Synthesis of Polystyrene Fiber Membranes Prepared by Electrospinning: Effect of AgNO3 on the Microstructure

Polystyrene (PS) is commonly employed in insulation, packaging, filters, and medical equipment, with recent studies exploring its potential in fiber membrane production. The electrospinning technique is discussed to synthesize PS fiber membranes with high porosity and controllable diameter. Additionally, incorporating silver nitrate into PS composite fibers is explored for enhanced functionalities such as catalytic activity, high electrical conductivity, and antibacterial activity. However, PS composite fiber membranes with silver nitrate (AgNO3) metal variations are rarely observed. This research aims to modify the microstructure of PS fiber membranes produced using electrospinning by adding silver nitrate (AgNO3) with varying concentrations. PS-Ag fiber membranes are produced using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent, which serves as a solvent and a reducing agent for Ag. The results show that the effect of Ag affected the diameter of the PS-Ag fiber membrane, with an average diameter of around 3.67 - 6.93 micrometers. Degradation occurred in these samples at a strong broadening peak near ~1300 cm-1 until ~1600 cm-1 from the Raman results. The FTIR results show that the wavelength of ~3500 cm-1 indicated the presence of OH. The presence of OH indicates that the PS-Ag fiber membrane has the potential for water filtration applicatio

Analysis of Chemistry Podcast Implementation in Learning Hydrocarbons and Petroleum for Inclusive Students

This research aims to conduct a feasibility analysis of a chemistry podcast, referred to here as “PodChem,” and to examine the impact of PodChem on learning hydrocarbons and petroleum. This study employs a pre-experimental method. The podcast media were developed using Anchor software and evaluated through a survey using a podcast media assessment questionnaire. The evaluation was carried out by lecturers as validators and students as podcast users. The assessed aspects include content, functionality, and appearance as complementary media in learning hydrocarbons and petroleum. The results indicate that the chemistry podcast PodChem was successfully produced using Anchor software. The findings suggest that PodChem is valid and suitable for educational use. The audio quality produced using Anchor is clear, and its accessibility is broad. Additionally, students reported that the content is relevant and enhances their understanding of the subject matter. Most students also found the podcast to be easily accessible and effective in conveying the concept. In terms of appearance, students agreed that the podcast title is engaging, the delivery is captivating, and the duration is appropriate. The implementation of PodChem in chemistry learning received positive feedback from students, with the majority accepting the use of podcast media in the classroom. Furthermore, 88.9% of respondents expressed a desire for podcasts to be used as complementary media in future learning, as they found podcasts to be more interesting, insightful, and easy to understand. These conclusions are supported by the results of student questionnaires and the assessment of assignments conducted by teachers in class

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline/CuO Nanocomposites with Various Temperature

Polyaniline (PANI) metal oxide composites are known for their high electrical conductivity, environmental stability, and enhanced mechanical strength, making them valuable in applications such as sensors, batteries, and electromagnetic shielding. This study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing PANI/CuO nanocomposites to examine their structural, morphological, and functional properties at different synthesis temperatures. By integrating the conductive polymer PANI with copper oxide (CuO), a p-type semiconductor with a narrow band gap, the material’s capabilities are significantly enhanced. The oxidative polymerization of aniline, the process by which PANI is formed, requires precise control of oxidizing agents and reaction conditions, as these factors directly affect the polymerization, conductivity, and overall properties of the resulting nanocomposite. The PANI/CuO nanocomposites were synthesized at three different temperatures: 10℃, 25℃, and 50℃, to determine how temperature affects their characteristics. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze these nanocomposites. FTIR results revealed shifts in the quinoid and benzenoid rings, indicating hydrogen bonding between the NH group of PANI and the CuO surface, which accelerates charge transfer. The SEM analysis showed that while pure PANI exhibits a uniform globular morphology, the PANI/CuO nanocomposites display a nanorod morphology. These morphological differences impact the surface area and electrical conductivity of the composites, highlighting the significance of temperature in tailoring the material's properties for specific applications

Non-Enzymatic Detection of Glucose and Ketones in Urine using Paper-Based Analytical Devices

Diabetes, driven by unbalanced diets and unhealthy lifestyles, is highly prevalent. In Indonesia, its prevalence is projected to reach 28.6 million by 2045. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) are paper-based analytical tools that use hydrophilic paper for measurement and hydrophobic barriers to control fluid flow. This research aims to develop a non-enzymatic method for detecting glucose and ketones in artificial urine using S2Z-μPADs. The fabrication of S2Z-μPADs involves printing the design on Whatman No. 1 paper using wax printing and applying silver nanoparticles for glucose detection and the Schiff base reaction for ketone detection. The results show that the optimum condition for glucose detection is achieved with an AgNO3 concentration of 500 mM. A NaOH concentration of 10 M. Acetoacetate detection is optimized with a glycine concentration of 1 M, sodium nitroprusside concentration of 15%, NaOH concentration of 1 M, a drying time of 8 minutes, and a reaction time of 10 minutes. Validation results demonstrate good linearity for glucose (R² = 0.9821) and ketones (R² = 0.995). High precision was achieved with relative standard deviation (RSD) values of 3.792% for glucose and 1.482% for ketones. The obtained limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) indicate that the developed S2Z-μPADs can differentiate between each category of diabetes. The accuracy of glucose and ketone detection ranges from 87.463% to 97.374%. The high accuracy of the μPADs highlights their potential for reliable diabetes management and effective disease monitoring

In Silico Analysis of Antibacterial Activity of Fatty Acids in Swietenia humilis Zucc. Seed Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus sortase A enzyme

This study utilised molecular docking to predict the binding affinity of various fatty acids (FAs) found in Swietenia humilis to the sortase A (SrtA) protein target from Staphylococcus aureus. Binding energies, measured in kcal/mol, indicated the strength and stability of ligand-protein interactions, with lower values signifying stronger binding. The binding affinities of eight FAs as the active constituents in n-hexane extract of S. humilis and the positive control, gentamicin, were compared to assess their theoretical antibacterial activity. Palmitoleic acid exhibited the strongest binding affinity (-5.6 kcal/mol) among the FAs, suggesting the highest potential antibacterial activity, followed by linoleic, palmitic, linolenic, arachidic, tricosanoic, stearic, and oleic acids in decreasing order of affinity. Despite having weaker binding energies than gentamicin, a common gram-positive inhibitor from aminoglycoside derivative, FAs showed multiple hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions with key residues like ARG197, VAL168, VAL166, and ILE182, contributing to their binding stability. Palmitoleic acid formed multiple hydrogen bonds (ARG197 and GLY119) and significant van der Waals interactions, highlighting its strong theoretical binding. Stearic and oleic acids, although having higher binding energies, also formed critical hydrogen bonds, suggesting moderate potential activity. Gentamicin's single hydrogen bond suggests a highly specific binding site, which may result in high antibacterial activity despite fewer interaction points. The study indicated that FAs like palmitoleic and oleic acid show substantial potential as supplementary antibacterial agents, especially in the context of combating antibiotic resistance. This finding can pave a path for drug design and development to address the S. aureus's resistance

Impacts of The POGIL Learning Model Combined With a SETS Approach on Chemical Literacy and Science Process Skills in The Context of Buffer Solutions

This study evaluates the impact of the Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) model combined with a Science-Technology-Society-Environment (SETS) approach on chemical literacy and science process skills within buffer solutions. Employing a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group, the research involved 71 students divided into experimental and control groups. Cluster random sampling was utilized for participant selection, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was applied to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal a significant effect of the POGIL learning model integrated with a SETS approach on simultaneously enhancing students' chemical literacy and science process skills. This outcome is substantiated by the MANOVA results, which indicate a significance level of 0.000, falling below the threshold of 0.05, thereby leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis (H0). Notably, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group. Chemical literacy in the experimental group reached 79.90%, significantly higher than the 62.53% observed in the control group. Additionally, the N-gain scores for the experimental and control groups were 0.70 and 0.32, respectively, categorized as high and medium. Furthermore, the percentages of science process skills were 91.61% in the experimental group and 82.37% in the control group, both in the very good category. These results underscore the effectiveness of combining POGIL with a SETS approach in elevating chemical literacy and science process skills, suggesting this method is a potent educational tool in chemical education

Effectiveness of the pH Master Application on Acid-Base Concepts as a Digital Alternative to Conventional Laboratory Practices for Enhancing Student Learning Outcomes"

Traditional Chemistry Laboratories, such as acid-base reactions, are hard to demonstrate for present-day students in their lab classes when they need to have the knowledge exchange we had, graduating (and teaching) with mortar boards lined up and ready for weddings. The Evaluation Of The Digital Platform “pH Master” For Enhancing Chemistry Student Performance Through A Virtual Imitation of Traditional Lab Practices The study used Akker's research and development model, including initial studies, product design, testing products, and trials. Validation was done using the Aiken formula by two expert validators and three practitioners for all items with a V value greater than 0.87. Surveys for needs analysis involved 45 students, and the learning effects were assessed with 90 students across three schools. Results Students responded favourably to the pH Master app and perceived ineffable pedagogical value. Most students agreed on the necessity of doing practical activities about what was being learned, and almost all also had trouble understanding study materials specifically related to acids and bases. The results showed a statistically higher mean n-gain value in the experimental group than in control one (0.6622 versus 0.5691) by independent t-test across three schools at p < 0,001 significance level between the two groups. This then confirms that the media created did support student learning. This study highlights the potential of the pH Master app to enhance student learning experience and active involvement in chemical education, which suggests a promising approach towards digitalising conventional practical work

Simultaneous Determination of Isoniazid and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride in Tablet Dosage Forms using Ratio Subtraction Spectrophotometry

The study focused on the simultaneous quantification of Isoniazid (INH) and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (PRD) in tablet form, commonly used in antituberculosis treatments. Assessing the accurate concentration of both INH and PRD in tablets is vital to ensure their effectiveness, safety, and quality. Using the ratio subtraction spectrophotometry method, the study analyzed INH and PRD in Pehadoxin forte® tablets (batch no. 36057007, PT. Phapros, Indonesia), with 0.1 N HCl as the solvent. The method involved obtaining ratio absorption spectra by dividing the absorption spectra of INH and PRD, respectively, to derive zero-order spectra for each drug. Method validation parameters included linearity, accuracy, precision, Limit of Detection (LOD), and Limit of Quantification (LOQ). The results showed linearity values of 0.9985 for INH and 0.9988 for PRD. Accuracy was 98.1838% for INH and 100.0205% for PRD, while precision was 1.8769% for INH and 0.2037% for PRD. LOD and LOQ for INH were 0.8116 µg/mL and 2.7053 µg/mL, respectively, and for PRD, 1.3127 µg/mL and 4.3757 µg/mL. The levels of INH and PRD in the tablets were found to be 102.1157% and 101.3874%, aligning with the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia's standards. This methodological approach provides a reliable analytical tool for the simultaneous assessment of INH and PRD in tablets, potentially extendable to other drug combinations and formulations, thereby contributing to pharmaceutical quality control processes. 

Comparison of Organic Liquid Soap Made from Papaya-Turmeric and Aloe Vera-Piper Betel

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the imperative to mitigate pathogen transmission has catalyzed the innovation of soaps imbued with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Diverging from conventional reliance on synthetic chemicals, often associated with adverse dermatological reactions, this study explores the formulation of organic liquid soaps. These soaps leverage naturally occurring antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds from readily accessible plants, presenting a viable alternative to commercially available inorganic body washes predominantly manufactured by small to medium-sized enterprises. Specifically, this research harnesses papaya and aloe vera extracts for their antimicrobial attributes, augmented with turmeric and piper betel for enhanced antibacterial efficacy. Despite the recognized potency of turmeric and piper betel, variability in their effectiveness necessitates rigorous validation against the Indonesian National Standards (SNI) to ensure product quality and safety. This includes comprehensive evaluations of pH levels, density, Total Plate Count (TPC), and Mold and Yeast Count (MYC) to certify the soap's inhibitory capacity against bacterial and fungal proliferation. Employing maceration and hot processing techniques, the formulated papaya-based soap adhered to SNI 4085:2017 criteria for pH and MYC, although initially failing the TPC test. Subsequent incorporation of turmeric extract facilitated compliance with all SNI benchmarks. Conversely, aloe vera formulations only satisfied pH requirements under the SNI, even after adding piper betel. However, substituting piper betel with turmeric extract enabled the aloe vera soap to fulfill the requisite SNI parameters. These findings underscore turmeric extract's superior antibacterial properties, positioning it as a pivotal component in papaya and aloe vera soap formulations. Contrary to prevalent assumptions regarding piper betel's antimicrobial and antibacterial effectiveness, our investigation substantiates turmeric's superior role in bacterial growth inhibition within organic soap matrices

MES surfactant-based liquid soaps added with eco-enzyme and pandan wangi leaf extract (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb) on physical-chemistry properties, and antibacterial activity,"

The growing demand for liquid soap has spurred innovations in soap formulations, particularly using methyl ester sulfonate (MES) as a surfactant base combined with natural ingredients like eco-enzyme and fragrant pandan leaf extract. This study aimed to determine the optimal liquid soap formulation by evaluating physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The research was conducted in two stages. First, liquid soap was produced at different temperatures (20°C, 50°C, and 100°C) to identify the optimal temperature based on maximum lipase activity. In the second stage, various formulations were prepared, incorporating eco-enzyme and fragrant pandan leaf extract at the identified optimal temperature. The six formulations tested were: F1 (MES-based soap), F2 (20% eco-enzyme), F3 (15% eco-enzyme and 5% fragrant pandan leaf extract), F4 (10% eco-enzyme and 10% fragrant pandan leaf extract), F5 (5% eco-enzyme and 15% fragrant pandan leaf extract), and F6 (20% fragrant pandan leaf extract). The formulations were assessed for lipase activity, pH, density, and viscosity. The most effective formulation was further tested for antibacterial activity using the disc diffusion method with six treatments, including MES-based soap and controls. Statistical analysis using One-Way ANOVA revealed that adding eco-enzyme and fragrant pandan leaf extract significantly affected the soap's properties. The optimal formulation, containing 5% eco-enzyme and 15% fragrant pandan leaf extract, exhibited a lipase activity of 15,778 U/mL, a pH of 5.02, a density of 1.06 g/mL, a viscosity of 3.59 cP, and an antibacterial zone of 37.22 mm, making it the best candidate for further developmen