Bachelor of Science in Biology

Phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of calamansi (Citrus microcarpa L.) rind essential oil against Bacillus cereus and Serratia marcescens

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of calamansi (Citrus microcarpa L.) rind essential oil against Bacillus cereus and Serratia marcescens Regalario, Denise Joy L.; Salmorin, Cydric Jade S.; Calugas, Clint Daniel C. Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa L.), a citrus fruit widely cultivated in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, generates significant agricultural waste as its rind is typically discarded despite its potential value. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of calamansi rind essential oil against two food spoilage bacteria, Bacillus cereus and Serratia marcescens, to explore its utility as a natural preservative. Extraction was done using rotary evaporation, and characterized through phytochemical analysis which identified terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, and phenols/tannins—compounds with known antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed via disk diffusion and microdilution methods. Disk diffusion revealed moderate activity, with average inhibition zones of 7.93 mm and 9.13 mm against B. cereus and S. marcescens respectively, though smaller than ampicillin and gentamicin controls. Microdilution assays, used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), yielded inconsistent results due to interference from the extract’s dark pigmentation, highlighting a methodological limitation. Despite lower efficacy than synthetic antibiotics, results suggest that calamansi rind essential oil has potential as a sustainable, natural antimicrobial agent for food or agricultural applications. Abstract only

Phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of Philippine pomelo (Citrus maxima L.) fruit peel ethanolic extract as potential shower gel ingredient

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of Philippine pomelo (Citrus maxima L.) fruit peel ethanolic extract as potential shower gel ingredient Abisan, Felecity Grace R.; Tamdang, Karen Aira R. The Philippine Pomelo (Citrus maxima L.) is the largest fruit in the Rutaceae family and is widely found in the country. The peel, which is often discarded, contains antimicrobial compounds that are capable of inhibiting bacterial growth. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of Citrus maxima L. (Philippine Pomelo) fruit peel ethanolic extract, assessing its potential as shower gel ingredient. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract of pomelo peel demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli, with the highest inhibition observed in E. coli. In contrast, no inhibition zone was observed against Shigella sonnei, suggesting that the extract's antimicrobial properties are strain-specific. The MIC results indicated that extract concentrations of 62.5 µg/ml, 125 µg/ml, and 250 µg/ml could inhibit the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, and S. epidermidis, respectively. MBC results consistently supported these findings. Contradictory results between elevated absorbance values-likely affected by the extract's turbidity, and the observed antimicrobial activity was detected in the MIC50 value of C. maxima L. extract suggesting interference. Phytochemical analysis also confirmed the presence of phenols, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and glycosides. The well-diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that combining the ethanolic extract with shower gel created a larger zone of inhibition compared to using the gel alone. These findings highlight the potential of pomelo peel extract as an antibacterial component in shower gel. Abstract only

Comparative evaluation of the effects of powdered soybean (Glycine max) and wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) on platelet count in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in white mice (Mus musculus)

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Comparative evaluation of the effects of powdered soybean (Glycine max) and wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) on platelet count in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in white mice (Mus musculus) Asturias, Dalyn Mae M.; Roca, Roseven Marie S.; Sapio, Ianna Nadine P. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a hematological disorder characterized by immune-mediated destruction of platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia and an increased risk of bleeding. Conventional treatments for ITP can have significant side effects, creating a need for safer alternative therapies. Soybean (Glycine max) is a legume rich in proteins, isoflavones, and antioxidants, known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum), derived from young shoots of the wheat plant, contains chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with demonstrated hematopoietic and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to compare the effects of powdered soybean, wheatgrass, and their combination on platelet counts in white mice (Mus musculus) with heparin-induced ITP. Twelve mice were divided into four groups: control (distilled water), soybean, wheatgrass, and soybean- wheatgrass combination. ITP was induced via intraperitoneal injection of heparin. Treatments were administered orally once daily for seven days. Platelet counts were measured before induction and after treatment using an automated hematology analyzer. Results showed significant increases in platelet counts in all treatment groups compared to the control, with the combination group demonstrating the greatest improvement. These findings suggest that both soybean and wheatgrass, individually and synergistically, may offer therapeutic potential in managing thrombocytopenia associated with ITP. Abstract only

Nanocellulose from post-consumer cotton as potential bioadsorbent for treatment of lead-contaminated water

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Nanocellulose from post-consumer cotton as potential bioadsorbent for treatment of lead-contaminated water Golveo, Princess Gayle T.; Laroza, Lorlyn Grace L.; Palmes, Michael Josh The increasing accumulation of textile waste and the prevalence of heavy metal pollution highlight the urgent need for sustainable and low-cost remediation strategies. This study investigates the potential of nanocellulose derived from post-consumer cotton as a bioadsorbent for lead-contaminated water. Nanocellulose was extracted from 100% cotton thrifted clothing via acid hydrolysis, yielding 17.4 g (58% recovery) from an initial 30 g of material. The extracted nanocellulose appeared as a translucent gel before freeze-drying, after which it formed a fine, whitish powder. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed fibrils approximately 100 nm in diameter, confirming the nanoscale characteristics of the cellulose. Lead adsorption experiments were conducted at concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 mg/L, and the residual lead content was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The nanocellulose demonstrated removal efficiencies of 90%, 84%, and 76% at the respective concentrations, indicating high adsorptive performance, particularly at lower lead levels. These results affirm that nanocellulose extracted from post-consumer cotton waste is a promising, environmentally sustainable material for heavy metal remediation and supports circular economy practices by repurposing textile waste into valuable water treatment media. Abstract only