Journal of Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology
Journal of Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology (e-ISSN 2289-5906) is an open-access, online-only, biannual journal published in July and December. The journal features original research papers, short communications, mini-reviews, and full review articles. It focuses on both basic and applied research that enhances knowledge and advances applications in environmental microbiology, toxicology, and related fields. These areas include, but are not limited to, xenobiotics, toxicity testing and evaluation, biochemical and food toxicology, environmental biochemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental biotechnology, bioremediation, biodegradation of xenobiotics, and the development of biosensors for environmental conservation and risk management. All manuscripts must be submitted through the online submission system. For technical issues or queries regarding submission, please contact the Editor-in-Chief at editor.jemat@hibiscuspublisher.com
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Psychotropic Drugs Against Yeast Species
The antimicrobial activity of psychotropic drugs forms the basis for their repurposing for antibiotic applications and concurrently requires care in their disposal due to their potential role in the evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Four psychotropic drugs of the sedative class, namely barbiturate, benzodiazepine, non-benzodiazepine, and chloral hydrate, were tested for their antimicrobial activity against three different types of yeasts, viz, an ascomycetous non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an ascomycetous pathogenic yeast Candida tropicalis, and a basidiomycetous emerging pathogenic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa; biofilm-forming ability was used as the parameter of pathogenicity. All drugs showed antibiofilm activity; chloral hydrate was more effective (causing 66.3%, 42.355 and 25.44% in S. cerevisiae, R.mucilaginosa and C. tropicalis respectively) at lower concentrations (MIC50), S. cerevisiae was the most resistant yeast except in the case of chloral hydrate, while R. mucilaginosa was the most sensitive yeast (up to 76.85% and 74.67% inhibition by benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine respectively) towards the selected sedative drugs. Some of these drugs may be repurposed for use as antibiotics, while care must be taken in their disposal, as they may contribute to the evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kanak Choudhary, Vikas Jadhav, Sanjay Sahay http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Engineered Green Synthesized Silica-Oxide Nanoparticle for Enhanced Bioremediation of Petroleum Polluted Soil in the Niger Delta
The most prevalent environmental contaminants in the Niger Delta zone are petroleum hydrocarbons, and their spillage poses a serious threat to life. So many techniques have been deployed over the years to reclaim soil perturbed with petroleum hydrocarbons using nanobioremediation. The use of these nanoparticles is drawing so much attention, which could be attributed to several qualities these nanoparticles possess. These engineered green synthesized silica-oxide nanoparticles (EGSSON) are used for the enhanced degradation of petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted agricultural farm soil, thereby restoring beneficial microorganisms to the ecosystem. With the manufacturing of these environmentally friendly (EGSSON), the industrial cost for decontaminating agricultural soil might be cut down due to the availability of the plant materials used, which are productive and more efficient than other methods, which have hazardous material manufacturing, inefficient cleanup techniques, and high capital needs. Therefore, using effective, eco-friendly, and financially feasible methods is essential to establishing and achieving environmental sustainability. Because of their large size, strong chemical reactions, and catalytic properties, these nanoparticles are employed to remediate hydrocarbon-polluted soil, which has led to an increase in their use in recent decades. After calcination of bamboo leaves to create white, powdery silica-oxide particles, the silica-oxide nanoparticle is further described and put through an ecotoxicity test on microbial cells. These green synthesized silica-oxide nanoparticles, when introduced with hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, exhibit a nanobioremediation strategy that is cost-effective, friendly to the environment and highly sustainable.
Copyright (c) 2025 T.P. Nwogu, A.U. Osadebe, C.J. Ogugbue http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Response Surface Optimization of Acetylcholinesterase Extraction from Scomberomorus commerson for Toxicological Applications
Cholinesterase, especially acetylcholinesterase, is often used in toxicology research in insecticide biomonitoring work from the environment or from agricultural products. One of the most utilized sources of acetylcholinesterase is from fish acetylcholinesterase, and the search for potentially sensitive sources of acetylcholinesterase is ongoing research. In this study, the extraction conditions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Scomberomorus commerson, a novel source, were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to evaluate the effects of three independent variables—pH (7.0-8.8), NaCl concentration (0.05-0.20 M), and Triton X-100 concentration (0.01-0.04% v/v)—on AChE activity as the response. Experimental data were fitted to a quadratic polynomial model, which demonstrated good agreement with the observed values (R² = 0.9081; Adj R² = 0.7898). Analysis of variance confirmed that pH was the most significant factor influencing extraction efficiency (p < 0.01), while NaCl and Triton X-100 showed weaker individual effects within the studied range. A significant interaction between pH and NaCl (p < 0.05), together with the quadratic effect of pH, contributed to the nonlinear extraction profile. Numerical optimization predicted maximum AChE activity at pH 8.79, 0.197 M NaCl, and 0.039% Triton X-100, yielding a predicted activity of 0.145 U (95% CI: 0.125-0.166 U). Experimental validation produced a similar value of 0.152 U, confirming the reliability of the model. Further kinetic characterization revealed substrate-dependent variations in catalytic parameters, with Vmax and Km values of 0.02238 U and 0.03387 mM for acetylthiocholine (ATC), 0.02135 U and 0.2177 mM for propionylthiocholine (PTC), and 0.01928 U and 0.2316 mM for butyrylthiocholine (BTC), respectively. These findings demonstrate that RSM is an effective approach for improving AChE extraction, with pH identified as the primary factor governing extraction performance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Darren Guo Bin Beh, Mohd Yunus Shukor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Physicochemical Characteristics of Anopheles Mosquito Breeding Sites in Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria: Implications for Malaria Transmission and Control
The physicochemical parameters of breeding sites of African malaria vector mosquitoes were investigated in Azare town, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multiparameter pH meter was used to analyze water samples from various breeding sites for parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and conductivity. The results showed that the mean temperature (30.9°C and 31.1°C), pH (6.8 and 7.3), and dissolved oxygen (4.32 mg/L and 3.99 mg/L) were within the tolerable limits for mosquito breeding in Sudan and Sahel savannah regions, respectively. However, the levels of turbidity, total suspended solids, chloride, nitrate, nitrogen, and potassium exceeded the recommended limits in both regions, indicating potential anthropogenic influences. The study highlights the importance of understanding these parameters in developing targeted control strategies to reduce malaria transmission in Azare town and similar environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aliyu Abdulhamid Omar, Auwal Alhassan Barde, Umar Aliyu, Usman Alhaji Mohammed, Abdulrasheed Dalhatu http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antibacterial Activity of Disinfectants Against Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Healthcare Equipment in Some Kano Metropolitan Hospitals
This study investigated the antibacterial activity of common hospital disinfectants, Dettol, Hypo, and Izal, against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from healthcare equipment in selected hospitals within Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 288 samples were collected from the hospital environment, including bed sheets, bed rails, toilet door handles, and Nurses' used gloves across Imam Wali General Hospital, Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Bacterial isolation and identification were conducted using standard microbiological methods, including culture on Mannitol Salt Agar and biochemical tests. Results showed that S. aureus was the predominant isolate (30.06%), followed by E. coli (27.27%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.02%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.39%). The antibacterial efficacy of the disinfectants was assessed using the disc diffusion method at varying concentrations (100%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5%). Statistical analysis (ANOVA, p < 0.05) revealed significant differences among the disinfectants. Hypo (sodium hypochlorite) demonstrated the highest mean zone of inhibition across all concentrations (21.26 mm at 100%), followed by Izal (18.06 mm) and Dettol (17.58 mm), while ethanol (control) exhibited the least activity (11.83 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) results further confirmed Hypo's superior efficacy (MIC = 0.08 mL; MBC = 0.05 mL). These findings highlight Hypo as the most effective disinfectant against S. aureus isolated from hospital surfaces, likely due to its strong oxidative mechanism via hypochlorous acid production. The study underscores the importance of using highly effective disinfectants like Hypo in infection control protocols to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections and limit the spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in healthcare facilities.
Copyright (c) 2025 A.M. Baba, A. Isma’ila, U. Shamsuddeen, Z.N. Lambu http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Growth Modeling of a γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane-degrading Microbial Consortium Based on Chloride Release Kinetics
Nonlinear growth modeling can offer a more robust approach in curve fitting exercises compared to the traditional linear regression for modelling microbial growth processes. The models utilized include Huang, Baranyi-Roberts, modified Gompertz, Buchanan-3-phase, modified Richards, modified Schnute, modified Logistics, von Bertalanffy, MMF (Morgan Mercer Flodin), and the study evaluated these primary growth models to describe a bacterial consortium growth on lindane, with growth measured indirectly by chloride release. The results show that choosing the best model using visual inspection is inadequate for distinguishing between models, as all evaluated models demonstrated acceptable fits. A statistically and information-criterion-based discriminatory approach demonstrated distinct performance disparities. The Huang model consistently demonstrated superior performance compared to competing models, characterized by the lowest error values, the highest explanatory power, favorable information criteria, and minimal systematic bias. However, the modified Richards and modified Logistics models also exhibited competitive performance under specific criteria. The MOORA multi-criteria decision-making approach was utilized to mitigate the uncertainty associated with the majority voting approach. MOORA demonstrates that the Huang model is the most robust overall, with the modified Richards and modified Logistics models following closely behind. The parameters obtained from the Huang model for the chloride release kinetics at 10 μM lindane were Lag period (d or day), Ymax, and μm values of -3.132 (d), 9.235, and 0.934 (d-1), respectively. The utilization of the modelling exercise yielded important parameters for future secondary modelling exercises and preliminary prediction of performance and limitations in field studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abubakar Aisami, Hafeez Muhammad Yakasai, Noor Hafizah Mohd Pushiri http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biodecolorization of Metanil Yellow by Serratia marcescens MM06 Under Variable Environmental Conditions for Soil and Water Remediation
Metanil Yellow is a common pollutant coming from the dyeing industry. Its removal using decolorizing bacteria offers a sustainable approach to remediate polluted soils and water bodies. This research examines the impact of several parameters, such as initial dye concentration, temperature, pH, and NaCl concentration, on the decolorization efficacy of Serratia marcescens strain MM06 for the dye Metanil Yellow. The percentage of decolorization studied across different dye concentrations from 100 to 700 mg/L shows the highest decolorization at dye concentrations of between 100 and 300 mg/L. The decolorization was highest at 25°C. The effect of pH on the decolorization showed that the best decolorization occurred between pH 7 and 8. The effect of salinity on the decolorization for future coastal areas remediation showed that the best decolorization (90–100%) happened at NaCl levels up to 15 g/L. The decolorization effectiveness decreased as the NaCl concentration increased, reaching 10% at 30 g/L. Decolorization was severely inhibited by mercury, silver, and copper at 1 mg/L, which shows that chelating or sequestering agents may need to be added to the contaminated soil or water bodies before decolorization can take place. Gaining a thorough understanding of the decolorization characteristics is an important preliminary study before field studies are carried out to understand the limitations of the decolorization bacterium.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ibrahim Alhaji Sabo, Motharasan Manogaran, Mohd Izuan Effendi Halmi, Mohd Yunus Shukor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multifunctional Applications of Bacterial Cellulose: Bridging Food, Cosmetic and Environmental Sectors
In recent years, with increasing demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly materials, bacterial cellulose (BC) has attracted significant attention as a promising biomaterial. BC possesses excellent mechanical strength, good biocompatibility, extremely high water-holding capacity (more than 100 times its own weight), and can be easily modified. These unique properties make BC superior to plant cellulose in many applications. This review summarizes recent progress in BC across several important fields. In the food industry, BC has been widely used as edible films and coatings, enhancing the shelf life of fresh products. Moreover, when natural antimicrobial agents or pH indicators were incorporated, active and intelligent packaging were developed. As a food additive, BC acts as a high-quality dietary fiber that can adsorb cholesterol and bile salts in the gastrointestinal tract. BC also improves the texture of low-calorie foods and protects probiotic bacteria during storage. In the cosmetic field, BC is well-suited for facial masks because its three-dimensional structure can hold a large amount of active compounds and conform well to the skin surface. When BC was combined with propolis or other natural extracts, the antioxidant and anti-aging effects were greatly enhanced. In wastewater treatment, the abundant hydroxyl groups and large surface area enable heavy metal ions and organic dyes to be removed effectively. Besides, BC has been used as a reinforcement material in the paper and textile industries. The addition of BC greatly increases tensile strength and provides hydrophobicity while maintaining complete biodegradability. Although BC has numerous excellent properties and great potential in many fields, large-scale production still faces some challenges, mainly high costs and low yields. The use of agro-industrial waste as a substrate and the development of new bioreactors can significantly reduce production costs. Based on the above-mentioned research, it is clear that BC will play an important role in the future sustainable industry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Helmi Wasoh, Murni Halim, Nor'Aini Abdul Rahman, Zulfazli M. Sobri, Mohd Termizi Yusof, Mohd Sabri Pak-Dek, Yanty Noorzianna Abdul Manaf http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Lead (Pb) in the Marine Bivalve Geloina expansa
Heavy metal pollution is a major environmental concern due to its persistence, toxicity, and ability to bioaccumulate in aquatic ecosystems. In Malaysia, increasing attention has been given to monitoring heavy metals in local marine organisms, as their accumulation in sediments and biota threatens ecosystem health and food safety. Bivalves serve as effective bioindicators, and LC50 provides essential insight into the acute toxicity of heavy metals across species. This study investigated the effects of lead (Pb) exposure on the bivalve Geloina expansa through a 96-hour acute toxicity assay. Mortality increased with rising Pb concentrations, accompanied by higher Pb accumulation in soft tissues. The 96-hour LC50 for G. expansa was calculated as 218.23 mg/L. Exposure to 250 mg/L Pb resulted in substantial Pb accumulation (1653 ± 177.51 mg/kg) compared to controls (13.00 ± 1.04 mg/kg), confirming effective uptake. These findings highlight Geloina expansa sensitivity to Pb and its suitability for pollution monitoring.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sarini Ahmad Wakid, Nor Azwady Abd Aziz, Zazali Alias, Muskhazli Mustafa, Wan Mohd Syazwan, Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimization of Sugarcane Bagasse for Whey Adsorption: A Sustainable Approach to Enhancing Nutrient-Rich Animal Feed
Waste agricultural biomass is often environmentally hazardous when released to the environment, and some residues are toxic to the surrounding ecosystems. These biomasses, when properly valorized, can be a sustainable source of green adsorbents. The ever-increasing need for nutrient-fortified animal feed has become a real challenge for the animal feed industry. In this study we focus on a method of improving the nutrient content of the agricultural waste biomass sugarcane bagasse through the adsorption of whey, a byproduct of the cheese industry. The potential of sugarcane bagasse and spent cheese whey as sustainable adsorbent and adsorbate, respectively, is explored. We first use a one-factor-at-a-time approach to maximize the adsorption capacity of sugarcane bagasse. The factors examined include bed height, pH, temperature, and whey concentration. RSM was successfully used to further improve the optimal conditions. A fixed-bed column packing method was utilized in the adsorption experiments. Parameters optimized include the effects of different bed heights (1 cm to 3 cm), pH levels (4 to 8), temperatures (20 °C to 30 °C), and whey concentrations (0.01% to 0.05%). The optimal conditions include a bed height of 3 cm, pH of 8.0, temperature of 25 °C, and whey concentration of 0.01%. These optimal conditions improve the nutrient content of the agro-industrial waste. The Modified Dose Response (MDR) Model was utilized to analyze the breakthrough curves of the design parameters, which include bed height, flow rate, and initial solute concentration. The results show that a 3 cm bed height yields a qm value of 79.487 mg/g, pH 8 gives a qm value of 82.797 mg/g, and a 0.05% whey concentration results in a qm value of 95.274 mg/g. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first, and it has the potential to contribute to a sustainable novel approach for whey supplementation in animal feed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nor Afiqah Rosdi, Nur Adeela Yasid, Mohd Ezuan Khayat, Ain Aqilah Basirun, Mohd Yunus Shukor, Mohd Badrin Hanizam Abdul Rahim http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isothermal Modeling and MOORA-Guided Model Selection for Hexavalent Chromium Adsorption on a Sugarcane Bagasse–Lemongrass Blend
Chromium toxicity, present at elevated levels, poses a challenge for its remediation. The use of agricultural spent biomass as an adsorbent is one of the best mitigation efforts to date. This study investigates the adsorption of hexavalent chromium ions (Cr(VI)) onto Sugarcane Bagasse–Lemongrass Blend, and employs nonlinear regression to evaluate several isothermal models. The performance of the models was assessed using multiple error functions. While most models showed good fits, the Koble-Carrigan, Henry, and Dubinin–Radushkevich models showed poor convergence or high error. The Multiobjective Optimization on the Basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) method was employed for model ranking, as the error function analysis yielded inconsistent results. MOORA indicated that the Toth, Freundlich, and Fritz–Schlunder III models were the top performers. The Toth model calculated the maximum adsorption capacity of qmT of 0.91 mg/g, which is slightly lower than the experimental maximum of 1.21 mg/g. The Toth exponent nT = 0.72 value is closer to unity, suggesting a relatively homogeneous surface with adsorption behavior that resembles the Langmuir model. Despite robust modeling, the limited dataset introduces uncertainty in parameter estimation, underscoring the need for larger datasets. This study also emphasizes MOORA's potential in adsorption science as an efficient multi-criteria model selection tool.
Copyright (c) 2024 Aisha Grema, Nur Adeela Yasid, Mohd Ezuan Khayat, Mohd Badrin Hanizam Abdul Rahim, Ain Aqilah Basirun, Mohd Yunus Shukor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sugarcane bagasse for the Adsorption of Chromium Ions: Isothermal Remodeling and MOORA-Based Model Selection
This study investigates the adsorption of hexavalent chromium ions (Cr(VI)) onto sugarcane bagasse, employing nonlinear regression to evaluate isothermal models. The experimental data were reanalyzed by converting initial concentrations to equilibrium concentrations (Ce), revealing a monolayer adsorption behavior with a maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) plateauing at 5.75 mg/g. A series of isotherm models was fitted to the data using nonlinear regression, and performance was assessed using multiple error functions. While most models showed good fits, the Koble-Carrigan, Henry, and Dubinin–Radushkevich models were excluded due to poor convergence or high error. The Multiobjective Optimization on the Basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) method was employed for model ranking, identifying the Jovanovic, Toth, Redlich–Peterson and Fritz–Schlunder III models as the top performers. The determined maximum adsorption capacity (QmJ) based on the Jovanovic isotherm was found to be 5.84 mg/g, which is very close to the experimental maximum (5.75 mg/g) observed in the experimental data. The binding constant (KJI = 0.02 L/mg) indicates that the affinity was weak. The narrow 95% CI indicates a close fit of the model to the raw data. Despite robust modeling, the limited dataset (n = 8) introduces uncertainty in parameter estimation, underscoring the need for larger datasets. This study also emphasizes MOORA's potential in adsorption science as an efficient multi-criteria model selection tool.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aisha Grema, Nur Adeela Yasid, Mohd Ezuan Khayat, Mohd Badrin Hanizam Abdul Rahim, Ain Aqilah Basirun, Mohd Yunus Shukor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioaugmentation Efficiency of Different LIBEM Strains in ASP Treatment of Oil Sludge-Contaminated Soil
This study investigates the bioaugmentation potential of five locally isolated beneficial microorganisms (LIBeM), namely Candida tropicalis-RETL-Cr1, Chromobacterium violaceum-MAB-Cr1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-BAS-Cr1, Sphingomonas paucimobilis-RETOS-Cr1, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia-RAS-Cr, for remediating oil sludge. Contaminated soil using an aerated static pile (ASP) system. The experiments were conducted using ASP bioreactor systems that provided continuous aeration to 10 kg soil samples amended with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (v/v) oil sludge, while natural attenuation served as the control treatment. The TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbon) degradation was monitored for three months at 7-day intervals. Rapid TPH reduction occurred within the first 14–28 days, followed by a gradual decline. LIBEM strains P. aeruginosa-BAS-Cr1 achieved the highest reductions with 40.0, 85.2, 128.9, and 178.5 g/kg for the respective sludge concentrations, which are 1.0–1.25 fold higher than C. violaceum-MAB-Cr1. Other strains demonstrated strong performance, with reductions of 32.5–173.0 g/kg (C. tropicalis-RETL-Cr1), 37.2–177.2 g/kg (S. paucimobilis-RETOS-Cr1), and 33.4–174.0 g/kg (S. maltophilia-RAS-Cr1). All treatments achieved significantly higher TPH removal compared to natural attenuation, which recorded only 27.4% removal. The results indicate that the ASP system’s continuous oxygen supply enhances microbial activity, promoting the degradation of long-chain alkanes and overall remediation efficiency. These findings demonstrate that combining LIBeM bioaugmentation with ASP technology offers a scalable, eco-friendly solution for treating hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. The results also provide a basis for optimizing strain combinations and operational parameters in future large-scale applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Zaida Zahari, Fera Nony Cleophas, Kamsia Budin, Farrah Anis Fazliatul Adnan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhanced Cellulose Production in Kombucha SCOBY Through Microbial and Genetic Optimization
The symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) represents a dynamic microbial consortium that plays a fundamental role in kombucha fermentation. This complex system consists of acetic acid bacteria (AAB), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and various yeast species whose synergistic interactions generate bioactive compounds including organic acids, polyphenols, and bacterial cellulose (BC). Within the SCOBY consortium, Komagataeibacter and Gluconobacter spp. (AAB) catalyze the oxidative conversion of ethanol to acetic acid, generating an acidic microenvironment that both inhibits competing microorganisms and promotes bacterial cellulose biosynthesis. LAB, including Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, enhance fermentation stability, probiotic potential, and biofilm structure through exopolysaccharide production and bacteriocin secretion. Yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zygosaccharomyces bailii metabolize sugars into ethanol and CO₂, supporting AAB activity and contributing to flavor complexity. Recent advances in biosynthesis research have identified over 200 microbial species in SCOBY, with high-throughput sequencing revealing key metabolic pathways. Genetic optimization of BC production involves the bcsABCD operon, which regulates cellulose synthase activity, with CRISPR and metabolic engineering enhancing yield and crystallinity (84-89%). Engineered strains of Komagataeibacter xylinus demonstrate improved BC properties, including nanofibrillar density (2-4 nm) and water retention (>99%). However, SCOBY’s industrial application faces challenges, including batch variability, environmental sensitivity, and inconsistent microbial profiles, necessitating precision fermentation with defined consortia for standardized production. Future research should focus on robust clinical validation of health claims and scalable bioprocessing techniques to harness SCOBY’s full potential in food, biotechnology, and biomedical applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hussaini Adib Haslan, Murni Halim, Fadzlie Wong Faizal Wong, Zulfazli M. Sobri, Nor'Aini Abdul Rahman, Mohd Sabri Pak-Dek, Yanty Noorzianna Abdul Manaf, Helmi Wasoh http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and Characterization of Indigenous Gram-Positive Bacteria with Glyphosate-Degrading Potential from Agricultural Soil
Glyphosate remains one of the most extensively applied herbicides worldwide; however, its persistence in the environment raises concerns regarding ecological safety and human health, underscoring the need for sustainable remediation approaches. This study focused on isolating and characterising indigenous soil bacteria from Kota Marudu, Sabah, agricultural soil with the capacity to degrade glyphosate-based herbicides. Soil samples were enriched in minimal salt medium (MSM) supplemented with Roundup for seven days, after which bacterial isolates were screened for tolerance across different Roundup concentrations. Morphological and biochemical profiling was conducted, and partial Identification was achieved using the ABIS online platform. Biodegradation efficiency was evaluated through degradation assays. Three isolates, designated KM1, KM2, and KM4, exhibited tolerance to Roundup concentrations up to 6 mL/L (v/v). Gram staining confirmed all isolates as Gram-positive; KM1 displayed a rod-shaped morphology, whereas KM2 and KM4 were coccoid. Biochemically, KM1 tested positive for catalase activity, all sugar fermentations, the Voges–Proskauer test, and citrate utilisation. KM2 and KM4 were catalase-positive, Voges-Proskauer-positive, and citrate-positive but failed to ferment sucrose while fermenting other tested sugars. ABIS-based Identification suggested KM1 belonged to the genus Bacillus, while KM2 and KM4 were classified as Staphylococcus sp. After three days, glyphosate degradation efficiencies reached 82.8%, 83.1%, and 80.1% for KM1, KM2, and KM4, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of indigenous Gram-positive bacteria in glyphosate biodegradation. Further molecular Identification, optimisation of degradation parameters, and evaluation under field-relevant conditions are warranted to assess their applicability in agricultural bioremediation strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Annmarie Alexander, Jualang Azlan Gansau, Mohd Yunus Shukor, Nur Adeela Yasid, Hartinie Marbawi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Water Quality Assessment of the Inanam River in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the water quality of the Inanam River, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, across four sampling stations from upstream to downstream. Both in-situ and ex-situ analyses were performed to evaluate physicochemical and biological parameters, including BOD, COD, ammoniacal nitrogen (AN), TSS, DO, pH, temperature, TDS, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), fecal coliform, and total coliform. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was determined following Malaysia’s National Water Quality Standards (NWQS). Findings reveal that the Inanam River falls into Class II and Class III categories, with DO, COD, and AN levels in several locations meeting or exceeding Class III thresholds, particularly in downstream segments. Urban stretches exhibited the most significant water quality deterioration, highlighting the urgent need for targeted pollution control and management interventions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fera Cleophas, Nur Zaida Zahari, Farrah Anis Fazliatul Adnan, Kamsia Budin, Hardianshah Saleh, Baba Musta http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and characterization of a Methyl Red-Degrading Pseudomonas sp. from Contaminated Soil
Microbial-based bioremediation is a greener dye removal method than physicochemical methods like coagulation-flocculation, adsorption, membrane filtration, and advanced oxidation. In this study, we isolated and characterized a methyl red-degrading Pseudomonas sp. from contaminated soil, examining its growth and degradation under different environmental conditions. The bacterium, tentatively designated as Pseudomonas sp. strain Aft-12 demonstrated strong methyl red decolorization capacity. Time-course growth analysis in minimal salt medium supplemented with 200 mg/L methyl red, glucose as a carbon source, and ammonium sulphate as a nitrogen source revealed a minimal lag phase (~12 h), followed by rapid exponential growth and decolorization, reaching completion by 72 h. Strain Aft-12 performed effectively across a range of conditions, showing optimal growth between pH 6.5 and 7.0 and between 30 and 35 °C. Growth was optimal at dye concentrations of between 200 and 250 mg/L. Co-substrate screening revealed that glucose and sucrose significantly enhanced biomass, although Aft-12 maintained activity without supplementation. Azoreductase activity peaked at 1 µmol/min/mg protein after 48 h, supporting enzymatic decolorization via reductive cleavage. These characteristics make this bacterium a promising candidate for sustainable bioremediation of azo dye-laden effluents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aftab Khan, Motharasan Manogaran, Mohd Izuan Effendi Halmi, Mohd Yunus Shukor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biodegradation of Butachlor by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain B2 Isolated From Agricultural Soil
The chloroacetamide herbicide butachlor (N-Butoxymethyl-2-chloro-2', 6'-diethyl acetanilide) is frequently used to eradicate undesirable weeds from paddy rice, corn, soybean, and other crop plants. Regular use of these pesticides has caused them to persist in soil and water, making them pollutants. As a result, the herbicide must be bio-remediated using an economical and environmentally responsible technique. This study examined the butachlor herbicide in a controlled laboratory setting. The soil was gathered from Gadar Kazaure's agricultural areas in Jigawa State, Nigeria. At 130 rpm and 30 ºC, the soil sample was enriched in Mineral Salt Medium (MSM) with 0.1 mL of butachlor as the only carbon source. After plating the enriched culture, the bacteria that grew the best were separated and designated as GKSS1, GKSS2, and GKSS3. The biodegradation of strains was evaluated at butachlor concentrations of 0.05 mL and 0.1 mL in 120 hours (pH 7.0, 30 ºC). The isolate (GKSS1) demonstrated a degradation efficiency of 75% and 90% at 0.05 mL and 0.1 mL of butachlor, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain B2 was determined to be the bacterial isolate GKSS1 by molecular and biochemical analysis. This work is the first to be published on the isolation of bacteria that break down butachlor from the sample collection location.
Copyright (c) 2025 Buhari Muhammad, Aminu Bukar, Shamsuddeen Umar http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and Characterization of a Molybdenum-reducing and Phenol-degrading Pseudomonas sp. strain Aft-9 in soils from Pakistan
Bioremediation is a better alternative when other procedures, including physical or chemical ones, don't work to get rid of small levels of dangerous heavy metals and organic contaminants. In this investigation, we found a bacterium that can remove molybdenum from soil that has been polluted. The bacterium could grow on phenolic chemicals such phenol, benzoate, 2-napthol, and catechol. The best rate for the bacterium to change sodium molybdate to molybdenum blue (Mo-blue) is when the pH is between 6.3 and 6.5 and the temperature is between 25 and 30 °C. In that order, glucose, fructose, and galactose were the best electron donors for helping molybdate reduction. It is also important to know the phosphate levels, which should be between 5.0 and 7.5 mM, and the molybdate levels, which should be between 15 and 20 mM. The Mo-blue that came out showed absorption spectra that were extremely similar to those of a phosphomolybdate that had been decreased. At 2 ppm, heavy metals mercury (II), silver (I), copper (II), and chromium (VI) reduced molybdenum reduction by 78.9%, 69.2%, 59.5%, and 40.1%, respectively. Biochemical tests tentatively identified the bacterium as Pseudomonas sp. strain Aft-9. This bacteria is useful for bioremediation since it can detoxify molybdenum and grow on poisonous phenolics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aftab Khan, Mohd Izuan Effendi Halmi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Primary Mathematical Modeling of the Growth of SDS by a bacterium Isolated From a Paddy Field
The maximum specific growth rate and other critical parameters can be obtained from the mathematical modelling of microbial growth on toxic cubstances using nonlinear regression of several models. These models form the basis for secondary modelling in predictive microbiology. NumerousiImportant biotechnological applications like bioremediation and wastewater treatment rely on models that explain how substrates affect bacterial growth and biotransformation processes. These models include the modified Gompertz, modified Logistic, modified Richards, Buchanan-3-phase, Baranyi-Roberts, modified Schnute, von Bertalanffy, Morgan-Mercer-Flodin (MMF), and Huang. A previously isolated SDS-degrading Pseudomonas sp. strain Maninjau1 was studied for its growth on SDS using these primary models. Experimental data showed that SDS concentrations from 0.25 to 2.2 g/L (250 to 2200 mg/L) were toxic, slowing bacterial growth. As SDS concentrations increased, toxicity was evident, marked by an increase in the lag phase from 5.9 to 6.9 hours and a decline in biomass. The highest growth rate was observed at 1000 mg/L SDS. The bet model based on error function discriminatory analysis is MMF, which outperformed other models that were tested. The reasons for this include a favorable accuracy (AF) and bias factor (BF), a low root-mean-square (RMSE) and AICc value, and a high adjusted coefficient of determination. The validity of the MMF model for simulating bacterial development in toxic environments is supported by its high reliability. Insights into how bacteria adapt and grow under stressful circumstances can greatly improve biotechnological processes.
Copyright (c) 2024 . Rusnam, S. Syafrawati, Mohd Ezuan Khayat, Fachri Ibrahim Nasution, Hafeez Muhammad Yakasai, Aisami Abubakar http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anti-Trypanosomal Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Morinda Lucida Fruit, Stem Bark and Root Against Trypanosoma brucei brucei
The study evaluated the anti-trypanosomal effects of methanolic extracts from the fruit, stem bark, and root of Morinda lucida against Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Each plant part (100 g) was macerated in 1000 mL of methanol for 72 hours. Phytochemical assays revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinone, and cardiac glycosides. Extract yields were 1.81 g (fruit), 2.22 g (root), and 3.71 g (stem bark). Quantitative analysis showed polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids were most abundant in the root. In vitro tests demonstrated concentration-dependent trypanocidal effects, with median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 0.463, 0.406, and 0.664 mg/mL for fruit, root, and stem bark extracts respectively. The anti-infectivity test indicated that extracts inhibited the ability of T. b. brucei to initiate infection in mice. This study suggests that M. lucida extracts possess significant in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity and inhibit infectivity, highlighting their potential as alternative treatments for trypanosomiasis.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sadiya Imam Maisule, P.A. Vantsawa, G.B. Onwumere, Amnu Suleiman, Abdulhadi Yakubu, Garba Uba http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and Identification of Fungal Pathogens Responsible for Postharvest Spoilage of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) In Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State, Nigeria
This study examined the postharvest spoilage of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) caused by fungal pathogens in retail outlets in Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Twelve cucumber samples were collected from three locations: Sabuwar Kasuwa, Hakimi Street, and Yan Tifa, with four samples per site. Fungal isolates were identified using morphological characteristics. The predominant fungi were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus ustus, as well as the yeast Zygosaccharomyces bailii, which was the most frequently isolated species. Pathogenicity tests confirmed that all isolates could cause rot, with Aspergillus ustus being the most virulent, resulting in a 47 mm diameter of rot and 25.5% weight loss. These results highlight the potential public health risks associated with fungal contamination, particularly the production of harmful mycotoxins. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting improved handling and storage practices to minimize food spoilage and ensure food safety. Regular monitoring of fungal contamination in retail outlets is recommended to protect consumer health.
Copyright (c) 2024 Musa Abdullahi, Abdulhadi Yakubu, Garba Uba, Abdurrashid Adamu, Isyaku Bello http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of Phytochemical Components and Antidiarrheal Activity of Hydro-Methanolic Extracts of Carica papaya Seeds in Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhea in Wistar Rats
Carica papaya, popularly known as pawpaw in English, is a plant that grows worldwide and bears leaves, fruits, and seeds with many medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and antibiotic effects. The seeds of Carica papaya were collected at Dandagoro Garden and authenticated by a botanist at Ummaru Musa Yar'adua University, Katsina, with voucher number UMYUK/P/105.This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of the hydro-methanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds in Wistar rats using a negative and positive control. The seed extract was administered to Wistar rats (weighing 162 g) at different doses in each of the five groups, each containing five Wistar rats. Thirty minutes after the administration of the extracts, diarrhea was induced using castor oil. The quantitative determination of phytochemical constituents in Carica papaya seeds was performed using a UV spectrophotometric method. The results shows that alkaloids having the highest amount of (24.03±0.08 mg/100 g) whereas tannins having the lesser amount (0.02±0.01 mg/100 g), also the antioxidant activities of Carica papaya seed extract and its effects on some biomarkers where determined which includes the Intestinal Protein (IP), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione(GSH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), alkaline phosphatase (AP), nitric oxide (NO) and Na+-K+ ATPase. The levels of IP, SOD and AP shows a significant decrease when compared to the negative control at (p≤0.05). The levels of NO, GSH, and Na+-K+ ATPase show a significant increase compared to the negative control (p ≤ 0.05). The levels of MDA do not show any significant increase or decrease when compared to the negative control (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study show that Carica papaya seeds have antidiarrheal properties, albeit in a lesser amount, which may be due to their lower flavonoid content. However, Carica papaya seeds can be used to control diarrhea before an absolute proper medication.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abubakar Musa, Zaharadeen Yusuf Muhammad, Safiya Lawal Sani, Musa Marwana http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strategies for Eliminating Matrix Effects in QCM Analysis
Effective monitoring and risk assessment of pathogen contamination in foods, such as Campylobacter jejuni, rely heavily on reliable detection and enumeration methods. C. jejuni is classified as a fastidious bacterium with specific growth requirements, necessitating special handling and careful testing procedures to detect it in food samples. One significant challenge in many pathogen detection assays is non-specific binding, especially when dealing with complex sample matrices found in food. In immunosensor applications, eliminating non-specific binding can be particularly difficult due to the use of microfluidics. Since the detection methods are often indirect or sometimes label-free, the likelihood of false positives increases. The optimization of chicken samples preparation steps is needed in order to reduce the non-specific binding caused by the chicken matrix. In this study, several common additives specifically bovine serum albumin (BSA), the surfactant Tween-20, and sodium chloride (NaCl) were evaluated as potential agents to minimize non-specific binding in the QCMA-1 immunosensor-based system for detecting C. jejuni in chicken samples. When the non-specific binding issues is successfully removed, the limits of detection (LOD) obtained using a sandwich assay with signal amplification from antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in both phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and in chicken samples as matrices were developed and compared. The results demonstrated that adding 100 mM NaCl in the chicken samples effectively reduced non-specific binding while maintaining an acceptable binding response. Additionally, the LOD obtained using a sandwich assay with signal amplification from antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) developed in PBS showed increased sensitivity, yielding an LOD value of 1.5 × 10² CFU mL⁻¹. In contrast, the same assay conducted with chicken samples resulted in a higher LOD value of 1.1 × 10³ CFU mL⁻¹.
Copyright (c) 2025 Noor Azlina Masdor, Ibtisam Tothill http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Detection and Temporal Variation of Malachite Green in the Sepang River Using Solid Phase Extraction and Spectrophotometry
Malachite green (MG) is still used at present to cure fish and prawn that have been infected with pathogenic agents in aquaculture and the ornamental fish sector. It is most used for its antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial activities. The therapeutic and lethal dose is also fairly close, and there is a risk of overdoes when used for treatment. Moreover, MG is also emitted into the environment through the disposal of effluents from aquaculture farms, which may lead to aquatic environments being polluted. This study aimed to establish a method of detection of Malachite Green (MG) in environmental samples using solid phase extraction in conjunction with visible spectrophotometry. The calibration curve was linear (R² > 0.99) in the range of 0.1-1.5 mg/L, and the detection limits were 0.034 mg/L in deionized water and 0.082 mg/L in Sepang River water. Although these limits are not suitable for environmental analysis down to the parts per billion level, the water samples were first concentrated using a solid phase extraction column based on a biosorbent to enhance sensitivity by about a hundredfold. There were significant matrix effects, but robust sample preparation was used to reduce them. The concentrations of MG varied during the day and were highest at midday, which might have been because of higher aquaculture or industry activity at that time. Even though the levels were below the recommended limits for aquaculture products, the existence of MG is hazardous to the environment and human health because of its carcinogenic and mutagenic activities, especially in sensitive organisms.
Copyright (c) 2024 Wan Yudreina Yudryk Wan Azni, Mohd Izuan Effendi Halmi, Motharasan Manogaran, Mohd Yunus Shukor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chitosan–Silica Composite Aerogel for the Adsorption of Cupric Ions: Isothermal Remodeling and MOORA-Based Model Selection
A remodeling evaluation was conducted on the sorption isotherm data for copper adsorption onto chitosan–silica composite aerogel (Vareda et al., 2024) using nonlinear regression due to the irregular manner in which the regression was done and reported. The remodelling exercise results showed that the top five were Koble-Corrigan, Brouers–Sotolongo, Fritz-Schlunder III, Hill, and Sips models. The Brouers–Sotolongo model was the most precise in estimating the maximum adsorption capacity (qm) because it considers the surface's heterogeneity and offers narrow confidence intervals. On the other hand, the Langmuir model chosen in the original publication had wide confidence intervals, which means that it was less precise. In addition, the study also stresses the need to use various error functions to improve the model selection and increase the validity of the models. In addition, for the first time, to the best of our knowldege, this study reported on the first use of Multiobjective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (MOORA) method for isothermal model selection and ranking in the adsorption field. This approach simplifies the selection process by systematically evaluating and ranking the numerous isotherm and kinetic models that are commonly used in adsorption research. Therefore, this study recommends using advanced and flexible isotherm models such as Brouers-Sotolongo for accurate adsorption modeling but also stresses the need for rigorous statistical validation in adsorption research. The results of this study can be used to enhance the accuracy of adsorption studies in wastewater treatment, environmental remediation, and material science applications.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mohd Yunus Shukor http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Heavy Metal Pollution in Water and Sediment of Lohan River, Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Lohan River, a small stream near the former Mamut Copper Mine, receives sediment contributions from mine overburden and ultrabasic soils rich in Co, Cr, and Ni. This study investigated heavy metal enrichment in the riverbed sediments. Seven sampling stations were selected along the river, with additional control stations at Lohan Toki River and Moroli River. Heavy metals were extracted using the aqua regia method and analyzed via ICP-OES, with quality control including blanks and SRM digestions. Cr (218–700.68 mg/kg), Ni (238.47–679.22 mg/kg), and Cu (235.19–438.97 mg/kg) concentrations in Lohan River sediments exceeded high guideline values (H-GV) from the Australian and New Zealand Sediment Quality Guidelines (370 mg/kg for Cr, 52 mg/kg for Ni, and 270 mg/kg for Cu). Lohan Toki River sediments also showed Cr and Ni contamination, while Moroli River sediments remained below H-GV. Water samples recorded metal levels below Malaysia's Class IIA/IIB thresholds. Environmental indices classified Lohan River sediments as moderately to heavily polluted with Cr, Cu, and Ni (Igeo Class 3). Enrichment Factor (EF) values ranged from 4.94 to 11.67, indicating significant enrichment. Pollution Load Index (PLI) values showed localized moderate to heavy pollution at Stations 5 and 6. However, the values of Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) were below 150, indicating low ecological risk overall. Despite localized contamination, the water's heavy metal levels posed no immediate threat under current standards.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sahibin Abd Rahim, Cassandra Bong Kei Wei, Najwa Faridah Mohd Danial, Ammyliza Salim, Nur Rohmawati Supardi, Nur Zaida Zahari, Fera Cleophas, Rohana Tair, Baba Musta http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing Household Water Insecurity and Financial Capacity for the Cleaned Water Supply Services in Coastal Fishing Communities: A Case Study in Lok Dangkaan Village, Pitas, Sabah
Water security is a critical issue in rural coastal communities, and it has been proven to impact their health and socioeconomic productivity. Moreover, significant drought seasons may create prominent challenges for the communities. The objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to assess household water insecurity experiences and (2) to explore willingness to pay and ability to pay for better water supply for the Lok Dangkaan Village, Pitas district, a remote area with frequent drought climate in Sabah. A structured questionnaire was utilised in a cross-sectional survey of 45 households to gather information on demographics, socioeconomic status, and water-related concerns. The water insecurity was measured using the Household Water Insecurity Experiences Scale (HWISE). While the water consumption and affordability were measured by the ability to pay (ATP) and willingness to pay (WTP), with monthly water bills and water fee indicators respectively. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. The study found that most households engaged in fishing, have low incomes and limited access to basic amenities. Water quality is poor, though waterborne diseases are rare. Eighty-two percent of the households do not have access to clean water. The average estimated daily water consumption is 183.56 litres, with substantial variability. 75.6 percent of the households said they could afford to pay RM0.10 for every 1000 litres. On the other hand, their average monthly water bill during the dry season was RM121.67. The high level of water insecurity in Lok Dangkaan Village underscores the urgent need for improved water access and quality. While the forthcoming mini water treatment plant may address some issues, continued support and targeted interventions are necessary to enhance water security in the community.
Copyright (c) 2024 Assis Kamu, Sarimah Surianshah, Siti Aisyah Tumiran, Nur Izzati Ishak, Mohamad Zul Hilmey Makmud http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae Strain TP540K and Its Potential as a Target for DNA Aptamer Development in the Preliminary Stage of Whole-Cell Based SELEX
Streptococcus outbreak caused mainly by Streptococcus agalactiae leads to massive mortalities of freshwater aquatic organisms, especially cultured tilapias. This has caused a huge concern in the Malaysian aquaculture industry due to a lower aquaculture production affected by the outbreak. Thus, there is a need for a rapid and simple method to detect and monitor S. agalactiae in cultured fishponds. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of a local S. agalactiae strain TP540K and its potential as a target bacterium to develop DNA aptamer through the whole-cell based ‘systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX)’ procedure. The morphology and biochemical characteristics of S. agalactiae strain TP540K were studied. Furthermore, the preliminary stage of the SELEX process was carried out by incubating S. agalactiae strain TP540K with a single-stranded DNA library. In this study, S. agalactiae strain TP540K was confirmed to be spherical, gram-positive, catalase and oxidase-negative with beta-haemolytic characteristics. Additionally, the presence of bands with an estimated size of 80-90 base pairs on the agarose gel indicated the presence of DNA aptamer that could bind towards S. agalactiae strain TP540K during the SELEX process. The findings herein demonstrate that S. agalactiae strain TP540K has the potential to be utilised as a target for the production of DNA aptamers, and subsequent rounds of whole-cell based SELEX process can be performed to investigate the binding affinity and specificity for more accurate detection of S. agalactiae in a future application.
Copyright (c) 2024 ZiXuen Gan, Pei Qin Tan, Murni Halim, Nur Adeela Yasid, Mohd Termizi Yusof, Amalia Mohd Hashim, Jaafar Abdullah, Nik Mohd Afizan Nik Abd Rahman, Ina Salwany Md Yasin, Firdaus Mohamad Hamzah, Mohd Yunus Shukor, Helmi Wasoh http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cytotoxic Effects of Cananga odorata Essential Oil on p53 Protein and TP53 Gene Dynamics in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. Cananga odorata essential oil (CO EO) has shown potential anticancer and antioxidant properties, suggesting its application as a topical treatment for skin cancer. The objective of this study is to assess the cytotoxic effect of CO EO on non-melanoma skin cancer, TP53 gene expression, and p53 protein expression. The methodology involves HFF1 (human foreskin fibroblast) and A431 (human epidermoid squamous carcinoma) cell lines treatment with CO EO at 125, 250, and 500 μg/mL for 24 h. Morphological changes were observed under light microscopy. p53 protein expression and secretion were assessed using western blot. TP53 gene expression was quantified using real-time PCR. Our results show that CO EO treatment caused dose-dependent morphological changes in A431 cells, with increased non-viable cells observed. There was a 1.3-fold increase in p53 protein secretion in A431 cells treated at 250 μg/mL of CO EO. TP53 gene expression in A431 cells was significantly downregulated at 125 μg/mL (p = 0.03), while in HFF1 cells, TP53 was upregulated. To conclude, CO EO demonstrates cytotoxic effects on A431 cells, associated with altered p53 protein secretion and TP53 gene expression. Further studies are needed to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Ashraf Fithri Anuar, Muhammad Razin Zamani, Amirul Hakim Aminuddin, Wan Fatein Nabeila Wan Omar, Hazulin Mohd. Radzuan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0