A Potent Antifungal Agent for Basal Stem Rot Disease Treatment in Oil Palms Based on Chitosan-Dazomet Nanoparticles

The excessive use of fungicides may be of environmental and health concerns. Hence, to overcome this problem, chitosan as a controlled release matrix was used in this work to encapsulate the fungicide for the development of enhanced fungicide nanodelivery system. In this proposed study, dual-loaded fungicides (hexaconazole and dazomet) were simultaneously encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles as an antifungal agent on Ganoderma boninense (G. boninense). In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of the nanoparticles prepared using various concentrations of the crosslinking agent of sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP); 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg mL−1, which resulted in the nanoparticles of CHDEN2.5, CHDEN5, CHDEN10, and CHDEN20, respectively. The effect of TPP on the synthesized nanoparticle size revealed that an increase of TPP resulted in smaller particles, which in turn play a crucial role in controlling G. boninense growth. CHDEN20 shows the highest antifungal efficacy with the lowest half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) on G. boninense. The formulated nanocarrier system of fungicide aims to enhance the efficient delivery of the active ingredients to the target site, able to sustain in it for a longer time, and consequently improve the fungicide efficacy in combating the basal stem rot disease in oil palm.

Fungicide is used to control fungal disease by destroying and inhibiting the fungus or fungal spores that cause the disease. However, failure to deliver fungicide to the disease region leads to ineffectiveness in the disease control. Hence, in the present study, nanotechnology has enabled the fungicide active agents (hexaconazole) to be encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles with the aim of developing a fungicide nanodelivery system that can transport them more effectively to the target cells (Ganoderma fungus). A pathogenic fungus, Ganoderma boninense (G. boninense), is destructive to oil palm whereby it can cause significant loss to oil palm plantations located in the Southeast Asian countries, especially Malaysia and Indonesia. In regard to this matter, a series of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with the fungicide, hexaconazole, was prepared using various concentrations of crosslinking agent sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The resulting particle size revealed that the increase of the TPP concentration produced smaller particles. In addition, the in vitro fungicide released at pH 5.5 demonstrated that the fungicide from the nanoparticles was released in a sustainable manner with a prolonged release time up to 86 h. On another note, the in vitro antifungal studies established that smaller particle size leads to lower half maximum effective concentration (EC50) value, which indicates higher antifungal activity against G. boninense.

Yellow pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, carotene, and other essential nutrients, and has good durability. Apart from being a food and vegetable, pumpkin can be processed into semi-finished flour which becomes a processed product. This study aims to examine the effect of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) concentration on the physical and chemical properties of modified pumpkin starch (Modified cucurbita moschata starch). This study used an experimental method in the laboratory with a completely randomized design (CRD). The concentrations of STPP used in the treatments were 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, and 0.9% of the weight of pumpkin starch. Each treatment was repeated 3 times, totaling 15 experimental units. Parameters observed included solubility, swelling power, moisture content, and starch content. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (Anova) with a real level of 5% and Least Significance Different (LSD) further test. The results showed that STPP concentration had no significant effect on solubility and swelling power, but had a significant effect on the moisture content and starch content. The higher the STPP concentration, the higher the water content and the lower the starch content. The 0.9% STPP concentration had the highest moisture content (15.54%) and the 0.3% STPP concentration had the highest starch content (92.63%). In order to be more complex, further research is carried out to test the parameters of phosphate content, ash content, amylose content, amylopectin content, color, PH, viscosity, anthocyanins, crude fiber, gelatinization, syneresis, antioxidants, polyphenols, reducing sugar, water holding capacity and oil holding capacity.

The purpose of the research is to determine the effect of the concentration of filler material and concentration sodium tripolyphosphate to the characteristics of white oyster mushrooms sausage. The research method consists of preliminary research and primary research. The preliminary research conducted to determine the type of filler material to be used in the main research. The primary research is to determine of the varying concentration of filler material and sodium tripolyphosphate concentration.The Experimental design that used in this research is a Randomized Block Design with factorial pattern of 3x3 in followed by Duncan test. . The first factor of the primary research is the concentration of filler material (a) that is 8.00% (a1), 8.25% (a2), 8.50% (a3) and 8.75% (a4). The second factor of the primary research is the concentration of sodium tripolyphosphate (b) that is 12% (b1), 13% (b2), 14% (b3), and 15% (b4). Observation parameter conducted to physical analysis covering hardness level by using penetrometer appliance. Organoleptic test that covering color, aroma, texture, and flavor. and also chemical analysis of selected samples covering protein rate, fiber rate, and ash content rate.The results of research showed that the chosen sample a3b1 treatment with (filler material concentration (a) 15%, and sodium tripolyphosphate (b) 0.24%). has a hardness level of 7.80 mm / sec, protein content of 4.9%, ash content of 0, 95% and fiber content of 6.86%. based on organoleptics test show that the value of a favorite on the attributes of color, flavor, taste and texture are 4.62, 2.30, 4.65, 4.44 respectively.

There is a rapidly growing interest in the development of nanoparticle drug delivery mainly for anticancer drugs as it promises to solve several problems associated with anticancer drugs such as poor water solubility, low therapeutic index, nonspecific distribution and higher systemic toxicity, etc. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of various critical variables like, concentration of chitosan, concentration of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and volume of STPP on various characteristics of gefitinib loaded nanoparticles. Thirteen formulations of the polymeric nanoparticles were prepared using various concentrations of chitosan (0.1-1% w/v), STPP (0.2-1.5% w/v) and different volumes of STPP (8-20 ml) by ionic gelation method. Mannitol (5% w/v) was used as cryoprotectant. The prepared nanoparticle formulations were characterized for various parameters like particle size, zeta potential, process yield, encapsulation efficiency, drug content, and in vitro drug release. The nanoparticle formulation NF-1 containing 0.1% w/v of chitosan and 10 ml volume of 0.2% w/v STPP showed best results in terms of particle size (123.8nm), polydispersity index (0.247), zeta potential (+30.4 mV), process yield (68.09%), drug content (74.32%), encapsulation efficiency (70.52%) and released (56.2 %) drug over a period of 24 h. The in vitro drug release analysis showed sustained release of gefitinib from nanoparticles and followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The nanoparticle formulation with desired characteristics can be prepared at low concentration of chitosan and STPP along with low volume of STPP. The formulated nanoparticles may prove to be the best option for the treatment of cancer.

Chitosan nanoparticles are promising carriers for the delivery of labile bioactive compounds, yet the complex interplay between formulation parameters-particularly pH, crosslinker concentration, and drug loading-remains incompletely understood. This study systematically investigated the impact of critical formulation parameters-pH (3, 4, 5), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) concentration, and ascorbic acid (AA) loading-on the physicochemical properties of chitosan nanoparticles prepared via ionic gelation. A full factorial design was employed to quantify individual and interactive effects on mean hydrodynamic diameter (MHD), zeta potential (ZP), and entrapment efficiency (%EE). Results demonstrated that pH and STPP concentration were the dominant interacting factors controlling particle size and colloidal stability, while AA loading primarily influenced drug encapsulation. Statistical modeling confirmed a significant pH × STPP interaction for MHD and ZP, whereas AA did not exhibit statistically significant interactive effects on these attributes. However, for entrapment efficiency, significant negative interactions between AA and both pH and STPP revealed a competitive binding mechanism between ascorbate and tripolyphosphate anions. Optimal nanoparticle characteristics-small size (MHD ~ 135-185 nm), high stability (ZP > + 20 mV), and superior drug loading (40-60% EE)-were achieved at pH 3 with moderate STPP levels. A 30-day descriptive stability study further confirmed that pH 3 formulations maintained colloidal integrity. This work provides a data-driven framework for rationally designing chitosan-based nanocarriers, demonstrating that careful control of pH and crosslinker concentration enables tailored particle size and stability, while managing competitive drug-crosslinker interactions is essential for maximizing entrapment efficiency.

Application of fungal endophytes can be an alternative to control basal stem rot disease in oil palm, caused by 'Ganoderma boninense'. Chitinase is a type of defensive protein synthesized by plants in response to biotic factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze the chitinase activity of oil palm as a defensive mechanism to fungal endophytes and pathogenic 'G. boninense'. Four species of fungal endophytes, 'Trichoderma harzianum' MTP 10 (Th-MTP10), Trichoderma longibrachiatum KBA 31 (Tl-KBA 31), 'Lasiodiplodia venezuelensis' MJP 28 (Lv-MJP 28), 'Dothidiomycetes' sp. MTD 29 (Dt-MTD 29) and one species of fungal pathogen 'G. boninense' and with their each cell wall suspension were introduced to oil palm plantlets in axenic condition. Chitinase activity was observed from the root of oil palm plantlets inoculated with both living cell and cell wall suspension of endophytic fungi and pathogenic 'G. boninense'. Results showed that chitinase activities varied in each fungal treatment and were significantly differed from control. Fungal cell wall elicitors were able to significantly induce chitinase activity after 1 week post treatment (wpt). Statistically, only the chitinase activity from fungal endophyte Lv-MJP 28 was significantly higher from others for 8 and 12 days. Pre-treatment of oil palm plantlet with fungal cell wall suspension for 1 wpt could induce the chitinase activity higher than control when, oil palm infected with fungal pathogen of 'Ganoderma boninense'.

This paper aims to compare the antifungal efficacy of four concentrations of Minthostachys mollis essential oil (MEO) against Candida albicans ATCC 10231. This study was conducted in vitro. Ten kilograms of M. mollis (Muña) were collected in the city of Tarma, Peru. The plant was then dried in the shade at room temperature (21°C), and the essential oil was obtained through distillation. C. albicans ATCC 10231 was cultured at a MacFarland scale of 0.5, which corresponds to a concentration of 3 × 108 CFU/mL. Each plate was filled with one of the four MEO concentrations (25, 50, 75, or 100%), dimethyl sulfoxide (negative control), or fluconazole (positive control), a known antifungal agent. After incubation, each plate was examined using the Kirby-Bauer method. Compared to MEO 25%, MEO 50%, and MEO 75%, MEO 100% had the highest antifungal efficacy at 24, 48, and 72 hours of evaluation, with an average of 18.9 ± 0.7, 18.2 ± 0.7, and 17.0 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. However, fluconazole had higher efficacy (27.9 ± 0.5, 27.5 ± 0.5, and 23.7 ± 0.7 mm, respectively). Post hoc analysis showed that there were significant differences between all concentrations of the MEO groups and their respective positive and negative control groups (p <0.001). Among the MEO groups, the pure concentration (MEO 100%) had the highest antifungal efficacy. However, fluconazole presented greater efficacy, and the differences were statistically significant. This research allowed to know the efficacy of this natural resource against one of the most prevalent fungi in the oral cavity. Therefore, a line of research could be opened to deepen its potential benefits for oral health.

There are reports on the use of chemicals like sodium tri polyphosphate (STPP) and foreign materials like pearl tapioca (locally called ‘sagu’), jelly (litchi) to adulterate freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) prior to freeze processing to increase their weight. Studies were, therefore, undertaken to determine the changes in product quality on the use of different concentrations of STPP, sagu and litchi under ice storage condition. Percent weight gain of prawn was 5.46, 18.87 and 23.50 when dipped in 2%, 4% and 6% STPP solution, respectively. In all cases maximum water uptake by prawn muscle was during the first 6 h with fastest weight gain with STPP solutions containing tap water compared to those of ice and tap water. Organoleptic quality of the STPP treated samples became brown and spongy after 8 h of dipping treatment under iced condition. Quality assessment studies conducted after injecting sagu and litchi in prawn muscle showed little or no difference with those of control samples during the first 6 h, which turned whitish and swollen with severe drip loss after 24 h of ice stored condition, indicating characteristics for easy identification of the injected shrimps by organoleptic method.

Response surface methodology study on the effects of sodium chloride and sodium tripolyphosphate concentrations, pressure level and holding time on beef patties properties

Modeling the growth probability of Clostridium Perfringens in cooked cured meat as affected by sodium chloride and sodium tripolyphosphate

This study examines how black garlic and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) concentrations effect cracker physical, chemical, and organoleptic characteristics, also determined the black garlic and STPP optimal concentration to produce cracker with desirable quality. A completely randomized design was used, with two factors: black garlic concentration (3%, 6%; 9%) and STPP concentration (0.1%; 0.3%; 0.5%). The test parameters were color (lightness), swelling power, hygroscopicity, water content, ash content, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic tests (color, flavor, taste, crispiness, and overall). An effectiveness test was conducted to determine the black garlic and STPP right concentration in cracker production. The results showed that the black garlic concentration significantly effected the lightness, swelling power, hygroscopicity, water content, ash content, antioxidant activity, and total cracker polyphenols. STPP concentration significantly effected the cracker ash content. Garlic and STPP concentration had significant organoleptic effects on color preference, flavor, taste, and crispiness. The cracker with a concentration of 3% black garlic and 0.5% STPP were the best and preferred. The effectiveness score was 0.64, with physical characteristics of color lightness 23.39 ± 0.20, swelling power 82.51 ± 0.11%, hygroscopicity 5.07 ± 0.41%, and chemical characteristics of water content 5.83 ± 0.16%, ash content 2.77 ± 0.25%, total polyphenols 0.175 ± 0.001%, antioxidant activity 16.14 ± 0.20. The organoleptic test scores were color 6.00±0.12, flavor 5.60±0.43, taste 5.68±0.31, crispiness 6.92 ± 0.32, and overall 6.28 ± 0.42.

Effect of temperature on phosphate diffusion in meats

This study aimed to use palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a renewable resource for the production of antifungal compounds by Streptomyces philanthi RM-1-138 against Ganoderma boninense, Ceratocystis paradoxa and Curvularia oryzae. The efficacy of antifungal compounds RM-1-138 against the three strains of fungal oil palm pathogen was evaluated both in vitro and on oil palm leaf segments. In vitro studies using confrontation tests on glucose yeast-malt extract (GYM) agar plates indicated that the strain RM-1-138 inhibited the growth of all three fungal pathogenic strains. The antifungal compounds produced in the GYM medium exhibited significantly higher inhibition (79%-100%) against the three fungal pathogens than using the diluted POME (50%) medium (80%-83% inhibition). The optimum condition for the production of antifungal compounds from the strain RM-1-138 was as following: POME of 47,966mgL-1 chemical oxygen demand (COD), the initial pH at 7.0 and supplemented with yeast extract (0.4%). Meanwhile, severe morphological and internal abnormalities in C. oryzae hyphae were observed under a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. In vivo experiment on oil palm leaf segments indicated that the efficacy of the antifungal compounds RM-1-138 (DSI=1.3) were not significantly difference in the suppression of Curvularia leaf spot compared with the two commercial chemical fungicides of mancozeb® (DSI=1.0) and tetraconazole® (DSI=1.3). Antifungal compounds produced by S. philanthi RM-1-138grown in POME have the potential to inhibit fungal pathogens. The POME (about 47mgL-1 COD) with the initial pH of 7.0 and supplementation of 0.4% nitrogen could be used as a culture medium for the growth and production of antifungal compounds of S. philanthi RL-1-138. In addition, the antifungal compound RM-1-138 could suppress the three strains of oil palm fungal pathogen tested on oil palm leaf segment.

Ionically cross-linked chitosan microspheres for controlled release of bioactive nerve growth factor