Malaysian Applied Biology

Global and Malaysian Aromatic Rice: A Comparative Review on The Quality, Production, and Breeding Spectra

Aliif Ihsaan Akmal Shukri — 2025-06-30

Aromatic rice is a premium rice variety due to multiple distinctive essential qualities viz., strong aroma, long grain, intermediate amylose content, and intermediate gelatinization temperature. The strong aroma is majorly contributed by 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP), a volatile organic compound that is 10-100% higher in aromatic rice. The long grain represents a large endosperm that contains more starch and nutrients. Intermediate amylose content in aromatic rice is preferred as the rice becomes moist and tender upon cooking. As for the gelatinization temperature (GT), aromatic rice has an intermediate GT which defines a shorter time in cooking. In the world, major aromatic rice cultivars include Basmati (India & Pakistan) and Khao Dawk Mali 105 (Thailand). The production of the aforementioned varieties as well as other minorities is declining due to multiple constraints. The demand-export clash, climate change, disease outbreaks, and other abiotic factors have proven challenging for all rice industrial players. Several breeding techniques are practiced in combatting those problems. In the past, conventional pure line breeding had proven to initiate the cultivation of Basmati-370 (India) and Khao Dawk Mali 105 (Thailand). However, hybrid breeding (combination of desirable traits) is a much more effective breeding method through the release of Pusa Basmati-1 (India), Lateefy (Pakistan), and MRQ104 (Malaysia). From the genetic perspective, quantitative traits locus (QTL) mapping is used to assist in the breeding of aromatic rice cultivars. QTL mapping successfully improved yield, agronomic traits, and stress resistance by providing a strong foundation for advanced in-depth breeding technologies including marker-assisted selection (MAS), mutagenesis, and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing.

Evaluation of Bacillus-Associated Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Surfaces For Biodegradation

Khalida Khalil — 2025-06-30

The escalating threat of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic pollution necessitates an urgent environmentally friendly approach. This study explores the potential of local bacterial isolates to biodegrade PET microplastics. Bacteria isolated from the surface of PET plastic bottles taken from Dengkil Inert Waste Landfill were screened for esterase activity and biofilm formation. PET degradation was assessed through mass weight reduction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis for morphological changes, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for chemical structure alterations. Two of the five selected isolates were positive for producing esterase and biofilm ability as well as biodegrade PET leading to a 2.04% - 2.08% degradation (20 days incubation). FT-IR indicated changes in PET chemical structure, particularly in C-H, C=O, and C-O bonds, while SEM revealed morphological changes such as cracks and holes on the PET surface. Identification through 16S rRNA sequencing indicated bacterial isolates are Bacillus paramycoides DIWL 1, Bacillus cereus DIWL 2, Bacillus safensis DIWL 3, Bacillus luciferensis DIWL 4, and Bacillus cereus DIWL 5. The results of this study can be used for further research on the potential of local isolates in the decomposition of PET microplastics which in turn can be used to develop a sustainable and cost-effective microplastic treatment (PET) technology.

Bone Health Status and its Association with Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Calcium Intake Among Malaysian University Students in Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Fatin Norhasny Leman — 2025-06-30

External and internal factors, including body composition, active participation in physical activities, and adequate calcium intake (CI), have been suggested as important measures to optimize bone health, particularly among young adults, as peak bone mass accumulates during this stage of life. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the relationship between body composition, physical activity levels (PAL), and CI with bone mineral density (BMD) in Malaysian university students. A total of 216 students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (72 each from Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnicities) with a mean age of 22.1 ± 2.2 years were recruited. The assessment included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat (BF), lean mass (LM), BMD, PAL, and CI. These were measured using a measuring tape, digital scale, quantitative ultrasound, the international physical activity questionnaire, and a 24-hr dietary recall alongside a food frequency questionnaire, respectively. The results showed that BMI, WC, BF, LM, BMD, PAL, and CI levels were 22.7 ± 4.5 kgm-2, 79.8 ± 12.3 cm, 23.2 ± 8.6%, 46.9 ± 11.4 kg, 0.29 ± 1.2, 2106.0 ± 1381.0 MET-min/week, and 335.4 ± 211.0 mg/day and 449.4 ± 284.6 mg/day, respectively. This means that the subjects had normal body composition, normal BMD levels, and moderate PAL. However, their calcium intake was generally low. The BMD mean of overweight subjects was significantly higher (f= 2.792, p=0.041) compared to the BMD of underweight subjects. A trend toward a significant increase of BMD (p=0.058) was also shown when PAL was increased. All parameters, except for body fats (r=-0.013, p=0.847) had a significantly weak correlation with BMD (r values: 0.143 to 0.198, p<0.05). The results of this study highlight the importance of maintaining body composition, living an active lifestyle, and optimizing CI levels for strong bones to prevent osteoporosis in old age.

Physicochemical, Microstructural, and Sensory Attributes of Frozen Buffalo Loins Treated with Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Sous-Vide Cooking

Ahmad Luthfi Puzelan — 2025-06-30

This study examines the effects of sous-vide cooking with varying concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) on the physicochemical, microstructural, and sensory characteristics of frozen buffalo loins. Samples were prepared with 0.15% and 0.30% STPP, alongside a control group without STPP, and cooked using a two-stage sous-vide process at 45°C for 3 hr, followed by 60°C for an additional 3 h. The results demonstrated that STPP significantly influenced pH, cooking loss, water-holding capacity (WHC), colour properties, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), microstructure, and sensory characteristics. Raising STPP concentration improved WHC and lowered cooking loss. STPP generated a pH rise, which delayed the denaturation of myoglobin and resulted in the sous-vide-cooked buffalo loins having a redder appearance. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) supported the notable increase in tenderness with STPP addition, by showing structural changes in the muscle fibres; 0.3% of STPP samples displayed noticeably looser fibres and a thinner perimysium. The 0.3% STPP samples had a higher overall acceptability, texture, juiciness, and appearance score than the other samples, as indicated by the sensory evaluation using generic descriptive analysis (GDA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate 0.3% STPP into the sous-vide cooking process to optimize the eating quality of the frozen buffalo loins.

Restoring Spermatogenesis Via the Antioxidant Properties of Moringa oleifera and Hibiscus sabdariffa in Obesity-Induced Male Rats

Nurul Shaqiinah Daaniah Jamaludin — 2025-06-30

This study aimed to assess the impact of aqueous extracts from Moringa oleifera (MO), Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS), and its combination (MOHS) on testicular cell development in male rats with obesity. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control and treatment groups. The control groups comprised normal, negative (obesity-induced rats, without treatment), and positive (obesity-induced rats, receiving 10 mg/kg orlistat) control rats. Meanwhile, the treatment group consisted of obesity-induced rats treated with herbal extracts: the MO400 group (received 400 mg/kg MO), HS150 group (received 150 mg/kg HS), and MOHS group (received a combination of 400 mg/kg MO and 150 mg/kg HS). All groups except the normal control group were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) until the Lee Obesity Index exceeded 310, followed by 38 days of treatment. Histological examination of the testes revealed positive effects of all herbal extracts on treatment, including active spermatogenesis with a high density of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules. The MOHS treatment significantly increased the diameter of seminiferous tubules compared to the negative control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the MOHS treatment exhibited the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity compared to all groups (p<0.05) and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the negative control group. Meanwhile, the MO400 and HS150 treatment groups significantly reduced the Lee Obesity Index (p<0.05) compared to the control groups. In conclusion, MO and HS extracts, and their combination have demonstrated significant effects in improving male fertility parameters (spermatogenesis) and reducing the Lee Obesity Index by alleviating oxidative stress associated with obesity, thus supporting their potential as natural supplements to counteract obesity-induced infertility.

Comparative Analysis of Lactobacillus spp. Fermentation in Five Fruit Drinks: Impacts on Lactic Acid Production and Cell Viability

Nurhazwani Sa'aid — 2025-06-30

Fruit drinks, which contain at least 5% fruit juice and are typically non-fermented, provide a promising base for developing non-dairy functional beverages. Fermenting these drinks with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), recognized as safe for consumption, could enhance their health benefits and functionality. This study aimed to assess the lactic acid production and cell viability of different Lactobacillus spp. during the fermentation of fruit drinks. Five Lactobacillus spp., namely Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, L. acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and LimosiLactobacillus reuteri were utilized to ferment five different fruit drinks. Results show that L. plantarum exhibited superior cell growth and viability, with lactic acid production comparable to the other Lactobacillus spp.. Moreover, different Lactobacillus strains were found to produce varying concentrations of lactic acid across different fruit juices. This study demonstrates the viability of probiotics in fruit drinks, paving the way for the development of functional beverages with potential benefits for gut health and overall well-being.

Melissopalynological Analysis and Plant Preferences of Stingless Bee, Heterotrigona itama (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), Serdang

Sumaya Rahmatullah — 2025-06-30

Melissopalynology plays a pivotal role in ecological studies by identifying floral sources for honeybee nutrition and contributes to a better understanding of plant-pollinator interactions. It is essential for biodiversity monitoring, conservation efforts, and assessing the quality and authenticity of honey products based on pollen analysis. This study investigates the melissopalynological of honey samples collected from stingless bee species Heterotrigona itama (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). A total of 17 flower samples and 10 mL of honey were collected from one beehive and further analyzed using a light microscope. The analysis identified eight pollen types from eight distinct plant species from the honey sample. Clematis crispa was the most prominent, representing 21.74% of the total pollen count, followed by Combretum indicum (17.39%) and Cucumis sativus (17.39%). Lagerstroemia speciosa contributed 13.04%, Ageratum conyzoides and Averrhoa bilimbi each accounted for 8.70%, while Ipomoea purpurea and Clitoria ternatea contributed 8.70% and 4.35%, respectively. The results highlight the floral preferences of H. itama bee at MARDI. This comprehensive melissopalynological analysis contributes to biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts by providing a better understanding of the floral resources used by stingless bee species in the MARDI ecosystem.

Population Genetic Structure in the Invasive Ant Tapinoma indicum (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Penang Island, Malaysia

Li Yang Lim — 2025-06-30

Tapinoma indicum (Forel, 1895) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a common household ant in Southeast Asia and has become increasingly dominant in urban environments on Penang Island, Malaysia. Its ability to establish persistent infestations indoors presents a growing concern. As its presence expands, understanding its genetic structure and dispersal patterns becomes increasingly important to uncover how it colonizes new areas and maintains high population densities. This study presents the first population genetic analysis of T. indicum using seven polymorphic microsatellite markers. A total of 300 individuals from 30 residential sites across three districts were analyzed to assess genetic diversity and population structure. All loci exhibited high polymorphism, with an average of 31 alleles per locus and high expected heterozygosity (mean H_E = 0.926), indicating substantial genetic variation. However, observed heterozygosity was lower (mean H_O = 0.437), and some loci showed signs of null alleles and inbreeding. F-statistics revealed moderate inbreeding within populations (mean F_IS = 0.490) and low genetic differentiation between districts (F_ST = 0.075). Principal Coordinates Analysis and STRUCTURE results showed weak spatial genetic structuring and evidence of admixture, suggesting widespread gene flow. These findings indicate that T. indicum populations on Penang Island are genetically diverse but not strongly differentiated, forming a largely interconnected population across the island.

Effect of High-Pressure Processing and Bromelain Application on The Quality Characteristics of Buffalo Meat

Nur Mursyidah Md Zuki — 2025-06-30

The present study evaluated the effect of bromelain and high-pressure processing (HPP) on the physicochemical, tenderization, and microstructure of buffalo meat. The buffalo meat samples were marinated with 5% bromelain enzyme for 24 hr at 4°C followed by HPP treatment at 0 MPa, 100 MPa, and 300 MPa for 5 min at 20 ± 2°C, leading to six samples viz Control (without bromelain and with bromelain, no high-pressure treatment), 100 MPa (with & without bromelain) and 300 MPa (with & without bromelain). The pH and moisture content of buffalo meat improved when subjected to pressure and bromelain enzyme. The cooking yield was reduced for enzyme-treated meat, while there was no significant (p>0.05) difference for HPP-treated meat. Hardness and shear force reduced at 100 and 300 MPa compared to the control; however, they were not statistically significant (p>0.05). In addition, buffalo meat that was treated with 300 MPa had a more compact but ruptured fibre structure than the control. The sensory panellists preferred non-bromelain-treated meat due to the unpleasant taste of enzyme-treated meat. In conclusion, bromelain and HPP could improve buffalo meat tenderness, but the time and pressure of HPP need to be increased to get optimal tenderness while replacing bromelain with other types of enzymes to cater for the taste of the meat sample.

Morphometric characterization, scrotal and udder measurements of Dorper sheep reared in Malaysia

Nur Syuhada Ahmad Nordin — 2025-06-30

Dorper sheep are known for their adaptability, high fertility, and meat production capabilities making it a preferred choice among farmers. The Malaysian government has recognized the potential of Dorper sheep and provides support through breed improvement programs, technical assistance, and incentives. However, the lack of knowledge and expertise about Dorper sheep reared in Malaysia poses challenges and hinders their potential for success. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine morphometric characterization, and testicular and udder measurements of Dorper sheep reared in Malaysia from age 1- to 13-months of age. The study had been conducted at a Dorper farm in Setiu, Terengganu. The data was collected from 49 rams and 49 ewes of Dorper sheep (total n=98) and categorized into five age groups; G1 (1–2-month-old), G2 (4-5-month-old), G3 (6-8-month-old), G4 (10-11-month-old), and G5 (12-13-month-old). The findings indicated that rams and ewes displayed their lowest measurements at G1, while G5 exhibited the highest measurements across all parameters. This observed pattern was primarily attributed to age-related factors, as animals typically experience ongoing physical transformations throughout their maturation and aging process. This study found that body weight (BW) has a positive correlation with body length (BL), wither height (WH), heart girth (HG), hip length (HL), scrotal length (SL), scrotal circumference (SC), teat length (TeL), teat diameter (TD), and distance between udder teat (DBUT). Instead, other variables did not influence the development of ear length (EL) and ear width (EW). The SL was highly correlated with SC (R=0.95), while TeL and TD positively correlated with DBUT (R=0.73 and 0.82, respectively). The description data of the morphometric measurements of the Dorper breed obtained in this study can further be utilized to enhance their management systems and inform breeding programs for the breed, promoting more effective practices.

Exploring The Potential of Shrimp Paste (Belacan) and its Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) as a Growth Enhancer for Capsicum annum L. (Chilli) Plants

Khudair J.D. Abedelazeez — 2025-06-30

In recent years, there has been growing interest in utilizing Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) as plant growth-promoting agents, with studies demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing crop growth. Despite local practices utilizing food-based substrates, limited reports exist on the application of IMO from fermented foods to enhance the growth of Capsicum annum L. (chili) plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Belacan (fermented shrimp paste) as a biofertilizer in promoting the growth of Capsicum annum L. Belacan was supplemented with molasses as a carbon source, and the cultured bacteria were subsequently isolated and identified using nucleotide analysis of the 16S rRNA region. Two major bacterial isolates, Bacillus velezensis, and Lysinibacillus fusiformis, were identified as potential plant-growth-promoting bacteria, with nutrient solubilization and auxin production capability. The application of belacan on chili plants revealed that they significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, including shoot length, leaf length, width, thickness, and chlorophyll content, compared to the control group. These findings suggest that IMO from Malaysian fermented foods hold potential as biofertilizers to promote the growth of chili plants, contributing to the advancement of environmentally friendly and nutritionally rich agriculture.

Tailored Weed Management in Mango Farm: Insights from Euphorbia heterophylla and Mimosa pudica Spatial Distribution

Nurul Aiza — 2025-06-30

Understanding the spatial variation in soil properties and the distribution of weeds is crucial for implementing sustainable weed management practices. This study aimed to explore the spatial distribution of Mimosa pudica and Euphorbia heterophylla, examining the impact of soil properties on their spatial distribution and density. The emerged weeds were counted on a regular grid (20x20m) with 60 observation points covering a study area of 2.49 ha. The physico-chemical properties of soil such as pH, temperature, moisture, total carbon, electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, exchangeable magnesium (Ex-Mg), exchangeable calcium (Ex-Ca) determined. The density of E. heterophylla had a positive correlation with TN (r=0.339), Ex-Mg (r=0.367), and Ex-Ca (r=0.438). By contrast, M. pudica exhibited a negative correlation with EC (r=-0.449). The geostatistical analysis uncovered diverse distribution patterns for E. heterophylla, M. pudica, and soil nutrients across the study. The analysis revealed the Gaussian model is suitable for E. heterophylla and TN, the spherical model for M. pudica, EC, and Ex-Mg, and the exponential model for Ex-Ca. The creation of individual weed distribution maps can serve as a valuable tool for implementing localized mechanical and chemical control methods, enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of weed management. The knowledge is essential for making well-informed decisions on the site-specific management of E. heterophylla and M. pudica in Harumanis mango cultivation.

Comparative Blood Profile Analysis of Captive Green (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) Turtles

Afiqah Dharwisyah David — 2025-06-30

The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), classified as endangered and critically endangered, respectively, face significant survival threats. To assess their health status, a study was conducted using a portable blood analyzer on eight captive sea turtles kept at the Fisheries Research Institute of Rantau Abang (FRIRA), Terengganu, Malaysia. Blood gas, biochemical, and hematological parameters were analyzed. Findings were generally consistent with previously reported hematological values and morphology, except for total white blood cell (WBC) counts. Comparisons with published data on sea turtles worldwide showed higher ranges of mean values for lactate (Lac), glucose (Glu), creatinine (Crea), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), packed cell per volume (PCV), and WBC counts. Captive green and hawksbill turtles exhibited higher concentrations of Glu and Lac than previously documented values, with mean Glu and Lac levels of 100.50 mg/dL and 6.75 mmoL/L in green turtles and 121.00 mg/dL and 0.93 mmoL/L in hawksbill turtles. These variations were attributed to differences in life stage, diet, and environmental conditions. Glucose levels were indicative of dietary influence, while lactate concentrations suggested stress, emphasizing the importance of specialized dietary management and the potential stress experienced by green turtles in captivity. These findings provide invaluable reference points for monitoring the health of captive sea turtles in rehabilitation settings. Additionally, it also highlights the unique physiological characteristics of sea turtles in the South China Sea and the impact of captivity on their blood profiles, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Growth, Nutritional Composition and Waste Reduction Performance on Food Waste with or Without Addition of Coconut Waste and Fermentation Process with Effective Microorganisms

Nur Asyiqin Azman — 2025-06-30

The black soldier fly’s (Hermetia illucens, Linnaeus 1758) larvae possess excellent potential for turning food waste into profitable products. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) need a diet high in protein to thrive but food waste diets in Malaysia are higher in carbohydrates than protein and contain high moisture, which can prevent the production of dry BSFL residue and highly nutritious larvae. Therefore, this research was conducted to improve food waste (FW) characteristics for BSFL development, waste reduction performance, and its nutritional composition by using the addition of coconut waste (CW) and through the fermentation process with effective microorganisms (EM). Overall, the FW50:CW50:EM10 group displayed the best BSFL growth development, followed by the FW100:EM10 and FW100 groups, and the FW50:CW50s group displayed the worst performance growth (p<0.001). The FW100:EM10 group had the highest waste reduction index (WRI), followed by FW100 and FW50:CW50:EM10, and the FW50:CW50s group had the lowest WRI (p<0.001). BSFL nutritional composition reared on diet group FW50:CW50:EM10 also has recorded the highest crude protein content, followed by FW100:EM10, FW50:CW50, and FW100. Therefore, compared to fresh food waste, a mixture of 50% food waste and 50% coconut waste, fermented with 10% EM (FW50:CW50:EM10) is probably the optimal mixture of rearing substrate for BSFL growth, best nutritional content, and waste reduction effectiveness. However, BSFL residue from this experimental group had a little higher moisture level than mature compost, so it needs to be cured or dried to reduce its moisture content.