RMUTP Research Journal Sciences and Technology

The Properties of Biological Container Coated with Polylactic Acid (PLA) Blends with Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)

2023-07-04T12:48:57+07:00

Biological container coated with Polylactic Acid (PLA) blended with Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) was produced by corn husk fiber and bamboo sprout fiber. Both fibers were mixed in soda process by spinning at ratio 20:80 (%w/w) of bamboo sprout fiber and corn husk fiber, respectively. Then, paper container was formed by hot compression handmade with and without coated. By investigation physical properties of paper container both with and without coated with PLA blended with PBS, the results of paper container coated with PLA blended with PBS showed less surface roughness and more shiny skin. In term of mechanical properties evaluation, Tensile Strength, %Elongation at Break and Wet Tensile Strength also showed better if comparing with paper container without coating. Besides, paper container was formed by compression process to test leakage and deformation resistant. The results of paper container which produced by corn husk fiber and bamboo sprout then coated with PLA blended with PBS showed no water leakage and no deformation in any conditions. By the overall research evaluation, the handmade paper container coated with PLA blended with PBS could be usefully applied to produce food container products.

Effects of Dibutyltin and Monobutyltin on Growth, Mortality and Development of Imposex in Female Spotted Babylon (Babylonia areolata)

2023-01-16T09:22:08+07:00

Organotin compounds, e.g. tributyltin, dibutyltin and monobutyltin cause changes in the endocrine and reproductive systems of marine organisms, especially imposex in female gastropods. Due to high toxicity to non-target species, tributyltin-based antifouling paints were banned for the use in all vessels since 2008. However, organotin compounds are used in a variety of industrial and agricultural applications, and subsequently discharged into coastal environment. This study aimed to assess the effects of dibutyltin and monobutyltin on growth, mortality rate, and development of imposex in female spotted babylon (Babylonia areolata). Dibutyltin and monobutyltin (5 and 10 mg/L) could accumulate and metabolic transform in the tissues without deleterious effect on shell length, but significantly (p < 0.05) decreased whole body weight and increased mortality rate of spotted babylon. Additionally, dibutyltin and monobutyltin induced development of imposex (10.00-13.33%) in spotted babylon and promoted development stage of pseudopenis to the level 1-2 dependent on the chemical concentrations. The results demonstrated that dibutyltin and monobutyltin had effects on growth, mortality, and imposex incidence of spotted babylon. Therefore, government authorities should implement stringent measures and enforce a law to reduce the contamination of organotin compounds in marine environment, and simultaneously prevent undesirable consequences on production of shellfish culture in the future.

Upcycling of the Used-Factory Film Sheets to Electrochemical Humidity Sensor

2025-06-28T20:57:10+07:00

The primary objective of this study was to upcycle used factory film sheets, thereby adding value to these materials and mitigating the accumulation of industrial waste. Specifically, our research focused on developing an electrochemical sensor for humidity measurement. Initially, the plastic sheets underwent a comprehensive analysis of their physical and chemical properties. Subsequently, they were coated with graphene oxide at varying concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% w/v) to investigate the electrical response of the electrochemical sensor using cyclic voltammetry. Humidity measurements were conducted using the LCR meter based on the electric method. The study revealed that the waste film sheets were of Polydimethylsiloxane type, with a thickness of 0.105 mm, showcasing flexibility and suitability for surface modification through laser screening. To enhance the conductivity properties, the electrochemical sensor was coated with 1.0% w/v graphene oxide. This modification enabled accurate humidity measurements, establishing a relationship between humidity (x) and electric capacity (y) through a second-degree polynomial equation: y = 0.0013x^2 + 2.7902x – 51.17, with an R^2 value of 0.971. Furthermore, the morphology analysis of the graphene oxide on the modified sensor surface revealed a stacked configuration with a hexagonal shape. The specific surface area of graphene oxide was calculated to be 74.6269 square millimeters per gram. This innovative approach not only showcases the flexibility and adaptability of Polydimethylsiloxane-based film sheets but also demonstrates the potential of graphene oxide coatings in developing efficient and reliable humidity sensors, contributing significantly to the field of environmental sustainability and sensor technology.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Thai Traditional Recipe: Akineewakana Recipe

2023-10-30T13:48:16+07:00

Akineewakana recipe is a Thai traditional medicine that has cannabis as an ingredient which is an elixir medicine group in King Narai the Great. This recipe was used for appetizing, analeptic and antiemesis. These properties are related to the type and quantitative of chemical constituents. Currently, Akineewakana recipe was lack data of phytochemicals. Therefore, this research aims to study the type and phytochemical content by HPLC technique, also the antioxidant activity of Akineewakana recipe was determined. The results showed that the ethanolic Akineewakana recipe extract demonstrated the IC₅₀ value of 56.30±0.29 and 23.39±0.44 µg/ml by DPPH and ABTS assay, respectively. The FRAP value was 448.01±5.72 mmol/100 g Extract. However, this recipe showed lower activity than Trolox (2506.15±13.60 mmol/100 g Extract). The cannabinoid analysis showed a high relative cannabinoid abundance (8130.00±35.59 µg/g Extract) which is d9-THC as the highest content. In addition, it found the relative phenolic and flavonoid abundance as 1804.14±4.86 µg/g Extract. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that the total phenolic and flavonoid and cannabinoid content correlated with antioxidant activity which is gallic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid showed a high correlation with antioxidant significantly. The result suggested that Akineewakana recipe has the potential to be an antioxidant agent. Moreover, this data was used to support the usage of Thai traditional medicine and development of the pharmaceutical products.

Extraction of Pectin from Cantaloupe Peel Waste and Its Utilization in the Edible Coating for the Ripeness Quality Control of Mango cv. Nam Dok Mai Si Thong during Storage

2023-10-25T15:42:06+07:00

This study aimed to pectin was extracted from the cantaloupe peel wastes and then utilize it in the development of an edible coating to enhance the postharvest quality of mango cv. Nam Dok Mai Si Thong ripeness. First, the experimental design was 3 x 3 Factorial in CRD to study the optimization of pectin extraction conditions with 2 factors: citric acid at varying pH levels (1, 2 and 3) and the ratio of cantaloupe peel to citric acid (1:10, 1:30 and 1:50 by weight). The results indicated that the 1:50 (by weight) ratio of cantaloupe peel powder and citric acid extraction at pH 1 yielded the highest pectin (33.58±0.34%), accompanied by the lowest methoxyl pectin (%DE less than 50%). The purity of the extracted pectin met the standard required for commercial pectin manufacture. Then, the cantaloupe peel pectin, optimized for maximum yield, was utilized with 3 levels of pectin concentrations (10, 15, and 20% w/w), supplemented with 1% w/w glycerol and 0.04 g. of calcium chloride, was further utilized in an edible coating for mango cv. Nam Dok Mai Si Thong ripening quality preservation during storage at 13±2 °C for 18 days. The results showed that mangoes coated with 10 %w/w pectin exhibited the lowest weight loss and total soluble solids, as well as the greatest firmness compared to other conditions. This study highlights the added value of cantaloupe peel waste and offers a sustainable solution for enhancing the postharvest quality of mangoes.

Innovation Dyeing from Fruit and Vegetable Cold-pressed Dregs to Reduce Environmental Pollution: A Case Study of Healthy Juice Bar in Bangkok

2023-09-26T10:34:23+07:00

Healthy wellness is a trend that is increasingly popular. Fruit and vegetable juices are examples of healthy foods and meals. Consumer desire for commodities that allow all fruit and vegetable kinds to be consumed and that give comprehensive, nutrient-dense vegetable and fruit juices is driven by the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Throughout the manufacturing process, however, it generates "garbage," or leftover vegetable and fruit waste. Because of the aforementioned concerns, using the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) to help decrease environmental pollution also increases economic value by making unique colours from cold-pressed fruit and vegetable waste for use in textiles and other creative uses. The methods are creative: 1) investigate the qualities and methodology of collecting cold-pressed fruit and vegetable pulp from Bangkok's Healthy Juice Bar, and 2) explore innovative techniques to manufacture distinctive hues by utilizing the 3Rs method until there is no waste (Zero Waste). The study's findings are summarized below: Cold-pressed vegetable and fruit juices waste in everyday are between 10 and 50 kilograms. The experiment was performed 5 times using dyed water extracted according to the colour of the trash using a semi-industrial juice extractor. The colour value analysis found that the majority of hot dyed yarns had brightness and yellowness ratings, cold dye has a dark and a blue value. Printed dyes are made from powdered pigments and printing powder blended with adhesive agents. Heat is used to seal the colour, making it a healthy juice bar in Bangkok. There are innovative methods to repurpose garbage. Selling environmentally friendly items (eco-friendly products), establishes a brand product, and leads to a more sustainable fashion sector.

The Effects of Substituting Sucrose with Erythritol on Acceptability and Sensory Quality of Dark Chocolate Mixed with Ashwagandha in Insomnia Adult

2023-11-21T16:47:18+07:00

The effects of insomnia include weariness, irritability, daytime sleepiness, loss of energy, and decreased productivity. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been found to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Moreover, it can help restore cardiovascular function after sleep deprivation, and erythritol can help prevent increases in insulin and blood sugar levels. This study aimed to develop dark chocolate products with Ashwagandha root extract containing different amounts of erythritol. A total of 30 individuals (30% male and 70% female, aged 20–59 years). Each participant received four dark chocolate samples: (1) a basic dark chocolate products (formula 1), and (2–4) dark chocolate products containing 300 mg of Ashwagandha root extract with 20% (formula 2), 30% (formula 3), and 40% (formula 4) erythritol. A sensory test was conducted using a 9-point hedonic scale. All developed dark chocolate products received high overall acceptance scores. In particular, formula 2 received the highest appearance, flavor, aroma, texture, and overall preference acceptance scores among the developed dark chocolate products. Hence, formula 2 has potential for commercial development and future clinical studies. However, increasing the amount of erythritol may negatively affect texture and taste.

Depletion of Total Solar Ultraviolet (TUV) Radiation (260–400 nm) and Erythemal Weighted Solar Ultraviolet (EUV) Radiation by Aerosols Under Clear Sky Conditions: A Case Study from Data Collected at Nakhon Pathom Station in Thailand

2023-10-30T13:47:18+07:00

In this work, the depletion of total solar ultraviolet (TUV) radiation and erythemal weighted solar ultraviolet (EUV) radiation by aerosol in clear sky conditions was investigated based on the data collected at Nakhon Pathom station (13.82°N, 100.04°E) in Thailand. Solar spectral ultraviolet radiation was measured by a spectroradiometer (Bentham Instruments Ltd., model DMc150), in addition to aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 340 nm measured by an AERONET sunphotometer (Cimel Electronique, model CE-318). The total ozone column (O₃) retrieved from OMI/AURA satellite data was also used. The data period used in this work were from January 2017–December 2018 at Nakhon Pathom station. The EUV was obtained from the solar spectrum and erythemal weighted action spectrum. A special technique was employed, using UV data calculated from the UVSPEC, a radiative transfer model, to extract the variation of TUV and EUV only as a function of AOD. Equations relating TUV to AOD and EUV to AOD were established. TUV and EUV were found to decrease linearly with the increase of the AOD.

Design, Fabrication, and Performance Evaluation of Wood Shredder Using 2-Blade, 3-Blade, and 4-Blade Cutting Discs

2024-03-13T10:56:16+07:00

This research aims to design, fabrication, and test a mobile wood shredder. The effect of the number of blades on the ability to shred wood branches was studied. Testing was conducted on wood pieces with a diameter not exceeding 70 millimeters, using both fresh and dry wood branches weighing 15 kilograms per test. Three sets of blades were utilized: 2-blade, 3-blade, and 4-blade sets, with a cutting angle of 45 degrees and a blade length of 105 millimeters. The tests were conducted at an engine speed of 3,400 revolutions per minute. The test results revealed that the wood shredder could shred fresh wood faster than dry wood, and increasing the number of cutting blades reduced the shredding rate. The shredding rates for fresh and dry wood with the 2-blade cutting discs were 274.3 and 221.4 kg/h, respectively, followed by the 3-blade cutting discs at 250 and 216.3 kg/h and the 4-blade at 221.7 and 178.6 kg/h, respectively. Moreover, increasing the number of blades resulted in smaller and finer wood chips, with the maximum sizes after shredding being 15x25, 10x15, and 7x10 mm for the 2-blade, 3-blade, and 4-blade cutting discs, respectively. Additionally, it was found that the wood shredder with 4-blade cutting discs had lower shredding rates compared to the shredder with 2-blade cutting discs.

Antioxidant, Anti-α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Activities Ethanolic Extract from Vernonia amygdalina Leave

2024-03-22T14:17:26+07:00

From local wisdom, it is found that Vernonia amygdalina is a medicinal plant used for medicinal purposes such as helping to reduce blood sugar and pressure but only few academic supports are still provided. The objective of this study is to determine the total phenolic content, total flavonoids content, antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities extract from V. amygdalina leaves. In this study, the leave extract of V. amygdalina showed the total phenolic content at 59.03±0.67 mg GAE/g extract, and total flavonoid content at 22.98±0.21 mg QE/g extract. The antioxidant activity of V. amygdalina leave extract determined using DPPH free radical scavenging method was found with IC₅₀ value of 9.37 ± 1.31 mg/mL. Additionally, the extract from dried leaves of V. amygdalina extracted showed good anti-α-glucosidase and anti-α-amylase activities with IC₅₀values of 10.39 ± 1.08 and 11.08 ± 0.76 mg/mL, respectively, compared with those of acarbose with IC₅₀ values of 14.08 ± 0.21 and 12.47 ± 0.46 mg/mL respectively. Therefore, extensive studies of biological activity and composition should be conducted to lead the development of products for use in the therapy of free radical related diseases and diabetes.

Method Development for Iron Content Analysis Using Lotus Leaves Extract and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy Technique

2024-07-10T13:35:33+07:00

This research aims to study the method development for Iron content analysis using lotus leaves extract and Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy. The lotus leaves extract was prepared by solvent extraction method that used acetate buffer solution as extractant. The chemical structure of lotus leaves extracts was detected by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR). The result showed the functional groups of lotus leaves extracts were similar to tannic acid standard. The optimum condition for Iron content analysis with the developed method included acetate buffer solution (pH 4.8) used as suitable solvent, the concentration of tannic acid in lotus leaves extracts of 5.6 milligrams per liter. The reaction time was 10 minutes. The detected wavelength was 570 nanometers. The linearity range of the developed method was 1-10 milligrams per Liter. The linear equation was y = 0.0326x + 0.289. The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.9956. The limit of detection was 0.51 milligrams per Liter. The percentage relative standard deviation (%RSD) of intra-day and inter-day were 0.14 and 1.28, respectively. The percentage recovery was 87-104. The result of iron content in pharmaceutical tablet that obtained from the developed method was well-correlated with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. This developed method is simple, convenient, environmentally friendly, cheap and use the instrument that available in laboratory.

Effect of pH, Time and Temperature Affecting Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Content of Various Rice Varieties in Plantation Areas, Nakhon Sawan Province

2024-07-15T10:37:42+07:00

The objective of this research was to study the effect of pH, temperature, soaking time, and germination on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of 26 varieties of rice grown in Nakhon Sawan Province. The rice seeds of the Pathum Thani1 variety were soaked in various buffer solutions (pH4, pH5, pH6, pH7) and water at different temperatures (35, 40, and 45 °C) and for varying soaking times (3, 8, and 12 hours) and different germination times (24, 36, and 48 hours). Afterward, the rice was dried at a temperature of 50 °C until dry to stop the germination of rice. The results indicated that soaking the rice in a pH 5 buffer solution at 40°C for 8 hours led to the highest GABA content in rice grains and was significantly different (p <0.05). Additionally, the germinated rice condition with the highest GABA content was in the pH5 buffer solution at a temperature of 40°C for 36 hours and was also significantly different (p<0.05). Following this, all 26 rice varieties were tested using the Pathum Thani1 rice variety as a reference. Under these conditions, it was found that KDML105 had the highest GABA content during both the rice soaking period (12.79±0.12 ppm) and rice germination (20.47±0.35 ppm). In contrast, Jao Khao Jek rice had the lowest GABA content during rice soaking (10.17±0.15 ppm), and rice variety RD47 had the lowest GABA content during rice germination (11.58±0.15 ppm). In conclusion, the optimal conditions for rice to have the highest GABA content during germination were found to be in a pH 5 buffer solution at a temperature of 40°C for 36 hours and the difference was statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Removal of Methylene Blue Dye Using White Sesame Husks Powder

2024-03-25T14:45:48+07:00

This research involves the utilization of white sesame husks, which were agricultural waste, to create a beneficial application. The process involves cleaning, drying, and grinding the husks into a fine powder. Then, they employed methylene blue dye adsorption. Additionally, the study explored isotherm adsorption using spectroscopy techniques to analyze samples. The conditions that resulted in the maximum amount of methylene blue dye adsorption were: 0.2 g of adsorbent material; 30 mg/L of methylene blue dye; 4 hours of adsorption time; 150 rpm of shaking speed; and 11 pH. 89.4%, 93.3%, 93.1%, 89.8%, and 90.2%, respectively, were the dye adsorbed percentages for these five parameters. This research includes a study of adsorption isotherms and employs spectrophotometric techniques for sample analysis. As a result, the adsorption isotherm study, correlating to Freundlich isotherm adsorption, shown the R² value of 0.93, indicating that the adsorption occurs on a non-uniform and multilayer surface. The results of this study show that white sesame husks can efficiently absorb methylene blue dye, which presents an opportunity to recycle agricultural waste and possibly even give a treatment option for wastewater tainted by dye.

Identification of Molds and Yeasts Isolated from Loog Pang for Development and Improvement of Sato Production from Buriram and Surin Indigenous Rice

2023-10-03T08:53:05+07:00

This research aimed to identify molds and yeasts from Loog pang for Sato production from Jib and Paka Umpul rice. A total of 20 Loog pang samples were screened for molds and yeasts, and the results revealed the presence of 90 mold isolates and 50 yeast isolates. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of these isolates were subsequently analyzed. It was found that 6 mold isolates and 2 yeast isolates were identified. The identified species included Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, Mucor indicus, and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera. Following these findings, A. flavus and S. fibuligera were evaluated for their starch degradation efficiency and Sato production capabilities. From enrichment technique, 7 mold isolates and 115 yeast isolates were established. The starch degradation efficiency of A. flavus and S. fibuligera was assessed, revealing diameters of 3.41 ± 0.22 cm for A. flavus and 2.93 ± 0.11 cm for S. fibuligera. For Sato production using both rices, the starter concentrations of A. flavus and S. fibuligera were used at 0.57×10⁷ and 1.00×10⁷ cells/ml, respectively. On the 3^rd day of fermentation, 1.50 liters of syrup (16.00 ºBrix) was added to 1 kg of rice. After fermentation for 7 days, total soluble solids (TTS), reducing sugars (RS), pH, and alcohol content (AC) were evaluated. The results indicated that Jib rice Sato exhibited TTS of 12.73±0.09 ºBrix, RS content of 137.05±0.00 g/l, pH of 3.64±0.21, and an AC of 4.50±0.74% (v/v). In contrast, the Paka Umpul rice Sato showed TTS of 13.20±0.20 ºBrix, RS at 141.45±0.01 g/l, pH of 4.14±0.09, and an AC of 4.26±0.32% (v/v).

Enhancing the Accuracy of Durian Ripeness Classification using Hybrid Background Removal

2024-09-20T09:25:52+07:00

Durian is an economically important fruit in Thailand. It is widely consumed, both domestically and internationally. As a result, durians play a significant role in stimulating the economy, both nationally and internationally. Among the various varieties, the Monthong durian stands out as the most popular. Durian can be consumed in either fresh or processed forms. For fresh consumption or purchasing durian for processing purposes, the ripeness level of the durian is a critical factor to consider. However, without skilled classification, rip or unrip durians may lead to the acquisition of that does not meet their own needs. Currently, artificial intelligence techniques have been applied to fruit maturity classification to help consumers choose suitable fruits by using fruit images, sometimes having a background image attached to them. When processing these images, it is necessary to remove the background to improve the efficiency of data classification. In some cases, using existing knowledge in image processing to remove the background of an image using a single background removal algorithm may not be sufficient for certain types of data. Therefore, this research presents the enhancement of deep learning efficiency in classifying the ripeness of durians with hybrid background removal, edge detection with Sobel algorithms and Grab Cut algorithms for clipping image background then create model with 4 deep learning algorithms to compare the classification performance between using the original image data and image background clipping, the result shown that the proposed techniques can improve the classification performances with average the 4 algorithms at 8%.

Biofuel and Charcoal Properties of Discarded Aromatic Coconut Residues from Agro-industry

2024-09-19T09:59:39+07:00

This research aims to utilize four types of discarded aromatic coconut waste, namely coconut shells, husks, husk with attached shells, and empty fruit bunches obtained from the agriculture industries in Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram provinces, to analyze their fuel properties and charcoal produced from both a pit kiln and 200-liter drum kiln. The proximate analysis included moisture content, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon according to the ASTM D3172-13(2021)e1 standard. The study also evaluated the calorific value using a bomb calorimeter and conducted an ultimate analysis of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur contents. Additionally, the study investigated the potential for briquetting biomass fuel and charcoal using cassava starch as a binder. The results showed minor differences in the high heating value (HHV) of the materials, which varied according to their group and origin. The HHV of the coconut wastes ranged from 17.38 to 20.48 MJ/kg, while the charcoal produced from these materials ranged from 24.14 to 31.84 MJ/kg. The HHV from both kiln types were similar, with coconut shells yielding the HHV, followed by husks with attached shells. The predicted HHV of the charcoal, based on the equation proposed by Demirbas from the proximate analysis data, showed an average deviation of less than 5%, which is practical for applications. The most suitable biomass fuel for briquetting was found to be coconut husk biomass and coconut shell charcoal, as both provided HHVs exceeding 20 MJ/kg.