Ramkhamhaeng International Journal of Science and Technology

Antimicrobial Peptides as Anticancer Peptides: The Strategies to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Cancer

2026-08-14T09:40:43+07:00

Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality. Although chemotherapy is a primary treatment, its therapeutic efficacy is frequently compromised by multidrug resistance (MDR). Multiple factors contribute to this resistance, including ABC transporter-driven drug efflux, evasion of cell death, altered autophagy, tumor microenvironment changes, and persistent cancer stem cells. While MDR has been widely studied, we still lack a clear, comprehensive picture of how the structure of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) helps them act as anticancer agents and break through this resistance. In this review, we cover the sources, structural traits, structure-activity links, and cancer-targeting abilities of AMPs. This review highlights major MDR mechanisms and explores how AMPs defeat treatment limits through varied actions, from membrane disruption and ROS production to immune modulation, mitochondrial damage, and ABC transporter blockade. Additionally, it also examines chemical modifications, sequence engineering, and nanocarrier delivery systems designed to enhance peptide stability, targeting, and therapeutic efficacy.

Overall, AMPs show strong potential as multi-target anticancer agents that can reduce both drug resistance and side effects. Still, issues like rapid breakdown in the body, low bioavailability, high production costs, and delivery obstacles limit their clinical use. Combining promising sequence engineering with innovative delivery systems will be key to overcoming these barriers and unlocking their therapeutic value.

Development of a chitosan-based facial mask incorporated with Caesalpinia sappan heartwood crude extract

2026-07-06T10:33:48+07:00

Crude extract from Caesalpinia sappan heartwood incorporated into a chitosan-based facial mask has potential applications in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus causing infections on dermatitis injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Caesalpinia sappanheartwood crude extract against S. aureus and to develop a chitosan-based facial mask incorporating the extract for acne-related inflammation caused by this bacterium. The heartwood was extracted using 95% ethanol and its antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, with 1,000 ppm clindamycin as a positive control. The crude extract at concentrations of 40,000 ppm, 4,000 ppm, and 400 ppm, along with clindamycin, demonstrated clear inhibitory effects against S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidalconcentration (MBC) of the extract were 156.25 ppm and 20,000 ppm, respectively. Subsequently, a chitosan-based facial mask formulation containing 20,000 ppm of the extract was developed and evaluated. The results showed that the developed mask exhibited effective antibacterial activity against S. aureus while maintaining desirable physical properties, indicating its strong potential for use as an antibacterial facial treatment.

Macrobenthic Invertebrate Assemblages across Coral Reefs in Chumphon Province, the Western Gulf of Thailand

2026-08-18T13:18:57+07:00

Macrobenthic invertebrates play important ecological roles in coral reef ecosystems by facilitating nutrient cycling, energy flow, and trophic connectivity. Because their assemblage composition and abundance are sensitive to changes in habitat and environmental conditions, they can provide useful indicators of reef condition and ecosystem health. This study investigated the composition and density of macrobenthic invertebratesat selected coral reef sites in Chumphon Province, the Western Gulf of Thailand. Field surveys were conducted by SCUBA diving along permanent belt transects, with three replicate transects established at each site. Macrobenthic invertebrates were recorded within each transect, and species were identified directly in the field following standard survey procedures. The results showed that the density of macrobenthic invertebrates differed statistically significantly between sites (ANOVA, p<0.001), with the highest density observed at Ko Mat Wai Noi (13.6 ± 1.4 individuals/m²)and the lowest at Ko Rang Banthat (5.4 ± 0.9 individuals/m²). The diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates varied among sites, with Ko Maphrao exhibiting the highest diversity, while Ko Rang Banthat showed the lowest. The dominant species were Diadema setosum, Sabellastarte sp., and Bequina semiorbiculata. The observed spatial variability in macrobenthic invertebrate density highlights differences in ecological conditions among coral reef sites. These results provide valuable baseline data for long-term reef monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and the development of site-specific management strategies for coral reefs in the Western Gulf of Thailand.

Leveraging Digital Communication Technologies for Brand Equity Enhancement in the Luxury Jewelry Sector

2026-06-02T14:02:06+07:00

This qualitative single-case study examined how a selected Thai luxury jewelry brand uses digital communication technologies to communicate luxury identity, cultivate customer relationships, and support Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) without undermining exclusivity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five purposively selected key informants representing the focal brand, digital marketing expertise, and general luxury consumption. Participants were selected for their information-rich knowledge relevant to the research objectives; given the limited sample, the study does not claim full thematic saturation. Data were analyzed using a hybrid deductive–inductive thematic approach. Deductive coding was informed by CBBE and the anti-laws of luxury marketing, while inductive coding captured practices emerging from the interviews. Trustworthiness was strengthened through member checking, peer debriefing, independent coding by multiple coders, and an audit trail. Three themes emerged: curated storytelling of craftsmanship and heritage; controlled digital visibility that preserved luxury exclusivity; and the movement from public digital touchpoints to private consultation and personalized offline experiences. The findings suggest that sales-oriented mass communication may weaken luxury distinctiveness, whereas carefully governed storytelling supports brand awareness, perceived quality, and distinctive brand associations. Selective disclosure reinforces prestige, while personalized online-to-offline interaction contributes to trust, brand resonance, and long-term loyalty. Digital communication is therefore most valuable when integrated with consistent brand governance, customer relationship practices, offline service, and suitable partnerships. As the study examined one brand and included general luxury consumers rather than customers of the focal brand, the findings are context-specific and should not be generalized to the wider luxury jewelry industry.

Early benthic succession and pioneer community dynamics on 3D printed substrates at Koh Samaesan, Chon Buri Province

2026-06-08T08:11:40+07:00

As coral reefs in many areas are degraded, various techniques for coral reef restoration have been developed. One popular method is the creation of artificial reefs, which are widely accepted for restoring habitats for coral reef communities. At present, 3D printing technology is used as a substrate for coral recruitment and is hoped to be one of the factors that help to further increase coral reef areas. This study aimed to examine the composition of benthic communities on the surface of 3D-printed. Data were collected six times during November 2024–September 2025 at Koh Samaesan, using a 15 × 15 cm quadrat sampling method, with quadrats randomly placed on the outer surfaces of the structures. Photos were taken in 6 quadrats per structure, with 15 replicates. A total of 10 categories of sessile benthic organisms were found. Marine sponge is the dominant benthic organisms on 3D-printed (4.14%), followed by turf algae (3.48%) and Mollusk (2.23), while 87.50% had no organisms attached to the structure. In terms of coral cover, which is the main purpose of the 3D-printed, only 0.10%, with two species are Porites sp., and Oulastrea crispata. Despite the results showing that 3D structures may not be optimal for the settlement of coral recruits, this study was conducted only six times over one year. Therefore, studies should be conducted continuously over 3–5 years to monitor and assess coral recruit settlement, including other functions of 3D-printed structures for the environment.

Species Composition and Spatial Patterns of Scleractinian Corals on Shallow Reef Flats in Krabi Province, Andaman Sea

2026-08-28T17:15:25+07:00

Shallow reef flats support diverse coral assemblages but are highly influenced by local environmental conditions and disturbance regimes. This study assessed spatial variation in live coral cover, species composition, and coral community structure at Ko Pu, Ko Ka, and Ko Sriboya in Krabi Province, Andaman Sea, Thailand. Coral communities were surveyed using three replicate 30 × 1 m belt transects at each site. Coral colonies were identified to species level. Live coral cover differed significantly among the three study sites (ANOVA, p < 0.01). Ko Ka exhibited the highest live coral cover (55.1 ± 4.9%), followed by Ko Pu (42.3 ± 3.7%) and Ko Sriboya (33.2 ± 2.9%). Coral species composition and relative density also varied among sites. Porites lutea was consistently the dominant species at all three locations, whereas other prominent taxa differed spatially. Ko Pu was characterized by Galaxea astreata, Dipsastraea favus, Pavona decussata, and Favites abdita, while Turbinaria mesenterina, F. abdita, P. decussata, Diploastrea heliopora, and Montipora aequituberculata were important components at Ko Ka. At Ko Sriboya, Platygyra sinensis, P. decussata, and Lithophyllon undulatum were among the prominent taxa. Several coral species occurred at all sites, whereas others showed site-specific distributions. These findings demonstrate marked spatial variation in live coral cover and coral assemblage composition among shallow reef flats in Krabi Province. The distinct assemblages supported by each site emphasize the importance of incorporating species-level information together with live coral cover in reef assessment and provide essential baseline data for long-term monitoring, site-specific conservation, and management of shallow reef flat ecosystems in the Andaman Sea.

Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Profiles in Young Adults With Major Depressive Disorder

2026-08-13T14:12:42+07:00

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder associated with immune dysregulation and chronic low-grade inflammation. However, simultaneous alterations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in young adults with MDD remain incompletely characterized. This study investigated serum levels and detectability of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in young adults with MDD and healthy controls (HC). A total of 135 participants aged 18–30 years, including 22 patients with MDD and 113 HC, were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, body mass index and white blood cell counts were assessed. Serum cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All three cytokines were detectable in significantly higher proportions of patients with MDD than HC (IL-6, 59.1% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.0001; IFN-γ, 81.8% vs. 57.5%, p = 0.0339; IL-10, 100% vs. 83.2%, p = 0.0422). Among participants with detectable cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher in the MDD group (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0048, respectively), whereas IL-6 concentrations did not differ (p = 0.5033). IL-10 correlated positively with IFN-γ (Spearman r = 0.3101, p = 0.0064), but not IL-6 (r = 0.2983, p = 0.1569). These findings indicate differential cytokine alterations consistent with systemic immune dysregulation in MDD. However, the cross-sectional design and small MDD group limit interpretation and do not establish causality or biomarker status. Larger longitudinal studies incorporating disease severity and treatment outcomes are warranted to determine the clinical relevance and potential biomarker utility of these cytokine alterations.