exploration.This study is focused on the isolation, characterization and identification of purple non sulfur bacteria (PNSB) isolated from Kim Kim River, Pasir Gudang, Johor and its ability in removal of Cadmium from aqueous solution. PNSB was isolated and identifies based on morphological, pigment analysis and 16S rRNA approaches. Rhodobacter sp. was isolated and identified and was then studied for its ability to remove Cd in different environmental conditions such as various temperature, initial Cd solution pH and microbial growth conditions. The results showed that the best condition for Cd biosorption by Rhodobacter sp. was at 25°C, initial cadmium pH of 5.5 and facultative light incubation condition with 37.77% removal of Cd from aqueous solution. In conclusion, Rhodobacter s sp. isolated from Kim Kim River has the potential to remove cadmium from aqueous solution.
Mapping the Research Landscape of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) for Hydrogen Production: Structural Modelling and Bibliometric Analysis
Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) have gained significant attention as potential catalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER), a critical process in sustainable hydrogen production. This review offers an in-depth examination of ZIFs, emphasizing how their structural versatility—through the selection of metal centers and organic linkers—directly impacts HER efficiency. We analyze key ZIF-based catalysts, highlighting their performance in terms of electron transfer, active site exposure, and stability under reaction conditions. A bibliometric analysis tracks the growth of research in this domain, revealing collaboration networks and identifying the most influential studies driving innovation. By mapping the research landscape, we uncover trends, challenges, and emerging areas that are shaping the future of ZIFs in HER. The integration of structural modelling and bibliometric analysis provides a holistic understanding of the progress made in this field and serves as a guide for future research efforts aimed at optimizing ZIFs for hydrogen generation. This review underscores ZIFs' pivotal role in advancing the hydrogen economy through efficient HER processes.
Isolated Escherichia coli Strain S591890 from a Wastewater Treatment Plant for Tetracycline Biodegradation
Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is commonly used in both human and veterinary medicine. It is known to persist in the environment, including wastewater systems, where it can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This study aims to understand the mechanisms and potential of tetracycline removal through biodegradation by Escherichia coli strain S591890. The quantification of tetracycline was conducted using HPLC analysis. In addition, QTOF LC-MS was employed to investigate the biodegradation mechanisms of tetracycline. Analysis of tetracycline and its degradation products was conducted using liquid chromatography for separation and mass spectrometry for detection and identification. By monitoring the changes in the tetracycline peak and the appearance of degradation products over time, valuable insights into the degradation pathways and intermediates can be obtained. Furthermore, QTOF LC-MS enables the identification of specific metabolites formed during tetracycline biodegradation, providing valuable information about the transformation products and their potential toxicity.
Tetracycline Biodegradation by Shigella flexneri strain TA_E_3 Isolated from Wastewater Treatment Plant
Although the transformation of tetracycline (TEC) by abiotic mechanisms has been extensively reported in literature, knowledge on the potential degradation of TEC by microbial activities in aquatic environments is still scarce. Some limitations are present for tetracycline biodegradation including the typical metabolite products that have been produced by the Shigella flexneri TA_E_3. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the by-products produced during biodegradation of tetracyclines by using Shigella flexneri TA_E_3 as model, and to determine the possible TEC degradation by-products and metabolic pathway. The changes in the concentration of the TEC were measured within 6 hours of degradation. TEC degradation by-products produced from biodegradation by strain TA_E_3 have been studied. The result shows that danazol is the main biodegradation product identified using LC-MS Q TOF analysis. Potential degradation pathways were then proposed including the removal of amide, carbonyl, and amine groups, alongside the isomerisation of the parent compound. The findings of this work can serve as a theoretical foundation for more accurate predictions of antibiotic destiny, transit, and degradation in aquatic environments.