Analysis and characterization of microplastic from personal care products and surface water in Bangi, Selangor

Primary microplastics which include microbeads are added into cosmetics and personal care products as scrubbing agent and mostly used because of their uniformity and effective exfoliating properties. However due to their small size, microplastic cannot be filtered by the water treatment plant and flow into our waterways posing a great threat to the aquatic life. Therefore, this study aims to detect the presence of microplastics in personal care products and surface water. Microplastic from personal care samples were extracted using warm water at 60 ⁰C and then characterized using ATR - FTIR to determine the polymer composition. Based on the spectrum, the extracted microplastics were confirmed as polyethylene with significance peaks at 2800 - 2900 cm-1 (C-H stretching) and medium band at 700 cm-1 which indicates the presence of ethylene networks. The extracted microplastics were also identified as polystyrene with the important peaks appear at 3300 and 1600 cm-1 with additional weak peak at 1400 cm-1 which represent C-H aromatic stretching and C=C aromatic group, respectively. Next, SEM method was used to determine the morphology and size of the microplastics which give sizes ranging from 200-500 µm for each sample. Furthermore, optical microscope was used to determine the color and shape of the microbeads. The results showed that extracted microbeads come from various colors such as white, purple, pink, brown and colorless while the shape observed was spherical, granular, and irregular. Next, insect net and bucket techniques were used in sampling of surface water. The successfully filtered solids were analysed using WPO method and characterize by ATR-FTIR technique. The microplastics found in surface water sample were from various shape including fragment, film, pellet, foam, and tube with the majority come from PE type polymer plastic. Hence, this study proved the presence of microplastic in personal care products that available in Malaysia as well as in surface water

Empty fruit bunch cellulose based sorbent for oil sorption in palm oil mill effluent

The aim of this study was to develope hydrophobic biodegradable cellulosic sorbent materials from empty fruit bunch (EFB) for oil sorption in palm oil mill effluent (POME). EFB cellulose was modified using acetic anhydride (AA) and the effect of ratio of EFB cellulose mass to AA volume (1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50 g/mL) at 3 h reaction time with 5% (w/v) pyridine catalyst. The acetylation process was quantitatively determined using the weight percent gain (WPG) and modified EFB cellulose (1:40) showed the highest WPG (13.0%) compared to the other ratios. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum shows that after the modification, the intensity of –OH peak at 3329 cm-1 decreased and the new peak at 1728 cm-1 of C=O ester emerged. This implied that acetylation process was successful when AA volume increased except for 1:50 ratio. Sample 1:40 also showed good hydrophobicity characteristic with the degree of hydrophobicity (DH) of 87.7%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that crystallinity index for 1:40 is the lowest which indicated that the sample become amorphous due to acetylation. The result is in agreement with scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrograph that shows the surface morphogy of EFB cellulose after the modification became rougher. Moreover, the modified EFB cellulose 1:40 was able to absorb oil from POME up to 98.5%. Thus, it is proven that cellulose from EFB can be modified to a certain ratio to make it an extremely promising natural source oil sorbent in treating POME

Improving rate of gelatin/carboxymethylcellulose dissolving microneedle for transdermal drug delivery

Gelatin has been widely used as a nature-derived biopolymer material due to its high biocompatibility and abundance. However, multiple fabrication steps for the moulding process may limit its application to microneedle technology as biomedical application. This research focused on physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of gelatin-based dissolving microneedle (DMN) by adding in various concentrations of carboxymethylcellulose. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) derived from kenaf bast fibre were extracted by alkaline treatment and esterification process, followed by fabrication of DMN with gelatin using centrifuge-casting method. The formulation of G/CMC6 demonstrated the highest mechanical strength of 11.2 N by texture analyzer; hence, G/CMC6 was chosen for further investigate of its intra- and intermolecular bond, amorphous study, and its geometry by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FTIR showed various chemical interactions involved including hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole and charge effect. The XRD result shows amorphous peak of gelatin decreased at 2θ = 20 - 21° with the addition of CMC. The height of microneedle arrays also decreased from its micromould by 36.7% due to agglomeration of CMC. Considering the biodegradability and the improvement of gelatinbased DMN mechanical properties by carboxymethylcellulose, the combination of gelatin and CMC is one of great potential for delivering drugs using microneedle

A Rare Tumor in the Neck of a Child: Plexiform Neurofibroma

Plexiform neurofibroma represents an uncommon variant of neurofibromatosis type 1, constituting only 5%–30% of all cases. Plexiform neurofibroma is usually diagnosed during childhood and arises from multiple nerves, manifesting as bulging and deforming masses that can also involve connective tissue and skin folds. We report a case of a two-year-old girl who presented with worsening stridor since birth and later exhibited progressively increasing left neck swelling at the age of 10 months old. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a lobulated solid mass in the left deep neck space extending to the midline and having a mass effect on the airway with involvement of the supraglottic region. Tracheostomy was done, and a biopsy of the supraglottic lesion revealed a plexiform neurofibroma. The patient was conservatively managed after a discussion with her parents concerning the associated potential of operative morbidity. The patient’s parents had learned about tracheostomy care, and the patient was scheduled for yearly MRI surveillance. MRI was performed again three months after the initial diagnosis and showed stable lesion. Plexiform neurofibroma is a slow-growing tumor. A treatment decision must consider the benefits of surgery and the morbidity of the progressing disease. Hence, airway management is crucial prior to the final decision of such cases

CHANGES ON THE SOLID FAT CONTENT OF PALM OIL/SUNFLOWER OIL BLENDS VIA INTERESTERIFICATION

Abstract Physicochemical characteristics of binary blends containing refined-deodorized-bleached palm oil (RBDPO) and sunflower oil (SFO) were studied before and after chemical interesterification at different temperature (110 o C (CIE1) and 80 o C (CIE2)) using sodium methoxide as catalyst. Thirty-three samples with different ratios were analyzed for triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, fatty acid composition (FAC) and solid fat content (SFC) profile. Upon CIE, extensive rearrangements of fatty acids among triacylglycerol (TAG) were seen. Generally, CIE not induced enormous changes in the TAG compositions of ratio 8:2 and 5:5 of RBDPO:SFO blends. However, CIE induced enormous changes in the TAG compositions of the 9:1, 7:3, 6:4, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8 and 1:9 blends, which some of the TAGs were increasing while the other decreasing. These changes in TAG profiles resulted in some changes in the physical properties (especially SFC) of the blends. Generally, the SFC of interesterified blend were decreased after CIE1 and increased after CIE2, except for sample 10:0, 8:2, 7:3, 5:5 and 9:1 which were decreased after CIE1 and CIE2. As a conclusion, CIE1 and CIE2 successfully changed the physicochemical characteristics of the binary blends. Keywords: palm oil, sunflower oil, interesterification, blending, solid fat content Abstrak Ciri-ciri fiziko-kimia adunan duaan langsung minyak sawit tertapis, terluntur dan ternyahbau/minyak bunga matahari (RBDPO/SFO) dikaji sebelum dan selepas penginteresteran kimia pada suhu berbeza (110 o C (CIE1) dan 80 o C (CIE2)) dengan menggunakan mangkin natrium metoksida. Sebanyak 33 adunan dengan nisbah yang berbeza dianalisis menggunakan kaedah penentuan komposisi triasilgliserol (TAG), komposisi asid lemak (FAC) dan kandungan lemak pepejal (SFC) yang dilakukan sebelum dan selepas penginteresteran kimia. Penyusunan semula asid-asid lemak pada molekul-molekul TAG dikesan selepas penginteresteran kimia. Umumnya, penginteresteran kimia merangsang perubahan yang tidak begitu ketara di dalam komposisi TAG adunan 8:2 dan 5:5. Walaubagaimanapun, penginteresteran kimia telah merangsang perubahan yang agak besar bagi adunan 9:1, 7:3, 6:4, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8 dan 1:9 dengan beberapa jenis TAG meningkat, manakala yang lainnya menurun. Perubahan di dalam profil TAG menyebabkan perubahan ke atas sifat-sifat fizikal terutamanya kandungan lemak pepejal adunan duaan minyak. Kandungan lemak pepejal bagi adunan-adunan yang terinterester menurun selepas CIE1 dan meningkat selepas CIE2, kecuali bagi adunan 10:0, 8:2, 7:3, 5:5 dan 9:1 yang menurun selepas CIE1 dan CIE2. Keseluruhannya, CIE1 dan CIE2 berjaya mengubah ciri-ciri fiziko-kimia adunan minyak. Kata kunci: minyak sawit, minyak bunga matahari, adunan, kandungan lemak pepejal Introduction Most native vegetable oils have specific characteristic in their original forms due to their specific chemical composition that reflect specific physical properties and nutritional value, which limit their applications. To enlarge the usage of these oils, they have been modified either chemically (interesterfication or hydrogenation) or physically (fractionation

Efficient manual Fmoc solid-phase synthesis of the N-Terminal segment of surfactant protein B (SP-B1-25)

The N-terminal 25 residue segment of human surfactant protein B (SP-B1-25) was synthesised in 26% yield by manual Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc SPPS) using low-loading Fmoc-Gly-Wang resin. Substantial oxidation of Met21 occurred during the synthesis, and the addition of Bu4NBr to a TFA/water/EDT/TIS cleavage cocktail enabled facile reduction of Met(O)21-SP-B1-25 to SP-B1-25. The methods described herein are generally applicable to the Fmoc SPPS of difficult sequences containing methionine

Gamma Irradiation-Assisted Synthesis of Cellulose Nanocrystal-Reinforced Gelatin Hydrogels

Herein, we describe the use of gamma irradiation to prepare hydrogels comprising α-cellulose and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-reinforced gelatin in the absence of crosslinking agents. In this study, cellulose was extracted from rice husks by an alkali and bleaching treatment followed by acid hydrolysis to produce CNC. A semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) of hydrogels was developed by the miscibility between gelatin and cellulosic materials. Compared to those prepared from α-cellulose, hydrogels prepared by dispersion of CNCs exhibited remarkably enhanced stiffness and swelling properties, which was ascribed to the uniform distribution of CNCs and their increased crystallinity. Improved pore structure, arrangement, and rigidity of CNC-reinforced gelatin hydrogels, which induced the swelling mechanism resulting in higher and faster water uptake was observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), compared to cellulose-reinforced gelatin hydrogels. Moreover, in vitro drug profiling demonstrated that CNC/gelatin hydrogels exhibit good drug loading/release behavior and are thus suitable for use in drug-delivery applications

Coconut oil based microemulsion formulations for hair care product application

Coconut oil in microemulsion is a better option than conventional practice since it can incorporate bioactive ingredients with a stable control release property, especially for hair care products. This work aims to develop microemulsion systems based on coconut oil with the addition of Tween 20, Tween 40, and Tween 80 as non-ionic surfactants (S), and propylene glycol as a co-surfactant (CoS). The determination of microemulsion regions in the ternary phase diagram was carried out by water titration method and the properties of the microemulsion were analysed. Based on the results, the microemulsion system of coconut oil with Tween 80 produced the largest microemulsion region compared to Tween 40 and Tween 20. Microemulsion systems of coconut oil/Tween 80 with the addition of propylene glycol with the ratio of S/CoS at Km = 3:1, 2:1, and 1:1 resulted in a decrement of microemulsion regions compared to using merely Tween 80. The microemulsion system of coconut oil/Tween 80/water at the ratio of oil: surfactant = 1:9 was chosen for further characterisations. Viscosity and electrical conductivity studies showed that the microemulsion system was water-in-oil (w/o) type as there was no phase transition to bicontinuous (BC) or oil-in-water (o/w) type due to low percentage of water content. Stability studies showed that the microemulsion system remained clear and stable at 25 and 40°C upon one-month storage except at 4°C where the system became cloudy and turbid. For particle size analysis, the microemulsion system possessed particle size less than 100 nm

A Scoping Review on the Effects of Carotenoids and Flavonoids on Skin Damage Due to Ultraviolet Radiation

Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun causes premature ageing and may predispose to skin cancers. UV radiation generates excessive free radical species, resulting in oxidative stress, which is responsible for cellular and DNA damage. There is growing evidence that phytonutrients such as flavonoids and carotenoids may impede oxidative stress and prevent photodamage. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to explore the effects of certain phytonutrients in preventing skin photodamage. We searched the electronic Medline (Ovid) and Pubmed databases for relevant studies published between 2002 and 2022. The main inclusion criteria were articles written in English, and studies reporting the effects of phytonutrient-containing plants of interest on the skin or skin cells exposed to UV radiation. We focused on tea, blueberries, lemon, carrot, tomato, and grapes, which are rich in flavonoids and/or carotenoids. Out of 434 articles retrieved, 40 were identified as potentially relevant. Based on our inclusion criteria, nine articles were included in the review. The review comprises three combined in vitro and animal studies, four human studies, one in vitro research, and one mixed in vitro and human study. All the studies reported positive effects of flavonoids and carotenoid-containing plant extract on UV-induced skin damage. This evidence-based review highlights the potential use of flavonoids and carotenoids found in plants in preventing the deleterious effects of UV radiation on the skin. These compounds may have a role in clinical and aesthetic applications for the prevention and treatment of sunburn and photoaging, and may potentially be used against UV-related skin cancers

Effect of Aminosilane Modification on Nanocrystalline Cellulose Properties

The application of renewable nanomaterials, like nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), has recently been widely studied by many researchers. NCC has many benefits such as high aspect ratio, biodegradability, and high number of hydroxyl groups which offer great opportunities for modification. In this study, the NCC derived from empty fruit bunches (EFB) was modified with aminosilane, 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl-dimethoxymethylsilane (AEAPDMS), and the characterization was performed to investigate the potential as carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. Modification of NCC with AEAPDMS was carried out in water/ethanol solvent (80/20) (v/v) with a ratio of NCC to aminosilane of 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 3, and 1 : 4 w/w%. The effects of AEAPDMS on NCC were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, elemental analysis (CHNS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The existence of AEAPDMS onto NCC was confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as the new peaks of NH2 were bending and wagging, and Si-CH3 appeared. The thermal stability of NCC increased after modification due to the interaction with AEAPDMS. The elemental analysis result showed that the nitrogen content increased with an enhancement ratio of the modifiers. The XRD indicated that the crystallinity decreased while the rod-like geometry of NCC was maintained after amorphous AEAPDMS grafted on the NCC. Since AEAPDMS can be grafted on the NCC, the sample is applicable as CO2 capture