Displaying publications 541 - 560 of 1298 in total

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  1. Fulltext Potential of electron beam irradiated HDPE/EPR blend as shoes sole
    Husniyah Aliyah, L., Anuar, H.
    Movement Health & Exercise, 2014;3(1):49-56.
    MyJurnal
    This study focuses on the mechanical effect of different composition of polymer blend. Polymer blend of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) were selected and varied by three different compositions which are 70:30, 50:50 and 30:70. HDPE-EPR blend is believed to be the best material for sole shoe. In which, HDPE has good flexibility while, EPR can maintain optimum performance at high and low temperature as well as provide better gripping characteristic that suits for insole and outsole sport shoe. On the other hand, the time efficiency of electron beam radiation on these polymer blends helps in improving the croslinking of HDPE-EPR blend. The aim of this paper was to find the optimum composition of electron beam irradiated polymer blends for sole shoes especially in sports application. These irradiated polymer blends were produced by melt blending, underwent compression moulding and then were irradiated by electron beam at 100 kGy/s. Mechanical test of tensile and hardness test were investigated and the morphology of the failure fracture was analysed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The polymer blend with 70% of HDPE and 30% of EPR showed the optimum result of tensile strength, tensile modulus and hardness as well as ductile failure image.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  2. Fulltext Corrosion protection of carbon steel using polyaniline composite with aluminium oxide
    Ahmed A. Ahmed Al-Dulaimi, Shahrir Hashim, Mohammed Ilyas Khan
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2011;19(2):329-337.
    MyJurnal
    Polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline composites with aluminium oxide (Al2O3) were prepared using the in situ polymerization method. The composites were then blended with acrylic paint and applied to carbon steel panels. The coated steel panels were evaluated for corrosion using the immersion test technique. The results revealed that the steel panels coated with polyaniline composites and with Al2O3 containing coatings had small corrosion as compared to the bare sample and the samples coated with polyaniline and paint alone. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). In addition, the morphology of the finished samples was observed using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This novel composite was used as a paint pigment for enhancing the barrier properties and the paint protectable against aggressive ions. Meanwhile, corrosion was evaluated through visual monitoring using a digital camera after 60 days of fully immersion test in 5% NaCl. The weight loss method was also used to evaluate corrosion.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  3. Fulltext Ionic conductivity and morphological studies of plasticized poly (methyl methacrylate) polymer electrolyte films
    Osman, Z., Othman, L., Md Isa, K.B., Ahmad, A., Kamarulzaman, N.
    ASM Science Journal, 2010;4(1):55-61.
    MyJurnal
    In this study polymer electrolytes composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a host polymer and ethylene carbonate (EC) as a plasticizer complexed with different lithium salts, i.e. lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) and lithium triflate (LiCF3SO3) were prepared by the solution casting technique. The conductivities of the films were characterized by impedance spectroscopy. At room temperature, the highest conductivities were 4.07 × 10–7S cm–1 and 3.40 × 10–5 S cm–1 achieved, respectively from the films containing 30 wt% LiBF4 in the PMMA-EC-LiBF4 system and 35 wt% LiCF3SO3 in the PMMA-EC-LiCF3SO3 system. The conductivity-temperature dependence of the films seemed to obey the Arrhenius equation in which the ion transport in these materials was thermally assisted. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the surface of PMMA-EC-LiCF3SO3 film was smooth and homogeneous, hence lithium ions could traverse through the PMMA-EC-LiCF3SO3 film more easily compared to the PMMA-EC-LiBF4 film. X-Ray diffraction studies revealed that complexation had occurred and the complexes formed were amorphous.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  4. Fulltext A comparative study of yttrium doped ceria ceramics synthesized using mechanochemical and solid state methods
    Taufiq-Yap, Y. H., Ong, P. S., Zainal, Z.
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2014;22(1):35-42.
    MyJurnal
    In this work, 10 mol% yttrium-doped ceria powders, Ce0.9Y0.1O1.95, were synthesised using a new mechanical technique, mechanochemical reaction, in which both impact action and shearing forces were applied for efficient fine grinding, subsequently leading to higher homogeneity of the resultant powders. Ce0.9Y0.1O1.95 prepared using this new technique was systematically compared with a sample of the same prepared using conventional solid-state methodology. X-ray diffraction analysis showed all prepared samples were single phase with a cubic fluorite structure. Generally, Y2O3-doped CeO2 electrolytes prepared by mechanochemical reactions were stable at a lower temperature (1100 °C) compared with a sample of the same synthesised using the conventional solid-state method. Characterisations using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed no thermal changes and phase transitions, indicating all materials were thermally stable. The electrical properties of the samples investigated by AC impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 200–800 ˚C are presented and discussed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology of the materials. Fine-grained powders with uniform grain-size distribution were obtained from the mechanochemical reaction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  5. Studies on Sarcocystis in Malaysia. I. Sarcocystis levinei n. sp. from the water buffalo Bubalus bubalis
    Dissanaike AS, Kan SP
    Z Parasitenkd, 1978 Apr 20;55(2):127-38.
    PMID: 417481
    Light and electron microscopic studies and feeding experiments have confirmed the presence of two species of Sarcocystis in the water buffalo Bubalus bubalis. One is the already known species with large macroscopic sarcocysts, Sarcocystis fusiformia (Railliet, 1897) Bernard and Bauche, 1912 and the other is S. levinei n. sp. which is being described in detail. The sarcocysts of S. levinei are 0.9 x 0.1 mm and the zoites in them 17.8 x 4.2 micrometer. Ultrastructurally, the primary cyst wall shows sloping villi with irregular wavy outlines. Within the villi are coarse granules and annulated fibrils. Trabeculae are present. The sexual stages of S. levinei occur in the subepithelial tissue of the small intestine of the dog and sporocysts shed by this definitive host are 15-16 by 10 micrometer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron
  6. Fulltext Adsorption of acid dyes onto Zinc Chloride-Modified Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) pod Husk-based carbon
    Nur Aqilah Zainal, Shariff Ibrahim, Borhannuddin Arifin
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(103):129-138.
    MyJurnal
    An agricultural waste, the cocoa pod husk was chemically modified using a dehydrating agent, zinc chloride (ZnCl2), carbonised and used for the remediation of acid dyes in an aqueous solution. The targeted acid dyes are: (i) Acid Violet 17 (AV17); (ii) Acid Yellow 36 (AY36); and (iii) Acid Blue 29 (AB29). The physicochemical properties of the zinc chloride-modified cocoa pod husk-based carbon (ZCPHC) were characterised by ash content, bulk density, pH slurry, pHpzc and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis. The bulk density and ash content of the prepared carbon is 0.55 g cm-1 and 7.0% respectively. The photograph of SEM shows distinct changes at the ZCPHC carbon surface as it has large pores formed due to ZnCl2 modification. The adsorption tests were performed in a batch adsorption system using an aqueous solution of the understudy acid dyes. The influence of pH and dose of an adsorbent on the acid dye uptake was investigated and discussed. The adsorption was in favour at acidic condition with maximum removal observed at pH 2. The removal efficiency of the aqueous acid dye solution increased with the increase in adsorbent dosage. The kinetic experiment showed equilibrium time is less than 40 minutes and the kinetic data for all three understudy acid dyes fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model with a correlation coefficient (R2) values above 0.98.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  7. Fulltext Influence of Ispaghula and Zein Coating on Ibuprofen-Loaded Alginate Beads Prepared by Vibration Technology: Physicochemical Characterization and Release Studies
    Lyn Heng JJ, Teng JH, Saravanan M, Pushpamalar J
    Sci Pharm, 2018 Jun 05;86(2).
    PMID: 29874858 DOI: 10.3390/scipharm86020024
    The purpose behind the work was to fabricate alginate beads with better drug loading and extended drug release. Ispaghula was used to enhance the drug loading while zein was employed to extend the drug release. Ibuprofen was employed as a model drug in this study. Ibuprofen-loaded alginate beads with and without ispaghula were prepared using vibration technology and coated with zein. The beads prepared with alginate alone were shown to have loading and entrapment efficiencies of 35% and 70% w/w, respectively. Addition of ispaghula in alginate showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the drug loading (42% w/w) and entrapment efficiency (84% w/w). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of ispaghula and zein coating in the alginate beads as well as the ibuprofen loading. Scanning electron microscopy revealed better spherical geometry in the beads with ispaghula. The surface morphology of the uncoated beads was rough due to crystalline and surface drug. The zein coating has produced a smoother surface and particle adhesion. Differential scanning calorimetry has shown a reduction in drug crystallinity. Alginate beads extended the drug release for 4 h and the presence of zein extended the release for 6 h.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  8. Fulltext Chemical and structural changes of pretreated empty fruit bunch (EFB) in ionic liquid-cellulase compatible system for fermentability to bioethanol
    Elgharbawy AA, Alam MZ, Moniruzzaman M, Kabbashi NA, Jamal P
    3 Biotech, 2018 May;8(5):236.
    PMID: 29744268 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1253-8
    The pretreatment of empty fruit bunch (EFB) was conducted using an integrated system of IL and cellulases (IL-E), with simultaneous fermentation in one vessel. The cellulase mixture (PKC-Cel) was derived from Trichoderma reesei by solid-state fermentation. Choline acetate [Cho]OAc was utilized for the pretreatment due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. The treated EFB and its hydrolysate were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical analysis. The results showed that there were significant structural changes in EFB after the treatment in IL-E system. The sugar yield after enzymatic hydrolysis by the PKC-Cel was increased from 0.058 g/g of EFB in the crude sample (untreated) to 0.283 and 0.62 ± 06 g/g in IL-E system after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. The EFB hydrolysate showed the eligibility for ethanol production without any supplements where ethanol yield was 0.275 g ethanol/g EFB in the presence of the IL, while lower yield obtained without IL-pretreatment. Moreover, it was demonstrated that furfural and phenolic compounds were not at the level of suppressing the fermentation process.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  9. Fulltext Honeydew Rind activated Carbon as an Adsorbent for Zn (II) and Cr (III) removal from aqueous solution: An optimization study
    Zalilah Murni Yunus, Norzila Othman, Rafidah Hamdan, Nurun Najwa Ruslan
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(105):155-162.
    MyJurnal
    A combination of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) 20% v/v impregnation and carbonization method was employed to convert honeydew rind into activated carbons (ACPHDR) for Zn(II) and Cr(III) removal aqueous solution. The characterization of ACPDHR by N2 sorption, iodine number and Boehm analysis result 1272 m2/g surface area, 1174 mg/g and 1.13 mmol/g total acidic functional groups respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersed microscopy (FESEM-EDX) analysis of unloaded and metal-loaded carbon showed shifted of significance peaks and the changes of surface morphology of the sorbent. The adsorption was optimized at pH, shaking duration, initial metal concentration and mass of adsorbent of 5.5, 40 min and 500 mg/L, 0.4 g for Zn(II) and 4, 40 min, 1000 mg/L, 0.1 g for Cr(III) removal. It is concluded that the metal removal was influenced by pH solution, contact time, initial metal concentration and mass of adsorbent. The highest removal of Zn(II) and Cr(III) was observed at 84.24% and 90.10% respectively. Waste from honeydew will be benefited from this research which offer a cheaper alternative precursor to coal based activated carbons.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  10. In vitro degradation of a 3D porous Pennisetum purpureum/PLA biocomposite scaffold
    Revati R, Majid MSA, Ridzuan MJM, Basaruddin KS, Rahman Y MN, Cheng EM, et al.
    J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2017 10;74:383-391.
    PMID: 28688321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.06.035
    The in vitro degradation and mechanical properties of a 3D porous Pennisetum purpureum (PP)/polylactic acid (PLA)-based scaffold were investigated. In this study, composite scaffolds with PP to PLA ratios of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were immersed in a PBS solution at 37°C for 40 days. Compression tests were conducted to evaluate the compressive strength and modulus of the scaffolds, according to ASTM F451-95. The compression strength of the scaffolds was found to increase from 1.94 to 9.32MPa, while the compressive modulus increased from 1.73 to 5.25MPa as the fillers' content increased from 0wt% to 30wt%. Moreover, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction were employed to observe and analyse the microstructure and fibre-matrix interface. Interestingly, the degradation rate was reduced for the PLA/PP20scaffold, though insignificantly, this could be attributed to the improved mechanical properties and stronger fibre-matrix interface. Microstructure changes after degradation were observed using FESEM. The FESEM results indicated that a strong fibre-matrix interface was formed in the PLA/PP20scaffold, which reflected the addition of P. purpureum into PLA decreasing the degradation rate compared to in pure PLA scaffolds. The results suggest that the P. purpureum/PLA scaffold degradation rate can be altered and controlled to meet requirements imposed by a given tissue engineering application.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  11. Fulltext Statistical investigation of extraction parameters of keratin from chicken feather using Design-Expert
    Kamarudin NB, Sharma S, Gupta A, Kee CG, Chik SMSBT, Gupta R
    3 Biotech, 2017 Jun;7(2):127.
    PMID: 28573397 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0767-9
    Uncontrolled disposal of feathers from the poultry industry and slaughterhouses is environmentally undesirable. The feathers are composed of approximately 90% of keratin which is an important ingredient of cosmetics, shampoos and hair treatment creams. This study aimed to determine the optimum conditions for the extraction of keratin from chicken feathers. The extraction of keratin using various reducing agents was studied using statistical experimental design. In the extraction process, pH, temperature, ratio of reducing agents, mass of chicken feathers and incubation time were analyzed. The keratin in the total extracted protein was purified by size exclusion chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and further characterized using amino acids profile analysis. The surface morphology and chemical composition were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Sodium sulfide (Na2S) yielded 84.5% of keratin as compared to sodium hydroxide (43.8), urea mixture (50.6), mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium bisulfite (18.3) and a mixture of Na2S and sodium hydroxide (41.5%) under optimized conditions. The optimum yield of keratin was achieved at 80.9 °C in 9.5 h with 0.05 M sodium sulfide using response surface methodology (RSM). Among the five parameters screened, pH was found not to be significant because the p value was greater than 0.05.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  12. Fulltext Physico-mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of furfuryl alcohol/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate/halloysite nanoclay wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNCs)
    Rahman MR, Hamdan S, Lai JCH, Jawaid M, Yusof FABM
    Heliyon, 2017 Jul;3(7):e00342.
    PMID: 28725868 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00342
    In this study, the physical, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of furfuryl alcohol/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate/halloysite nanoclay wood polymer nanocomposites (FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs) were investigated. FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs were prepared via an impregnation method and the properties of the nanocomposites were characterized through the weight percent gain, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), three-point flexural test, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and moisture absorption test. The weight percent gain in the 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC was the highest compared with the raw wood (RW) and other WPNCs. The FT-IR results confirmed that polymerization took place in the nanocomposites, especially 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC, which had a reduced amount of hydroxyl groups. The SEM results revealed that the 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC had the smoothest and most uniform surface among all of the nanocomposites. The 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC showed the highest flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. The results revealed that the storage modulus and loss modulus of the FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs were higher and the tan δ of FA-co-EHMA-HNC WNPCs was lower compared with the RW. The FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs exhibited the higher thermal stability in the TGA and DSC analysis. The 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC exhibited remarkably lower moisture absorption compared with the RW. Overall, this study proved that the ratio 50:50 FA-co-EHMA ratio was the most suitable for introduction in the in the RW.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  13. Effect of degree of deacetylation of chitosan on adsorption capacity and reusability of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/TiO2 nano composite
    Habiba U, Joo TC, Siddique TA, Salleh A, Ang BC, Afifi AM
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2017 Nov;104(Pt A):1133-1142.
    PMID: 28690164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.07.007
    The chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/TiO2 composite was synthesized. Two different degrees of deacetylation of chitosan were prepared by hydrolysis to compare the effectiveness of them. The composite was analyzed via field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, weight loss test and adsorption study. The FTIR and XRD results proved the interaction among chitosan, PVA and TiO2 without any chemical reaction. It was found that, chitosan with higher degree of deacetylation has better stability. Furthermore, it also showed that higher DD of chitosan required less time to reach equilibrium for methyl orange. The adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were fitted well for isotherm study. Adsorption capacity was higher for the composite containing chitosan with higher DD. The dye removal rate was independent of the dye's initial concentration. The adsorption capacity was increased with temperature and it was found from reusability test that the composite containing chitosan with higher DD is more reusable. It was notable that adsorption capacity was even after 15 runs. Therefore, chitosan/PVA/TiO2 composite can be a very useful material for dye removal.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  14. Fulltext Morphological change of human exfoliated deciduous teeth and the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on human amniotic membrane scaffold
    Md Hashim, S.N., Yusof, M.F.H., Alshehadat, S.A., Kannan, T.P., Azlina, A., Suzina, S.A.H., et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 2015;11(1):22-27.
    MyJurnal
    Angiogenicity is one of the essential components to enable tissue function. It is important to develop a construct that would help in catering oxygen and nutrient to the engineered tissue area. Thus, this study aims to investigate the attachment, spreading and growth of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) on human AM (HAM) with or without vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and indirectly see the potential of the HAM as a scaffold to promote angiogenic micro-environment. Since day 1, there were continuous changes of the cell morphology until day 28, SHED treated with VEGF seemed to change its shape from fibroblast-like into a round-shape cell, similar structure as an endotheliallike cell. The structures of filopodia-like were also observed on the treated SHED. SHED without VEGF treatment showed only normal morphological growth on HAM. VEGF is a protein produced to stimulate angiogenesis, and is believed to contribute to the morphological changes of SHED seeded on HAM. This indicates that HAM could be used as a scaffold to allow SHED differentiation into endothelial-like cells with the induction of VEGF.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  15. Effect of pore size and morphology of activated charcoal prepared from midribs of Elaeis guineensis on adsorption of poisons using metronidazole and Escherichia coli O157:H7 as a case study
    Ilomuanya MO, Nashiru B, Ifudu ND, Igwilo CI
    J Microsc Ultrastruct, 2016 05 12;5(1):32-38.
    PMID: 30023235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2016.05.001
    Agricultural waste obtained from Elaeis guineensis mid ribs can provide a veritable source of materials which can be used as precursor materials for the production of pharmaceutical grade activated charcoal. The pore size and surface morphology of activated charcoal defines the types of molecules that could be adsorbed unto it, as surface morphology plays a significant role in determining the surface availability and areas of adsorption. The activated charcoal samples prepared from Elaeis guineensis via either physical or chemical activation was characterized via surface area using the BET method and subsequently pore structure and size analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Physically activated Elaeis guineensis fronds activated with nitrogen gas had wide spread microporosity with micropore volume of 0.232 cc/g compared to the chemically activated with 1M and 3M phosphoric acid respectively. The commercial activated charcoal/metronidazole combination in the in vitro-pharmacodynamic model reflected no re-growth after 4 hours, however for charcoal formulated from Elaeis guineensis via chemical activation with 3M phosphoric acid and metronidazole no regrowth was seen at the second hour and this was maintained throughout the duration of the experiment. Increased macroporosity enhanced bacterial adsorption and this was further facilitated by the presence of antibacterial metronidazole in the in vitro pharmacodynamic model. Activated charcoal produced from agricultural waste obtained from Elaeis guineensis dried mid ribs consisting of increased macroporosity with mixed meso/micro porosity and antibacterial metronidazole form the best model for bacterial adsorption and will be useful in the treatment of diarrhea caused by E. coli O157:H7.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  16. Fulltext Microstructure of hydroxyapatite scaffolds: effect of infiltration method and polyurethane template pore size
    Muhammad Awaludin, M.S., Mariattia, M.
    Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 2015;11(1):94-99.
    MyJurnal
    Porous ceramic scaffolds are widely studied in the tissue engineering field due to their potential in medical applications as bone substitutes or as bone-filling materials. In this study, porous hydroxyapatite (HA) was produced via polymer replication method. Polyurethane (PU) sponge was selected as the template and synthetic binder, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used in this study. Fixed formulation of HA powder, distilled water and PVA (40:60:3) were prepared and stirred at a constant 4 hours time. PU sponges with 30 ppi and 60 ppi size were cut and impregnated in slurry using vacuum and roller infiltration methods. The microstructures were observed by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The results obtained indicate that vacuum infiltration method and 60 ppi template pore size exhibited the highest compressive strength with moderate average strut thickness and lowest average pore size compared to samples produced by roller infiltration method at different template pore size.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  17. Fulltext The Binding Efficiency and Interaction of Lactobacillus casei Shirota Toward Aflatoxin B1
    Liew WP, Nurul-Adilah Z, Than LTL, Mohd-Redzwan S
    Front Microbiol, 2018;9:1503.
    PMID: 30042748 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01503
    The use of probiotic as dietary approach to prevent exposure to food contaminant, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has greatly increased. Several studies found that AFB1 binding to the bacterial cell wall is strain-specific. Moreover, the interaction between AFB1 and bacterial cell wall is not well-understood, thus warrants further investigation. This research was conducted to assess the ability of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs) to bind AFB1 at different concentrations and to determine AFB1 binding efficiency of different Lcs cell components including live cell, heat-treated, and cell wall. In addition, the interaction between AFB1 and Lcs was also evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and through an animal study. The binding of AFB1 by all Lcs cell components depends on the concentration of available AFB1. Among all Lcs cell components, the live Lcs cells exhibited the highest binding efficiency (98%) toward AFB1. Besides, the SEM micrographs showed that AFB1 induced structural changes on the bacterial cell surface and morphology including rough and irregular surface along with a curve rod-shaped. In vivo experiment revealed that Lcs is capable to neutralize the toxicity of AFB1 on body weight and intestine through the binding process. The animal's growth was stunted due to AFB1 exposure, however, such effect was significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated by Lcs. This phenomenon can be explained by a significant (p < 0.05) decreased level of blood serum AFB1 by Lcs (49.6 ± 8.05 ng/mL) compared to AFB1-exposed rats without treatment (88.12 ± 10.65 ng/mL). Taken together, this study highlights the potential use of Lcs as a preventive agent against aflatoxicosis via its strong binding capability.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  18. Fulltext Free standing zirconia nanotubes formation and their photocatalytic properties
    Syahriza Ismail, Nurul Izza Soaid, Suriyati Mohamed Ansari, Nurulhuda Bashirom, Monna Rozana, Tan, Wai Kian, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 2016;12(1):20-23.
    MyJurnal
    In the formation of ZrO2 (zirconia) nanotubes (ZNTs) by anodisation of zirconium, a balance between chemical etching at the surface of the nanotubes and inward growth inside the nanotubes is required. This can be achieved by using fluorinated organic electrolyte like ethylene glycol with the addition of small volume of oxidant. In this work, carbonate was selected as the oxidant and NH4F as the source of fluoride for chemical etching process. Two sets of electrolytes were studied EG/fluoride/Na2CO3 and EG/fluoride/K2CO3. It appears that in the presence of carbonate evolution of gas at the anode during the anodisation process was rather severe. The gas which is likely to be CO2 was found to weaken the adherence between the oxide film with the underlying Zr foil. This induced the formation of free standing ZNTs. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) was used to investigate the crystallinity of the nanotubes where the majority crystal phase of ZNTs was tetragonal/cubic. The ZNTs were used as photocatalysts to oxidize methyl orange dye.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  19. Arginine Complexes with Simvastatin: Apparent Solubility, In Vitro Dissolution and Solid State Characterization
    Affandi MMRMM, Tripathy M, Majeed ABA
    Curr Drug Deliv, 2018;15(1):77-86.
    PMID: 28322162 DOI: 10.2174/1567201814666170320144259
    BACKGROUND: Categorized as a Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class II drugs, statin exhibit low aqueous solubility and bioavailability thus presenting an obstacle and great challenge to formulation researchers. This paper describes a de novo approach to enhance the aqueous solubility of one of the most commonly prescribed statins i.e., simvastatin (SMV) by forming a complex (SMV-ARG) with cosolute arginine (ARG).

    METHODS: The complex has been characterized for its apparent solubility and in vitro dissolution. The solid state characterization has been carried out using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Elemental Analysis, X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

    RESULTS: Simvastatin-Arginine (SMV-ARG) complex exhibited massive solubility enhancement by 12,000 fold and significant improvement in both acidic and alkaline dissolution media. A conversion of coherent crystalline to non-coherent pattern, and certain extent of amorphization in SMV-ARG complex, fully justifies the enhanced solubility, and hence the dissolution profile.

    CONCLUSION: The present study provides a significant evidence that ARG molecules are capable to form a complex with small molecules and increase their aqueous solubility which prove to be beneficial in drug formulation and development.

    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  20. Control of Basal Stem Rot Disease in Oil Palm by Supplementation of Calcium, Copper, and Salicylic Acid
    Bivi MS, Paiko AS, Khairulmazmi A, Akhtar MS, Idris AS
    Plant Pathol J, 2016 Oct;32(5):396-406.
    PMID: 27721689
    Continuous supplementation of mineral nutrients and salicylic acid (SA) as foliar application could improve efficacy in controlling basal stem rot (BSR) disease in oil palm seedling. It is revealed from the results that the highest disease severity index (58.3%) was recorded in T8 treatments at 9 months after inoculation. The best disease control was achieved by T7 treatments (calcium/copper/SA [Ca/Cu/SA]) (5.0%) followed by T1 (5.5%), T5 (5.8%), T3 (8.3%), T6 (8.3%), T4 (13.3%), and T2 (15.8%) treatments. Continuous supplementation of Ca/Cu/SA was found to be the most effective in controlling the disease and the high performance liquid chromatography results showed the detection of ergosterol at very low concentration in the treated samples. Moreover, the transmission electron microscopy analysis results clearly indicated that T7 treatment was also enhancing lignification, which was responsible for the thickness of the secondary cell walls and middle lamella compared to untreated samples. It was therefore, concluded that continuous supplementation of minerals nutrients and SA could effectively suppress disease severity by reducing ergosterol activity and also improve the process of lignification in the treated plants. Furthermore, this treatment also managed to delay the onset of BSR symptoms and promote the growth of the seedlings and eventually suppress the BSR disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
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