Journal Of Agrobiotechnology (Journal of UniSZA - Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin)
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Identification and Optimization of Enzymes Extracted from Solid-State Fermention
Get PDFMicrobial enzymes produced through solid-state fermentation are essential source of numerous microbial strains due to their higher stability, production rate, biochemical versatility, and availability. These enzymes, especially the thermophilic ones, are capable of withstanding harsh environments, high temperatures, and chemicals used in various industrial processes. This study involved multiple steps. Firstly, bacteria were identified using 16S rRNA gene analysis. Subsequently, solid-state fermented (SSF) enzymes, including amylase, protease, cellulase, and xylanase, were screened using their respective assays. Prior to optimization, the conditions affecting the extraction were evaluated using a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach. The extraction of SSF enzymes was then optimized using a Face Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD). Bacterial enzyme identification was performed using Next-generation sequencing, and the following strain families were found: Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella, Aneurinibacillaceae, Atopobiaceae, Bacillaceae, Burkholderiaceae, Clostridiaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Streptomycetaceae. The highest protein yield was achieved using the one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method, with a protein concentration of 6.07 mg/m obtained from 10g of SSF material (in 90 ml of sodium phosphate buffer) at pH 9. The extraction process involved a temperature of 65°C, a duration of 2 hours, and an incubation speed rotation of 250 rpm. Under these optimized conditions, the activities of the SSF enzymes were determined as follows: protease (11.04 U/ml), cellulase (11.59 U/ml), xylanase (174.13 U/ml), and amylase (11.01 U/ml). This research will further contribute to the extraction of palm oil, offering high yield and a promising solution across various fields by replacing the expensive industrial enzymes.
 
Heterotrigona Itama Bee Bread Extracts: Effect of Solvent Polarity on Extraction Yield, Chemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity
Get PDFThe stingless bee bread formation in the beehives occurs via lactic acid fermentation of the pollen mixed with nectar and bee salivary enzymes. The lack of research and studies about the effect of different extraction solvents in retaining the chemicals and the antioxidant activity of stingless bee bread were noticed. Hence, the objectives of this study were to determine the chemical contents and DPPH scavenging activity of different extracts of Heterotrigona itama stingless bee bread. The bee bread sample was macerated with four different extraction solvents including 95% ethanol (95EE), 70% ethanol (70EE), dichloromethane (DE) and hexane (HE). The chemicals analyses were proximate analysis, resorcinol-sulfuric acid assay and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, while antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. As a result, the bee bread of H. itama was found to contain 46.88% carbohydrates, 24.72% moisture content, 21.10% crude proteins, 3.41% crude fats, 2.32% ash and 1.75% crude fibers. The highest yield of extract was recorded by 70EE (41.1%, w/w). Resorcinol-sulfuric acid assay revealed that 70EE contained more total carbohydrates (842.585 mg/mL) compared to 95EE (738.178 mg/mL). In addition, intense FTIR signals at 3100–3600 cm-1 were found in 95EE and 70EE, indicating the presence of hydroxyl group, while strong 2800–3000 cm-1 signals found in HE revealed the presence of aliphatic group, and an intense carbonyl group signal at 1550–1750 cm-1 were detected in DE. Furthermore, 70EE also showed the strongest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts with IC50 value of DPPH radicals scavenging was 0.5173 mg/mL. Thus, these findings would provide the information about chemical composition and antioxidant activity of bee bread, as well as help in promoting the bee bread as a healthy functional food
Study on Chemical Composition of Napier Pak Chong (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) Harvested at Different Growth Stages
Get PDFNapier Pak Chong is a new hybrid crossing Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum glaucum known as Pearl Millet Napier. The Napier Pak Chong grass has been introduced due to its high nutritional contents, particularly in terms of crude protein compared to other napier grass varieties. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the chemical composition of the Napier Pak Chong harvested at three different growth ages which are 45 days, 60 days and 75 days and to identify the best harvesting ages of the Napier Pak Chong grass. The samples were collected at Kaprima Hulu Seladang Valley Farm. Then, the samples were dried and ground before being analyzed using proximate analysis and mineral analysis using Induced Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). In the proximate analysis, the plant samples were analyzed to determine the percentage of moisture, ash, crude fibre (CF), crude protein (CP) and fat. For the mineral analysis, the samples were analyzed for magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium. Results showed that the percentages of crude protein in the Napier Pak Chong grass decreased with increased harvesting ages meanwhile the crude fibre increased along with maturity. The percentage of crude protein is highest at 45 days which is 19.48%. The results also showed that the chemical compositions were highest at the early stage of harvesting, which is at 45 days. Thus, this study showed that the harvesting ages have an effect on the chemical composition of Napier Pak Chong grass
Determination of Water Quality and Selected Heavy Metal in Mud Clams (Polymesoda expansa) as Bioindicator at Benting Lintang, Besut, Terengganu
Get PDFAnthropogenic activities are the main cause of water quality deterioration which causes severe impacts on aquatic animals and human health. Mud clams (Polymesoda expansa) mostly eaten by people in Southeast Asia especially Terengganu can be exposed to the heavy metal contamination because of their filter feeder behaviour. This study aims to determine the water quality index (WQI) and investigate the selected heavy metal (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) contamination using Lokan (Polymesoda expansa) as a bioindicator at Benting Lintang, Besut, Terengganu. Analysis of water quality parameters was conducted In-situ and Ex-situ which involves 3 stations along the Benting Lintang water body. The heavy metal analysis was determined by using the acid digestion method and ICP-OES. The statistical analysis ANOVA shows the p-value is less than 0.05 proved there are significant different of heavy metal in mud clams between wet and dry season. The water quality at all stations during wet and dry season categorized at class II except station 2 during dry season falls on class III. The class II water quality shows that recreational activities can be done at the study location while extensive treatment is required at the station 2 during dry season. Heavy metal accumulated in mud clams for Cr, Ni and Cu in both seasons still in permissible limit according to FDA (2007), FAO (1983) except Pb and Zn exceeded the limit by Malaysia Food Regulation 1985 (2011). As a conclusion, mud clams are a good bioindicator for heavy metal determination in their surroundings. Frequent water quality monitoring and heavy metals analysis in mud clams should be conducted to ensure food safety and human health in future
Effect of Biological Combined with Ultrasonic Extraction and Solvent Extraction on Resveratrol and Anthocyanin Content of Ripe Mulberry Fruits
Get PDFResveratrol and anthocyanins are important photochemicals that had high potential for health benefits. Thailand can produce a lot of mulberry fruits that are able to use for as raw material for resveratrol and anthocyanin extraction. This research aimed to find out the optimal process for resveratrol and anthocyanin extracted from ripe mulberry fruits. Mulberry fruits from Chiang Mai variety which were harvested from mixed ripening stage were suitable for using as raw material, because of its high value of resveratrol and anthocyanin content. In this study, two extraction methods were investigated; biological extraction and solvent extraction methods. From biological extraction without ultrasonic treatment and without deacidification, it was found that resveratrol content was increased during yeast fermentation. After filtration, fermented mulberry fruit solution had very high recovery value of resveratrol (331.97%) from fresh ripe mulberry fruits. From solvent extraction, preliminary dehydration of fresh ripe mulberry fruits decreased the amount of resveratrol and anthocyanin content. So that fresh ripe mulberry fruits without dehydration was suitable to use as raw material. Mulberry juice and cake was obtained from hydraulic pressing of fresh ripe mulberry fruits. It was found that mulberry fruit cake had high resveratrol content approximately 2/3 of whole resveratrol content. In this study, mulberry fruit cake was selected as raw material for solvent extraction. Room temperature extraction of mulberry fruit cake with mixed solvent (ethanol:ethyl acetate = 50:50) at the ratio of 1:5 for 1 hour soaking time could provided 104.24% of resveratrol recovery from fresh ripe mulberry fruits. According to resveratrol recovery, the high potential method for resveratrol extract should be biological extraction. The extract solution with high resveratrol content could be utilized as concentrate or powder forms
Growth Performance of Oil Palm Seedlings on Different Types of Organic Fertilizer
Get PDFFertilizer and soil nutrient management is important to sustain the productivity of nursery systems for oil palm seedling. Inorganic fertilizer usually applies to the oil palm seedling in nursery. The problem of the inorganic fertilizer nowadays is the price is quite expensive and can cause pollution if not manage well. So, by changes the inorganic to organic fertilizer, farmers can reduce their cost, and can gets many benefits through the usage of organic fertilizer. This study investigated the effects of organic fertilizer on growth performance and development of oil palm seedling. 3-month-old Tenera oil palm seedling was treated with an organic fertilizer (10 g of goat manure, 10 gram of fish waste and 10 gram of coffee waste). Control treatments were left untreated. Growth of seedling, plant morphology, plant physiology and soil pH were measured to compare among the treatments. Application of organic fertilizer significantly increased number of fronds about 28% to 46% compare from the control treatment, 28% to 41% increment in plant girth for treatment that treat with organic fertilizer, and significantly increase chlorophyll content of oil palm seedling leaves more than 11% for organic fertilizer application but not significantly increase the plant height and relative growth control (RGR). Several treatments on different organic fertilizer, like soil pH and relative water content (RWC), not significantly different from control but application of organic fertilizer help to increase the soil pH and help to increase the percentage of RWC in plant. These finding indicates that application of different organic fertilizer help to improve several morphology characteristics like number of fronds, and plant girth. It also can help to increase the chlorophyll content in leaves and help to improved soil pH. In future, application of organic fertilizer can be fully utilized for growth and development of oil palm seedling in nursery where it can help to reduce the usage inorganic fertilizer and help to reduce the cost of the nursery
Consumer Preferences for Imported Beef Meat Purchasing in Johor Bahru
Get PDFMeat consumption in Malaysia is increasing in the past decades. While local beef meat cannot meet the local demand, Malaysia government has to import beef meat in order to fulfil the local consumption. When it comes to imported beef meat for consumption, there are many factors that are involved before consumers decide to purchase, hence it is important to understand the relevance of customers preferences in imported beef meat purchase. This study aims to identify the level of consumers preferences for imported beef meat purchasing and to determine the most influential factors for the consumers when purchasing imported beef meat in Johor Bahru. This study adopts a conceptual framework, which includes perceived quality and quality que among Johor Bahru consumers. 100 respondents participated in this study through convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through an online platform which is Google form. Descriptive analysis and factor analysis were used to analyse the data. Results showed that consumers preferred to buy imported beef meat with Halal logo. The other factors that influence imported beef meat preference are freshness and cleanliness. The outcomes of this study might help marketers to have a better understanding on consumers preferences when it comes to purchasing imported beef meat from retail outlets
Nutritional Evaluation of Azolla pinnata and Azolla microphylla as Feed Supplements for Dairy Ruminants
Get PDFAzolla is an aquatic plant that has the potential to be used as animal feed due to its high nutritive value and very productive plant. Thus, the objectives of this study are to determine and compare the nutrient and mineral composition of Azolla pinnata and Azolla microphylla. A. pinnata and A. microphylla are aquatic plants that have a high potential to be introduced as a new alternative feed supplement to ruminants. Samples were collected at Ladang Lembah Kaprima Hulu Seladang, Tenox Agribusiness (M) Sdn Bhd, Kampung Seladang, Setiu, Terengganu. The collected samples were dried and ground before the samples were analysed by using proximate analysis and microwave digestion for Induced Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Six parameters were measured for the proximate analyses which were dry matter, ash, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen-free extract. The mineral compositions were analyzed for the contents of copper, zinc, iron, calcium and manganese using the ICP-OES. The result shows that A. microphylla contains the highest protein and ether extract content compared to A. pinnata. As in mineral composition, A. pinnata and A. microphylla showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two plants. This study revealed that A. microphylla is more suitable to be used as a supplement for dairy ruminants as it contains a more nutritive value in terms of higher crude protein and ether extract that are essential for the ruminant diet
Proximate Composition of Larvae, Prepupae and Adult in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)
Get PDFThe black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) is an insect species and able to convert low-value substrates is highly nutrient feed. Most of the aquaculture industry uses fish meal as a protein source in the diet of fish however fish meal was high in demand, price, and limited hence as an alternative the supplement protein should possess certain content to meet the role of fish meal in aquafeed products. Besides, a lack of research and studies on using BSF as a substitute in fish feed was noticed. This project aims to analyze the proximate composition in larvae, prepupae and adults were freeze-dried at -20°C, ground, and analyzed for proximate composition such as crude protein, crude lipid, ash, crude fiber, and moisture. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA to identify the significant difference in proximate composition in the three stages of BSF which are larvae, prepupae, and adult. As a result, the proximate composition revealed that BSF larvae possessed 32.3% crude protein, 26.7% crude lipid, 9.0% ash, 10.1% crude fiber, and 6.9% moisture while BSF prepupae contain 27.0% crude protein, 4.2% crude lipid, 10.6% ash, 8.6% crude fiber and 37.4% moisture also BSF adult have 52.6% crude protein, 15.6% crude lipid, 7.5% ash, 13.2% crude fiber and 25.6% moisture. BSF adult shows the highest crude protein content thus data was able to contribute more information on the nutritional value that potentially can be replaced in the diet of fish feed
The Identification of Chromobacterium violaceum From Soil Based on The Production of Violacein
Get PDFChromobacterium violaceum is a purple coloured pathogenic bacterium mainly found in stagnant water and soil. Isolation and identification of this pathogenic bacteria are very important especially in biological science research and clinical field. It was easily identified by the production of purple coloured pigment violacein based on the solubility, colour reaction, spectrophotometry and growth temperature of C. violaceum. The density of C. violaceum found in 5 g of soil was much higher after rainy day which was about 7 X 107 located at 2°59'09.5"N 101°43'33.2"E and 1 X 107 located at 2°58'56.3"N 101°43'15.2"E compared to normal sunny day with only 6 X 105 and 9 X 104 in respectively at the same locations. The soils samples were collected 0-5 cm depth from the soil surface because of the facultative anaerobic where the C. violaceum from underground was more incline go to the top of soil since the concentration of oxygen was higher at the top