RMUTSB ACADEMIC JOURNAL

The relation of appropriate water content on growth of morning glory microgreens

Kanyarat Lueangprasert, Sarunya Pengphol, Kraiyot Saelim — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Morning glory is a popular cultivation for economic crop and the most consumed fresh vegetable in Thailand. It is well-known as one of the fastest-growing vegetables. Currently, consumer trends are shifting towards health and nutrition. Microgreens are one way to support healthy individuals due to their higher phytochemical content compared to their mature plants. Furthermore, microgreens are easy to grow in small scales and indoors. However, the differences of water content for morning glory (MG) microgreens are not well known. This study was performed to investigate the effect of water content on yield and quality of the MG microgreens. The MG microgreens (100 seeds/pot) were cultivated in 10×14×6 cm per plant pot made of plastic. Microgreens were grown in the dark for 2 days and then cultivated under light at room temperature for 8 days. This experimental was designed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments of administered water content and 3 replicates, consisting of 15, 25 and 35 ml/plant pot, administered twice daily for 10 days. The results showed that water content was strongly related to germination, seedling fresh weight, seedling height and leaf length of microgreens (R²>0.90). The optimum water content was 25 ml/plant pot and it was harvested at 7 days. Under this condition, the highest germination percentage and seedling weight of microgreens were 75.33% and 477.72 mg/plant, respectively. The seedling height and leaf length of microgreens were 8.00 and 2.20 centimeters, respectively. These results demonstrate that water content has a considerable effect on yield and quality of the microgreens. The water content is important for commercial farmers to predict growth and harvest days and to reduce the cost of commercial microgreen production.

Growth inhibiting of pathogenic microorganisms and toxicity on cancer cells with Physalis angulata extracts

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

A study of Physalis angulata extracts with ultrasonic bath at a frequency of 45 kHz at 40°C for 30 minutes showed that these extracts provided DPPH scavenging effect against 4 pathogenic bacteria: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Magnaporthe grisea and Alternaria brassicicola, and also including in vitro anti-cancer cell testing of three types of cancer cell lines, which are lung cancer cells (NCI-H187), hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2), oral cancer cells (KB), and colon cancer cells (Caco2). The test showed that the IC₅₀ values of antioxidant DPPH of methanol extracts from roots, stems, leaves and fruits, acetone extracts from roots, leaves and fruits were not significant difference from the IC₅₀ values of ascorbic acid (p≥0.05), which were 97.52±22.29, 321.11±160.79, 109.25±7.76, 98.00±3.93, 218.86±55.25, 132.22±7.63, 109.09±7.45 and 26.00±0.36 µg/ml, respectively. Hexane extract from roots exhibited the highest IC₅₀ which were significant difference from acetone and methanol extracts, IC₅₀was at 546.89 ± 216.91 µg/ml. It was found that acetone extract from fruits was significantly inhibited the growth of M. tuberculosis than K. pneumoniae, M. grisea and A. brassicicola. In addition, the extracts were toxic to lung cancer cells, which were statistical difference from hepatocellular carcinoma cells, oral cancer cells and colon cancer cells (p<0.05). Guidelines for application of this study are to promote the use of herbs to reduce excess fat accumulation.

Development of a low-calories dried gummy jelly product from Krueo Ma Noy leaves (Cissampelos pareira L.)

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research was to study the effects of reducing sucrose content 25, 50 and 75% by weight in low energy gummy jelly from Krueo Ma Noy Leaves (Cissampelos pareira L.) compared to the control sample (100% sucrose). It was found that the reduction in sucrose content led to increase moisture content and an upward trend in lightness (L^*) and yellow color (b^*) values. The red color value decreased to negative (-a^*), resulting in a deep green product with translucency. The texture quality showed that gummy jelly with reduced sucrose content exhibited no significant difference in texture properties compared to the control. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale showed that gummy jelly with 50% sucrose had similar liking scores to the control, ranging from 6.46 to 6.93, making it a suitable formulation. The study of drying temperatures revealed that higher drying temperatures resulted in reduced moisture content and water activity, meeting the criteria for general consumption of gummy jelly products. Higher drying temperatures led to a decrease in L^*, while hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness increased. Regarding sensory evaluation, gummy jelly dried at 70^๐C received higher liking scores for appearance, texture, and overall preference compared to 60^๐C and 50^๐C, with scores ranging from 7.26 to 7.48, indicating moderate to high acceptance of the product. Nutritional values of the product revealed protein, fat, carbohydrate, and crude fiber contents of 0.72, 0.02, 95.30 and 2.98 g/ 100 g, respectively. The product had reduced fat and carbohydrates, resulting in a decrease in total energy to 384.26 kcal. Furthermore, the product contained higher levels of crude fiber and β-carotene than the control. Therefore, this product meets consumers’ energy restriction needs well.

Development of dried wide strip noodles made from riceberry flour substituted for rice flour with silkworm pupae powder

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research was to investigate the quantity of riceberry rice flour (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of the weight of rice flour) used as a substitute for rice flour in the wide strip noodle production with silkworm pupae powder supplementation, compared to the control sample (noodles made from rice flour). It was found that as the amount of riceberry flour substitution increased, values (L^*) and (b^*) tended to decrease, while (a^*) increased. The texture analysis revealed a reduction in elastic and tensile strength. As sensory evaluation using the 9-point hedonic scale, it was found that the substitution of 20% riceberry rice flour scored in the range of 6.13 to 7.43, showing the slightly to moderately like range and considering an appropriate quantity. When studying the quantities of silkworm pupae powder supplementation (0, 5, 10 and 15% of the total weight of dry ingredients), it was found that as the amount of silkworm pupae powder increased, the values of L^* and a^* tended to decrease, while the value of b^* increased. With a 5% silkworm pupae powder supplement, the likability score ranged from 6.10 to 6.83 (slightly likable), indicating consumer acceptance. The study of drying temperatures at 50, 60 and 70 degrees Celsius for 6 hours revealed a reduction in moisture content of 9.19, 8.21 and 6.88%, respectively (wet basis). Then, the developed product was analyzed for its nutritional values per 100 grams, consisting of carbohydrates, protein, fat, ash, and fiber of 87.83, 4.01, 0.91, 0.32 and 0.09 grams. Beta-carotene and total energy were 14.76 micrograms, and 375.55 kilocalories. Therefore, the use of riceberry flour and silkworm pupae powder in dried noodle products could enhance the nutritional value of the product.

Utilization of rice by-products as substitutes for potatoes in culture media for the cultivation of Fusarium fujikuroi and Fusarium oxysporum

Janejira Namee, Panut Sooksoi — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to investigate the utilization of rice by-products, namely rice bran, rice straw, and rice husk, as substitutes for potatoes in potato dextrose agar (PDA) media in the laboratory. Five different culture media formulations were prepared: potato dextrose agar (PDA), rice straw agar (RSA), rice husk agar (RHA), rice bran agar (RBA), and water agar (WA). The study evaluated the mycelial growth and spore production of the fungal strains Fusarium fujikuroi and Fusarium oxysporum. The experimental results revealed that F. fujikuroi exhibited optimal growth on the RSA medium, with an average mycelial length of 74.75 mm, which was not statistically significantly different from the PDA medium (p<0.05). Conversely, F. oxysporum exhibited the best growth on the RHA medium, with an average mycelial length of 78.50 mm, which was not statistically significantly different from the PDA medium (p<0.05). Regarding spore production, the RBA medium yielded the highest number of spores for both F. fujikuroi and F. oxysporum (p<0.05), with average counts of 1.4×10⁸ and 6.3×10⁶spores/ml, respectively. The findings demonstrate that rice bran, rice straw, and rice husk can be effectively utilized as substitutes for potatoes in culture media for the laboratory cultivation of F. fujikuroi and F. oxysporum.

Screening and identification of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria from Thai fermented meat products

Watcharacha Krongkeha — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Bacteriocins are peptides that inhibit food pathogens and are produced by both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The objective of this study was to screen, isolate, and identify bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Thai fermented meat products. A total of 91 isolates were obtained and screened for bacteriocin production. Eight isolates exhibited remarkably wide zones of inhibition based on the agar well diffusion technique against foodborne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These isolates are gram-positive bacteria and rod-shaped, except for NF-11, which is round-shaped. The biocatalytic activity of these eight isolates was sensitive to proteolytic enzymes. The results of nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that PS-5, PS-7, PS-8 and PJ-5 isolated from Pla-som and Pla-jom were identified as Lactiplantibacillus pentosus. MU-9, SK-1 and SK-6 isolated from Mum-moo and Sai-krok were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, while NF-11 isolated from Nham-pla was identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus. These selected LAB have the potential to be developed as starter cultures in the fermented food industry.

Enhancing microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Salacca zalacca fruit peel, assessing antioxidant activity and formulation in sunscreen sticks

Likit Lateh, Huswanee Sohsansa, Nisaporn Muhamad — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research was to determine the optimal conditions for the microwave-assisted extraction of total phenolic compounds from the peel of Salacca zalacca, and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracts including the stability of the sunscreen stick after incorporating the extract as a key ingredient. The conditions studied included the solid-to-solvent ratios (4:40, 8:40, 12:40 and 16:40 g/mL), microwave power levels (200, 400, 600 and 800 watts) and the number of cycles, each lasting 30 seconds. The optimal conditions were identified as a solid-to-solvent ratio of 4 g peel to 40 mL ethanol, 3 extraction cycles and a microwave power of 600 W. The analysis of total phenolic contents using the Folin-Ciocâlteu method and the evaluation of antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay revealed that the S. zalacca peel extract, prepared under the scaled-up extraction conditions, contained 86.25 mg GAE/g extract of total phenolic compounds. The extract exhibited 50% radical scavenging activity of 19.17 µg TAE/mL and the extraction yield was 68%. The findings suggest that S. zalacca peel extract holds potential for developing sunscreen stick formulations due to its strong antioxidant properties. When incorporated into the sunscreen stick formulation, the extract maintained good homogeneity after 7 days at temperatures of 25°C and 45°C. However, further studies are required to assess the stability and efficacy of sunscreen sticks containing S. zalacca peel extract under different environmental conditions.

Efficacy of anti-ripening rice husk ashes mixed with clove in pellet form for growth inhibiting of fungi causing stem rot disease in Hom Thong bananas

Kitti Mueangtoom — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research was to develop a product of anti-ripening rice husk ashes mixed with clove powder, for inhibitory property against fungi that caused stem rot in Hom Thong bananas. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from infected stem of Hom Thong banana using tissue transplanting. Their morphological characteristics were studied by using slide culture techniques. It was found that fungi causing stem rot in Hom Thong bananas were three isolates of Fusarium sp., one isolate of Colletotrichum sp. and one isolate of Lasiodiplodia sp. Six pellets mixture of anti-ripening rice husk ashes and cloves powder were formulated at ratios of 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, 90:10 and 100:0 (w/w). Physical properties and microbial populations of the pellets were evaluated. The formulated products were tested for their inhibitory effects on fungal growth using disc diffusion technique. The 50:50 and 60:40 formulations were the most effective in inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogens causing stem rot disease, with 100% inhibition of Colletotrichum sp. isolate 2 and Fusarium sp. isolate 5 hyphal growth. Fusarium sp. isolate 1 and Fusarium sp. isolate 4 were inhibited up-to 90%. However, Lasiodiplodia sp. isolate 3 was not effectively inhibited. When considering the physical characteristics of the pellet mixture of anti-ripening rice husk ashes and cloves powder, the 50:50 and 60:40 formulations exhibited high hardness, with pellet hardness values of 7.27 kg/cm² and 7.35 kg/cm², respectively, and low friability with friability percentages of 0.27 and 0.28 respectively. Additionally, no microbial contamination was observed within these pellets.

Testing and performance analysis of a rocket’s hybrid propulsion system using various types of nozzles

Thada Suksila — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

At present, the development of rocket propulsion systems must concern characteristics of efficiency, safety, environmental friendliness, economics, and the ability to control the on and off of combustion. Therefore, researchers and engineers search for alternative technologies by applying theory in practice, which has resulted in compulsive innovations and hybrid propulsion systems of rockets. It is unique because it incorporates the advantages of solid and liquid fuels. Hybrid propulsion systems are a consolidation of a liquid oxidizer and a solid fuel. This research focused on testing and analyzing the performance of a rocket's hybrid propulsion system using different types of nozzles. The study involved the design and construction of ten different types of nozzles, divided into 4 grouped as follows: 1) conical inlet and outlet with different outlet diameters, impacting nozzle length, 2) cone-shaped inlet and outlet with varying throat diameters affecting airflow cross-sectional area, 3) cone-shaped inlet and curved outlet affecting airflow characteristics at the exit and 4) inlet and outlet angles of different sizes impact the nozzle angle slope with the reynolds number less than 1×10⁴. The test results showed that group 1 thrust force had the highest thrust, and the highest specific impulse value belonged to group 3.

Analysis of the D-loop, Phe-tRNA, 12S-rRNA (bar2) mitochondrial gene in black-bone chickens compared to other chickens from gene banks

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Black chickens are an economically important animal species that are extensively grown, having high nutritional value and therapeutic characteristics, which work as an antioxidant and play a role in immunological function. They are popular among health-conscious individuals. Black-bone chicken is a variety of chicken breeds raised in Thailand, while black chickens are expensive compared to other chicken breeds, especially Indonesian black chickens which are black throughout the body even the feathers, bones and meat. So, there is a demand for pure breed Indonesian black chickens. However, there is a lack of information on the genetic diversity of black-bone chickens raised in Thailand. This study aimed to find the genetic diversity of the D-loop, Phe-tRNA and 12S-rRNA (bar2) genes located in the mitochondria. The 14 Indonesian black chickens grown in Thailand were compared to 70 samples of chicken data from the GenBank database to identify genetic markers that differ in different chicken breeds. The analysis was performed using PCR and then the PCR product was analyzed to determine the base sequence. The haplotypes were determined using DnaSP6 and the phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 11. The results found that most Indonesian black chickens had nucleotide sequences of their target genes that were uniquely different from those of other chickens (outgroup). On the other hand, they had nucleotide sequences that were closest to the Silkie chickens, based on the results shown in the phylogenetic tree. The results of the haplotype found that Indonesian black chickens were divided into 7 haplotypes, indicating the high genetic diversity of Indonesian black chickens in Thailand. It also was found that the sequence at position 812 bp had a specific sequence in haplotypes 1-7 of Indonesian black chickens with T bases, while haplotypes 8-14 of chickens from the GenBank database had all C bases. In future study, the nucleotide sequence of Indonesian chickens at the 812 bp location, specifically the SNPs, can be utilized as a molecular marker to identify and select black chickens.

Editorial statement

Natthapong Wongdamnern — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The RMUTSB Academic Journal, Vol. 12, No. 2 (July - December 2024) consists of 10 excellent research articles in total. Most of them are articles in the field of biotechnological and microbiological science related to food processing technology as well as microorganism extraction for treating disease and producing products. This reflects that research on food, medicine and processing technology based on the knowledge of microbiology and biotechnology is gaining much attention in society nowadays.
In addition, this issue is the first one in which the journal has changed the publishing system. Previously, accepted articles would be collected until 10 articles were completed as an issue and then published (in electronic files). However, in this current issue, each accepted article will be gradually published online once all processes are completed. This is for the sake of authors who will be able to use the published articles to fulfill the commitment of the research grants, graduation process, and proposal for academic positions or other sakes quickly and promptly.
All articles in this issue have been evaluated for academic quality by at least 3 qualified peer-reviewers in the related field from various institutions. Each article is novel, original, engaging, and up-to-date in knowledge and technology. They will be helpful for researchers and anyone interested and could be conducted approaching higher research levels and appropriate technology to develop practical applications. The editorial team would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the authors who chose the RMUTSB Academic Journal as a stage to publish their research. Hopefully, this journal will always be a helpful knowledge source for all researchers and everyone interested.