Exploration of Lipid Profile and Wax Ester Content from Local Strain Euglena sp. IDN33 Cultivated in Mixotrophic Condition Combined with Molasses Supplementation

The transition from fossil fuels to sustainable renewable energy is currently growing rapidly. Euglena sp. can be the source of biofuel. Molasses, in addition to Euglena sp., can increase the levels of paramylon and wax esters produced. Therefore, this study aims to analyze cell growth, lipid profile, and wax ester content of Euglena sp. cultivated under mixotroph conditions with molasses. Euglena was cultivated under mixotrophic conditions with the addition of various concentrations of molasses (0, 10, 15, and 20 g/L) until the final log phase. Then, measurements were made on cell density, levels of lipids, proteins, and paramylon to measure the growth and metabolites profile of Euglena sp., along with lipid profile and wax ester analysis using GC-MS. The results of the study showed that 10 g/L molasses increased Euglena growth (SGR 0.1736± 0.0213 mg/ml) and carbohydrate (0.426 mg/ml) but reduced lipid accumulation (2.29 mg/ml). This treatment provides the best result before control. Molasses does not increase carbohydrates and protein but increases paramylon accumulation. The GC-MS assay detected more lipid profiles and concentrations of each lipid type in non-molasses-treated Euglena sp. compared to molasses-treated. Euglena was cultivated on molasses, which was dominated by palmitic acid and myristyl myristate with the absence of PUFA-type fatty acids in the cells, while the untreated ones were dominated by stearic acid and myristyl myristate. Thus, 10 g/L supplementation of molasses is the most effective treatment compared to others

Exhaustive Extraction of Bioactive Components from Sargassum cristaefolium Brown Seaweed: Antioxidant Potential and Bioactivity

Bioactive components are essential ingredients of functional foods, supplements, pharmaceuticals, etc. Sargassum cristaefolium brown seaweed, as an Indonesian marine resource, provides promising bioactive components. The present study was to extract the total bioactive components of S. cristaefolium with a microwave instrument. The extraction method was done serially using different polarity solvents (1st-stage: non-polar, 2nd-stage: semi-polar, Final-stage: polar). Yielded extracts were analyzed for bioactive compounds, functional groups, total phenolic and flavonoid, and antioxidative activities. The results showed that all staged extractions obtained bioactive compounds with various characteristics. However, the 2nd-stage extract was superior, and it exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid (17.53±0.78 mg GAE/g, 72.64±3.01 mg QE/g), the richest volatile bioactive compounds (neophytadiene and phytol were dominant), and the predominant bioactive compound of antioxidative (oleoylethanolamide). Their functional groups confirmed the structure of antioxidative phenolic molecules: C―C stretching skeleton (phenyl/aromatic core), C―H stretching, C―H bending, and O―H stretching. The strongest primary (1439.84±63.02 µg/ml) and secondary (389.73±16.71 µg/ml) antioxidant activities were presented by the 2nd-stage extract. The efficiency of MAE and the potential of S. cristaefolium were promising for developing functional foods and pharmaceuticals that relate to antioxidants in the future

Genome-wide Screening of Zinc-Responsive Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana for Enhanced Phytoremediation Potential

Zinc contamination presents considerable threats to human health, agricultural practices, and ecological systems. Arabidopsis thaliana has demonstrated potential for use in phytoremediation, which is an environmentally friendly strategy aimed at addressing this type of pollution. This study identified genes associated with phytoremediation in A. thaliana. This identification was achieved through comparative bioinformatics analysis involving 27 plant species. A critical literature review was conducted. This review aimed to collect genes involved in metal uptake and transport across various hyperaccumulator plant species. A database in BLAST format was generated to enable the study of main homologous protein families, including ATP-binding Cassette transporters, acyl-CoA-binding proteins, metallothioneins, and phytochelatin synthases. In silico screening for zinc-binding was performed by means of a web application based on the deep-learning framework called GNINA. The results highlighted the fact that within the phytochelatin synthases-especially PCS1 and PCS2, the protein PCS2 has the highest affinity to zinc. Heavy metal ATPases involved in the vital process of metal transport and homeostasis include HMA1. Zinc transporters responsible for zinc uptake and sequestration include cation exchanger 1CAX1 and IRT2. The information thus provided explains in detail the complex molecular machinery regulating metal detoxification in A. thaliana and provides insights for developing transgenic plants with enhanced phytoremediation capabilities. Future research should target these genes to create plants with improved metal tolerance and accumulation, advancing phytoremediation technologies

Elevation Affects the Development, Growth, and Cocoon Quality of Eri Silkworm Samia cynthia ricini Boisduval (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Samia cynthia ricini is a species of silkworm whose survival, development, and cocoon quality are affected by its environmental factors such as elevation, which affects temperature and humidity. This study aimed to examine the impact of elevation on the survival, development time, cocoon shell weight, and fecundity of S. c. ricini. The research was performed at two sites with different elevations: highland and lowland regions. The findings indicated that S. c. ricini, reared in the highlands, had higher survival rates than those cultivated in the lowlands. Meanwhile, the developmental time of S. c. ricini reared in the lowlands was faster than in the highlands. Additionally, the cocoon shell weight of S. c. ricini reared in the lowlands was also heavier, and the total fecundity of the adults of S. c. ricini reared in the lowlands was higher than those reared in the highlands. This study recommends that S. c. ricini be reared in lowland settings for best results

Marine Actinobacteria amo.128 Isolated from Seribu Island: Antibacterial, Antibiofilm and Molecular Docking as Quorum Sensing Inhibitors

The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is increasing every year in Indonesia. This resistance occurs in several antimicrobial categories. A contributing factor to microbial resistance is the capacity of microbes to develop biofilms. Amo.128 is an actinomycete from the Laboratory Biotechnology, BRIN Serpong collection, which is expected to have both antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. This study aimed to identify amo.128 macroscopically, microscopically, and molecularly; to determine the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity; to identify secondary metabolites; and to understand the mechanism of quorum sensing inhibition by in silico with proteins targeting SdiA and AgrA. Based on macroscopic and microscopic observations, the amo.128 isolate belongs to the genus Streptomyces. Phylogenetic analysis of the amo.128 isolate is 100% similar to Streptomyces parvus strain NBRC 14599. The amo.128 metabolite contains several compounds, including N-acetyltyramine, cyclophenylalanylprolyl/cFP, and the pyrrole-pyrazine group. The MIC/MBC/MIC50 value of the amo.128 metabolite against Staphylococcus aureus is 25/50/28.48 ppm, while for Escherichia coli it is 100/200/49.38 ppm. The amo.128 metabolite reduced biofilms formed by S. aureus and E. coli with BRC50 values of 62.07 ppm and 60.44 ppm, respectively. The amo.128 metabolite compound, cyclophenylalanylprolyl/cFP, has potential activity as a quorum-sensing inhibitor

Effectiveness of Biolarvicides of Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum spotaneum and Andropogon aciculatus on Aedes aegypti larval Mortality and Egg-laying Ability in Adults

Vector-borne disease such as Dengue Hemorrghagic (DHF), transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, remain a significant public health concern in Indonesia.  Controlling these disease often involves insectides; however, the negative impact of chemical insecticides have prompted interest in organic alternatives derived from plants.  Certain weeds, including cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), wild sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneoum), and needle grass (Andropogon aciculatus), have shown potential as botanical insecticides. Research findings showed that weed root extracts significantly affect larval mortality rate of Ae. Aegypti. At 1000 ppm, larval mortality was significantly higher compared to 100 ppm and the control, while treatments of 1 ppm and 10 ppm showed similar results to the control. Probit analysis revealed that I. cylindrica root extract achieved an LC50 of 974.99 ppm within 24 hours, indicating it could kill 50% of Ae. Aegypti larvae. Within 48 hours, the LC50 dropped to 889.20 ppm. Toxicity tests further revealed significant differences in Ae. Aegypti egg-laying abilities when treated with extracts. Analysis of variance yielded p-values of 0.000 for egg hatching within 72 and 96 hours, highlighting significant differences across samples. These findings suggest the extracts influence mosquito reproduction, warranting further studies to assess the quality of egg hatched from larvae exposed to these treatments. The potential of botanical insecticides derived from weeds represents a promising step toward sustainable mosquito control in the fight against vector-borne diseases

Antiplasmodial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Active Compounds Analysis of Active Fraction of Harmsiopanax aculeatus Leaves from Maluku, Indonesia

The leaves of the H. aculeatus plant are known as a traditional antimalarial medicinal plant in Maluku. Several studies have reported on the leaf activity of this plant, but studies on in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity and the compounds in the active fraction (F7) of H.aculeatus leaf have not been reported. This study aims to determine the antiplasmodial activity of the F7 of H. aculeatus leaves and to analyze the compounds contained therein. In vitro, antiplasmodial activity was tested on Plasmodium falciparum strain FCR3 using a microscopic method. A cytotoxicity test was performed on Vero cells using an MTT assay. In vivo, the antiplasmodial activity of F7 was carried out using the 4-day suppressive test method by treating Swiss mice infected with P. berghei. Analysis of the compounds in an F7 was done using spray reagent and UV Vis DAD and HPLC DAD-MS with a UV detector. The results showed that the F7 was very active in vitro (IC50 of 0.7 µg.ml-1) and in vivo (ED50 of 2.49 mg.kg BW-1.d-1) also selectively (SI of 8159.94) inhibited the growth of Plasmodium. The F7 contains a group of essential oils, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids after being analyzed using spray reagents. Based on the analysis results, five compounds were identified: fomoxanthone, cyclopentene, microspherone, indole 3-carbaldehyde, and naamine. In addition, seven compounds were not identified

Genetic External Characteristics of Tukong: Indonesian Rumpless Indigenous Chicken

Tukong chicken, also known as rumpless chicken due to the absence of a tailbone, is one of the indigenous chicken breeds in Indonesia currently at risk of extinction. Due to its scarcity, genetic information on the Tukong chicken remains limited, and its potential has not been fully explored. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the genetic external characteristics of the Tukong chickens. Data were collected from 205 chickens (52 males; 153 females) raised in Landak and Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan. The varieties are based on feather color, plumage color, feather pattern, feather flicker, comb shape, and shank color. The data were used to analyze the rate of the original gene, the frequency of autosomal genes, sex-linked genes, feather pattern, introgression rate, gene frequency, and expected heterozygosity. The majority of the Tukong chickens had colored feathers (88.78%), columbian feather type (47.80%), plain feather pattern (61.46%), silver feather flicker (54.63%), yellow-white shank (62.44%), and pea comb (77.07%), which were controlled by ii, ee, bb, SS, IdId, and P_ genes, respectively. The introgression rate from exotic breeds into Tukong chicken is 53.2%, with the original gene at 46.8%, while the average expected heterozygosity was 0.416±0.025, indicating a high level of genetic diversity of the traits. This observed variation in qualitative morphological characteristics might benefit both the conservation and utilization of the Tukong chicken

Characterization of SNEDDS Formulated with Single Bulb Garlic and its Anti-Inflammatory Effect on 3T3-L1

Inflammation is an early symptom of a disease that reduces the level of health. Single-bulb garlic (Allium sativum L.) is used medicinally as a plant with a broad pharmacological effect, especially anti-inflammatory activity. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) have offered opportunities to improve drug delivery. The current study aimed to characterize SNEDDS-single bulb garlic extract (SBGE) and determine its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in 3T3-L1 cells. SNEDDS was formulated from tween-80, glycerol, canola oil, and SBGE. The formula characterization is done using droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, physical stability test, and antioxidant assay. The cytotoxicity test of SNEDDS-SBGE was evaluated using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was examined using 3T3-L1 cell methylglyoxal (MG) induction, and the expression of cytokines was measured using immunocytochemistry (ICC). The SNEDDS-SBGE had a nanoemulsion size of 42.30±1.39 nm, 0.6±0.03 for the polydispersion index, and -22.63±0.75 mV for the zeta potential. SNEDDS-SBGE was physically stable and had a high antioxidant level (47.579±8.017 %). SNEDDS-SBGE exhibited no toxic effect on 3T3-L1 cells. The administration of 62.5 µg/ml and 125 µg/ml SNEDDS-SBGE could inhibit (p<0.05) the expression of IL-1β after methylglyoxal induction. Thus, SNEDDS-SBGE may have potential anti-inflammatory properties

Indonesian Herb Extracts Inhibit the Replication of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus: In Vitro Study

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is highly prevalent in cattle. It is a major viral cause of bovine respiratory disease complex, which is associated with morbidity, mortality and substantial economic impact. Currently available treatments are only symptomatic, but no specific treatments are available for BRSV infection. This study aimed to identify new antiviral agents against BRSV, which could be used to control bovine respiratory disease complex in cattle with Indonesian herb extracts. Ethanol extracts prepared from Indonesian herbs including Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus niruri, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Curcuma xanthorrhiza were evaluated for anti-BRSV activity in A549 cells. The cytotoxicity of the herb extracts was evaluated using a CCK-8 cell viability assay. Antiviral activities of the herb extracts were examined using cell activity and cytopathic assays. The effect on virus production was evaluated by qRT-PCR and plaque-formation assays. Extracts of Curcuma xanthorrhiza (125 μg/ml), Andrographis paniculata (250 μg/ml), and Phyllanthus niruri (62.5 μg/ml) inhibited BRSV activity in A549 in pre-, simultaneously-, and post-infection treatment assays, respectively, as measured by the selective index. Reduction of BRSV activities by the herb extracts correlated with inhibition of viral gene expression and inhibition of plaque formation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that these herb extracts have sufficient potency to be used not only as a therapeutic agent but also as a preventive agent to limit BRSV infection