Acta Biochimica Indonesiana

Antibacterial activity of garlic ethanol extract (Allium sativum Linn) against Propionibacterium acnes

Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition largely associated with Propionibacterium acnes infection. The increasing resistance of P. acnes to conventional antibiotics necessitates alternative treatment approaches. Garlic (Allium sativum Linn) has documented antimicrobial properties, yet its specific activity against P. acnes remains underexplored.

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of garlic extract at various concentrations against P. acnes and determine its potential as an alternative acne treatment.

Methods: Garlic extract was prepared using ethanol maceration, followed by phytochemical screening. The antibacterial activity against P. acnes was assessed using the well diffusion method at concentrations of 10%, 40%, 70%, and 100%, with doxycycline and distilled water serving as positive and negative controls, respectively. Inhibition zones were measured and statistically analyzed.

Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and triterpenoids in the garlic extract. All tested concentrations exhibited significant antibacterial activity against P. acnes. The inhibition zone diameters were 32.83 mm (100%), 28.90 mm (70%), 26.60 mm (40%), and 15.29 mm (10%), compared to 38.81 mm for doxycycline, with statistically significant differences between all groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Garlic extract demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against P. acnes, with 70% concentration providing optimal efficacy relative to extract concentration, suggesting its potential as a natural alternative for acne treatment.

Design and evaluation of degenerate primers targeting the NS3 gene for detection of dengue virus by RT-PCR

Saefuddin Aziz, Regita Cahaya Sari, Dwi Priyanto, Tri Ramadhani — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, is hyper-endemic in Indonesia. Since no protective vaccine or specific treatments are available, accurate diagnosis is crucial for the early implementation of preventive measures to limit dengue transmission and reduce economic losses. Various diagnostic techniques have been developed, including reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detecting viral nucleic acids using specific primers.

Objective: This study aimed to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a new primer targeting the NS3 gene of the dengue virus for molecular detection in clinical samples.

Methods: A cross-sectional molecular study was conducted in Banjarnegara, Indonesia. Serum samples were collected from dengue-suspected patients attending hospitals in the city. The diagnosis was initially performed using dengue NS1 antigen and IgG/IgM antibody detection. Dengue virus (DENV) serotyping was conducted using Simplexa Dengue real-time RT-PCR with a newly designed NS3 gene primer. The effectiveness of the new primer was assessed by comparing its performance with a commercial primer.

Results: The primers, DenVNS3F (5’-CGAGTAGGAATGGGWGARGCAGC-3’) and DenVNS3R (5’-CTGTCCAGTGAGCRYGGTCTT-3’) were able to detect the NS3 gene of the dengue virus. However, the level of agreement in detecting the dengue virus compared to the commercial primer showed a moderate agreement (k = 0.60) with a low confidence level.

Conclusion: The newly designed primers DenVNS3F and DenVNS3R are capable of detecting the NS3 gene. However, the primers may require further optimization to achieve a higher level of accuracy and confidence in detecting the dengue virus, and additional validation through sequencing is necessary to confirm the specificity of the amplified product.

Sustainable solid soap production using recycled cooking oil with ecoenzyme and lemongrass extract

Zona Octarya, Elvi Yenti, Lisa Utami, Yusbarina — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Improper disposal of used cooking oil poses significant environmental challenges, including groundwater contamination and harm to aquatic ecosystems. Recycling used cooking oil into solid soap offers a sustainable solution to reduce waste while creating a valuable, eco-friendly product.

Objective: This study aims to produce solid soap from used cooking oil with the addition of ecoenzyme and lemongrass extract and evaluate its potential as an environmentally friendly and antimicrobial soap.

Method: Used cooking oil was refined using bagasse as an adsorbent to remove impurities. Ecoenzyme was produced by fermenting organic kitchen waste, sugar, and water for three months, while lemongrass extract was prepared by blending and filtering lemongrass stalks. The soap was formulated by saponifying refined used cooking oil with NaOH, ecoenzyme, and lemongrass extract. The physical properties of the soap were assessed.

Results: The resulting soap was solid, creamy in color, and emitted a refreshing lemongrass aroma. Antimicrobial properties are potential due to the organic acids and enzymes in the ecoenzyme, combined with the bioactive compounds in lemongrass extract.

Conclusion: Solid soap made from used cooking oil with ecoenzyme and lemongrass extract offers a sustainable and effective solution for waste recycling while providing natural antimicrobial and cleaning benefits.

Oryzalin-induced polyploidy in Vanda limbata (Blume): Phenotypic assessment

Murni Dwiati, Wahyu Nur Hasam, Agus Hery Susanto — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 21:40:39 +0700

Background: Vanda limbata is a natural orchid species found on Java Island, commonly known as V. limbata 'Jawa.' Enhancing plant vigor is essential to increase its potential as an ornamental plant, with one promising approach being induced polyploidy using chemical mutagens such as oryzalin.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oryzalin on inducing polyploidy in V. limbata cultured in vitro.

Method: Oryzalin was applied at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µM, with five replications for each treatment, resulting in 25 experimental units. Several morpho-physiological and anatomical traits were measured as indicators of polyploidy.

Results: The results demonstrated that oryzalin at 100 µM was the most effective concentration for inducing polyploidy in V. limbata cultured in vitro. This was particularly evident in traits such as reduced leaf length, increased leaf width, enhanced adventitious shoot formation, and enlarged stomatal width.

Conclusion: Oryzalin, when applied at appropriate concentrations, can be effectively used to induce polyploidy in V. limbate.

Erythrocyte levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with a history of positive and negative COVID-19

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory condition that predisposes patients to severe complications when infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Hematological alterations, particularly in erythrocyte levels, may influence the clinical course and outcomes in these high-risk individuals. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the erythrocyte profile of COPD patients with and without COVID-19 at RS Paru Dr. Ario Wirawan Salatiga.

Methods: An analytic study design was employed. Participants were recruited using consecutive sampling. All COPD patients admitted between March 2019 and December 2023 were included. A total of 53 COPD patients participated, comprising 27 COVID-19-positive and 26 COVID-19-negative patients.

Results: The mean erythrocyte level in the COVID-19-positive COPD group was 4.23 ± 0.73 million/µl, while in the COVID-19-negative COPD group, it was 4.77 ± 0.78 million/µl. Although a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (p = 0.012), both values remain within the normal reference range.

Conclusion: Erythrocyte levels in both the COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative COPD groups remained within the normal range, although the levels were relatively lower in the COVID-19-positive group with statistical significance. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms contributing to this difference.

Antioxidant activity of Crescentia cujete extract: effects on oxidative stress in the hearts of hypoxic rats

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:35:51 +0700

Background: The heart is highly susceptible to oxidative stress. Hypoxia can induce oxidative stress in the heart, leading to cardiac damage.

Objective: This study investigated the antioxidant effects of Crescentia cujete extract on oxidative stress in hypoxic rat hearts.

Methods: Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH assay. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into eight groups: four received C. cujete extract (400 mg/kg/day for 14 days) and four served as controls. Hypoxia was induced for 3, 7, and 14 days using a hypoxic chamber (8% O₂, 92% N₂). Heart tissue was analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and catalase activity.

Results: C. cujete extract demonstrated moderate antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 158.45 µg/mL). In extract-treated rats, MDA levels were significantly lower compared to controls, while catalase activity was significantly higher. GSH levels were higher in treated groups but not statistically significant. Histopathological analysis revealed less cardiac necrosis in extract-treated groups.

Conclusion: C. cujete extract demonstrates protective effects against hypoxia-induced cardiac oxidative stress. These findings suggest potential as complementary therapy for oxidative cardiac damage, although further studies are needed to establish clinical efficacy and safety.

Expression of Recombinant Plasmodium falciparum Cysteine-rich Protective Antigen (PfCyRPA) Fragment 26–181 in Escherichia coli BL21 CodonPlus (DE3) RIPL

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. PfCyRPA (Plasmodium falciparum Cysteine-Rich Protective Antigen) has emerged as a promising vaccine candidate due to its ability to elicit inhibitory antibodies against parasite growth.

Objective: This study aimed to construct recombinant plasmids encoding PfCyRPA fragment 26–181 and express this fragment in Escherichia coli BL21 CodonPlus (DE3) RIPL for cost-effective antigen production.

Methods: The PfCyRPA gene fragment (~480 bp) was amplified from P. falciparum genomic DNA (Jayapura isolate) by PCR. Recombinant plasmids pGEM-T-PfCyRPA 26-181 and pET-16b-PfCyRPA 26-181 were constructed and confirmed via colony PCR, restriction analysis, and sequencing. The pET-16b-PfCyRPA 26-181 was transformed into E. coli BL21 CodonPlus (DE3) RIPL. Protein expression was induced with 0.5 mM IPTG at 37°C, and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.

Results: SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis demonstrated successful expression of recombinant PfCyRPA fragment 26–181 with a molecular mass of approximately 21.53 kDa, corresponding to the predicted size. The protein was predominantly expressed as inclusion bodies, typical for eukaryotic proteins in prokaryotic systems. Colony PCR and sequencing confirmed correct gene insertion and integrity.

Conclusion: Recombinant PfCyRPA fragment 26–181 was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 CodonPlus (DE3) RIPL, providing a cost-effective platform for large-scale antigen production. This work establishes a foundational protocol for further immunogenicity research and supports development of this antigen as a potential blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate.

Photosynthetic efficiency and acid tolerance in Pumiliosphaera acidicola KMJ isolated from a geothermal spring in West Java, Indonesia

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:24:31 +0700

Background: Acidophilic microalgae represent a promising yet underexplored resource for biotechnological carbon capture in low-pH environments such as geothermal springs and industrial effluents. However, few strains have been physiologically characterized, and most biotechnologically relevant microalgae remain neutrophilic.

Objective: This study aimed to isolate and characterize an acid-tolerant green microalga from a geothermal spring in Kamojang, West Java, Indonesia, and assess its growth, acid tolerance, and photosynthetic performance across a range of inorganic carbon (C_i: CO₂, HCO₃⁻, and CO₃²⁻) concentrations.

Methods: Mud samples were enriched in Allen medium under continuous illumination. Isolates were identified via 18S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Growth was tested across pH 2.3 to 7.0 in media acidified with either HCl or H₂SO₄. Photosynthetic performance was evaluated by O₂ evolution under various C_i concentrations.

Results: The isolated strain, designated Pumiliosphaera acidicola KMJ, exhibited robust growth from pH 2.3 to 7.0 and showed comparable tolerance to both HCl and H₂SO₄. Morphologically, KMJ displayed compact, spherical green cells (2–5 µm diameter). Oxygen evolution measurements revealed consistently higher photosynthetic rates than Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, particularly under sub-saturating Ci levels, indicating efficient CO₂ assimilation under acidic, low-Ci conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to directly quantify C_i-dependent O₂ evolution in an acidophilic chlorophyte.

Conclusion: P. acidicola KMJ combines broad acid tolerance with high photosynthetic efficiency, positioning it as a strong candidate for CO₂ capture in acidic environments. Its physiology also provides a basis for future molecular studies into acidophilic CO₂ assimilation.