Volume 21 Issue 4

The enantiomeric monomer of aleuritic acid was used as a spacer arm to prepare chiral stationary phases (CSP1~3) for chiral selectors containing only aleuritic acid, S-phenylglycinol (S-PGL), and R,R-diphenylethylene-diamine (R,R-DPEDA). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermo-gravimetry (TG), elemental analysis, and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) characterizations showed that the three stationary phases were coupled depending on the route design, and the grafting ratio was 12.4%, 78.2%, and 32.7%, respectively. The first specimen CSP1, containing only aleuritic acid, was able to separate 4 of the 9 target compounds. Separation of 6 compounds was achieved by the introduction of the single chiral factor S-PGL’s (CSP2). After introduction of the double chiral factor R,R-DPEDA (CSP3), separation of 8 compounds was achieved. Although the grafting ratio of R,R-DPEDA in CSP3 was only 32.7%, and the increase in carbon content was only 3.08% compared with that of CSP1, which was less than half of that of CSP2. Thus, CSP3 showed significantly higher separation selectivity. The difference in chiral factors led to the reverse resolution order of enantiomers under certain conditions for some compounds. The chiral spacer arm was shown to be important in separation and in the preparation methods of novel structural CSPs.

Soy protein isolate (SPI) was utilized as a biocompatible matrix for the development of Fe₃O₄ and ZnO nanoparticle composites with enhanced biological activities. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using various analytical methods that confirmed the successful nanoparticle formation and conjugation with SPI. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and B. cereus using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), growth kinetics, crystal violet uptake, and cell lysis assays. Both nanocomposites exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared with SPI alone, with ZnO-based composites demonstrating the strongest broad-spectrum activity. Nanoformulation reduced MIC values by up to eightfold and significantly enhanced membrane permeability and bacteriolytic effects. The anticancer potential of tested materials was assessed against A549 and HCT116 cell lines. ZnO-NPs-SPI showed the highest cytotoxicity, producing IC₅₀ values of 27.8 and 31.25 µg/mL against A549 and HCT116 cells, respectively. Furthermore, treatment induced significant activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, indicating apoptosis-mediated cell death. These findings demonstrate that SPI-based nanocomposites, particularly those containing ZnO-NPs, represent promising multifunctional platforms for antimicrobial and anticancer applications.

The increasing global demand for freshwater and the growing issue of water pollution, particularly from industrial sources, motivates efforts to develop more effective wastewater treatment technologies. This research focuses on developing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes enhanced with bamboo-derived cellulose nanocomposites for dye removal. The study aimed to overcome the hydrophobic limitations of PVDF membranes by incorporating cellulose, which is known for its hydrophilic and dye adsorption properties. The membranes were fabricated using different cellulose contents (2% to 6%) and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The membranes’ performance was assessed through water contact angle (WCA), water permeation flux and dye rejection tests. Results indicated that increasing cellulose concentration improved membrane porosity, water permeability, and dye rejection capabilities. The 6% cellulose membrane demonstrated low water contact angle value with highest water flux with 317.95 L/m²h and dye rejection of 51% after 10 min, stabilizing at 41% after 70 min. This enhancement was attributed to cellulose’s hydrophilic nature and ability to form hydrogen bonds with dye molecules, thereby improving dye removal efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of cellulose-enhanced PVDF membranes for industrial wastewater treatment, offering a scalable, sustainable solution to mitigate water pollution and promote environmental sustainability.

Bamboo stands out as a promising resource for sustainable industrial applications due to its rapid growth, superior mechanical properties, and environmental benefits. Its use in sectors such as civil construction, the pulp and paper industry, and energy generation reinforces its role as a strategic alternative to traditional and non-renewable materials.  Thus, the effective advancement of its industrial applications can benefit from a systematic mapping of current scientific trends. This helps in identifying emerging trends, knowledge gaps, and priority opportunities for sustainable innovation. In this context, this study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific literature related to the industrial uses of bamboo, for the period 2010 to 2025, based on data extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using the Bibliometrix software. The investigation maps academic output, including the temporal evolution of publications, key authors, collaborative networks, top journals, and emerging thematic trends. The results contribute to systematizing existing knowledge, identifying research gaps, and supporting the development of strategies aimed at consolidating bamboo as a sustainable industrial resource.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different substrates containing oak acorn kernel on the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus for yield, biological efficiency (BE), and nutritional content. Different lignocellulosic wastes were used: Oak Acorn Kernel (AK), Oak Acorn Shell (AS), Oak Acorn Cup (AC), Hazelnut Branch (HB), Wheat Straw (WS), Acacia Branch (AB), Corncob (CC), and Oak Sawdust (OW). Substrates were prepared at 100% ratio and as 50% mixtures with WS; additionally, AK was supplemented with OW at 10%, 30%, and 50% ratios. Protein, phenolic content, and mineral compositions of mushrooms were analyzed. Chemical composition of substrates were revealed through chemical analyses. The highest mushroom yield was obtained from 50WS+50CC with 205.7 g/kg, while the maximum biological efficiency (57.6%) and benefit–cost ratio (4.98) were determined in the 50OW+50AK. The greatest phenolic content was found in mushrooms of HB substrate (58.781 mg GAE/g), the highest protein contents were detected in mushrooms grown on OW (28.43 g/100g) and AK (29.21 g/100g). Cu, Mn, P, and Zn elements were found to be higher in mushrooms of OW and AK substrates. This study makes a significant contribution to the circular economy by converting low-value forest wastes into value-added food products such as edible mushrooms.

Oral cancer is the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared using Lantana camara leaf extract and evaluate their in vitro anticancer activity against human KB cells. The AuNPs were characterized using various techniques. The MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of AuNPs against KB cells. Staining techniques were used to quantify reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and assess apoptotic cell death in AuNP-treated KB cells. Furthermore, the caspase activities were examined to verify the induction of apoptosis. The antibacterial activity of AuNPs was also evaluated against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains. The results indicated that the synthesized AuNPs exhibited predominantly spherical morphology with an average particle size of 40 to 80 nm. The assay revealed a dose‑dependent cytotoxic effect, with an IC₅₀ value of 30 µg/mL against KB cells formulated AuNPs effectively inhibited KB cell proliferation, enhanced intracellular ROS generation, and induced apoptosis, as confirmed by fluorescence staining and elevated caspase activities. The AuNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial properties, producing inhibition zones of up to 23 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 15 mm against Escherichia coli. In summary, the L. camara-mediated AuNPs exhibited a substantial anticancer potential against oral cancer cells and demonstrated encouraging antibacterial properties.

This communication examines the revitalization of the pratuokng, a traditional Bidayuh bamboo tube zither from Annah Rais, Sarawak, through a qualitative ethnographic case study. A pratuokng is an idiochord tube zither, a musical instrument consisting of one drum and seven strings. Data were collected through interviews with cultural practitioner Arthur Borman, observation of teaching and performance contexts, and review of relevant ethnomusicological literature. The study analyzes how instrument knowledge, tuning practices, and performance techniques are transmitted and adapted in response to contemporary social change and strategies used in encouraging younger generations to performed with pratuokng. Particular attention is given to Borman’s innovations in instrument configuration and musical range, and to how these developments generate debate regarding authenticity, legitimacy, and cultural authority. Previously published acoustic data are referenced to contextualize sound behavior; however, the analytic focus of this paper remains interpretive rather than experimental. Theoretically, the study contributes to discussions on cultural sustainability by framing tradition as a negotiated, evolving process rather than a fixed object. Findings indicate that context-sensitive innovation, community-based pedagogy, and selective global exposure can support continuity of endangered musical heritage while maintaining cultural integrity.

This study investigated the influence of nanosilica on the vibro-acoustic behavior, microstructure, and structural characteristics of composites based on poplar wood flour and recycled polystyrene. Composites containing 50 wt% wood flour and 0, 2, 4, and 6 phc nanosilica were prepared using twin-screw extrusion. Vibro-acoustic properties were evaluated using a non-destructive flexural vibration method, while the fractured-surface morphology and diffraction characteristics were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Nanosilica caused only minor changes in sound velocity, loss tangent, acoustic coefficient, acoustic conversion efficiency, and dynamic modulus of elasticity, with no statistically significant differences among the formulations (p > 0.05). SEM images showed apparent reductions in interfacial voids and improved contact between the wood flour and polymer matrix with nanosilica incorporation. XRD patterns indicated that the composites retained a predominantly amorphous character, while the changes in diffraction intensity suggested differences in X-ray scattering following nanosilica incorporation. Overall, nanosilica altered the apparent microstructural characteristics of the composites without significantly affecting their vibro-acoustic performance. The combination of stable vibro-acoustic properties and the use of recycled polystyrene suggests potential for these composites in lightweight panel and interior applications where stable acoustic behavior is desirable.

Southern Blue Gum (SBG) essential oil was chemically characterized and evaluated for selected biological activities using integrated in vitro assays supported by exploratory in silico analysis. GC–MS profiling identified nine constituents, with 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) representing 90.51% of the total composition, indicating a cineole-dominant chemical profile. Antibacterial screening against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria showed pronounced inhibitory effects, with inhibition zones ranging from 24.3 to 38.8 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations of 62.5–125 µg/mL depending on the strain. Anti-biofilm testing demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with the strongest reduction observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (61.35% at 0.5 MIC). Antioxidant evaluation using DPPH and ABTS assays revealed dose-dependent radical scavenging activity. Cytotoxicity screening in Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines showed concentration-dependent responses with IC₅₀ values of 24.4 ± 0.15 and 59.52 ± 0.35 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking suggested moderate interaction of eucalyptol with bacterial DNA gyrase through hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bonding. This study provides integrated chemical and functional characterization of cineole-rich Southern Blue Gum oil and supports further investigation of eucalyptus-derived volatile compositions in antimicrobial and biofilm-control research, while indicating that additional pharmacological, selectivity, and in vivo studies are required before translational application.

The seismic performance analysis of timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is important. Combined with Rayleigh damping model and stiffness proportional damping model, the damping matrix of the timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is constructed. Based on the fine calculation method, the numerical method of time-domain dynamic responses for timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is proposed, which can be used to calculate the time-domain dynamic responses. Then the peak top displacement and peak bottom shear force are selected as the indicators, which are used to analyze the arrangement of viscoelastic dampers in wooden frame structures. Numerical results show that compared to viscoelastic dampers at the top and middle, viscoelastic damper at the bottom is the most advantageous for improving the seismic performance of the structure, which can be given priority consideration in design.