Fruit Skin Research Articles

Physical and organoleptic characteristics of jelly candy from beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) and red dragon fruit skin (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

Jelly candy is made from fruit juice and gelling ingredients as well as additional sweeteners. Jelly candy ingredients are often used as an alternative snack for people with diabetes, and contain nutrients and are high in fiber, so that they can meet nutritional needs and as well as help people avoid hyperglycemia. This study aims to investigate the physical and sensory characteristics of jelly candy made with natural coloring agents from beetroot and red dragon fruit skin. This study was designed by examining 3 (three) variables, namely: 1) type of dye (P), gelling agent (G) and the ratio of stevia:sucrose (R). The parameters analyzed were physical (texture and color) and organoleptic properties (color, aroma, taste and texture). The results showed that the texture, color (L*, a*, and b*), and organoleptic (color) parameters were influenced by the addition of coloring agents (P). The value of texture, color (b*), and organoleptic (color) are all impacted by the inclusion of gelling agents (gelatin and pectin). The textural value is influenced by the stevia: sucrose ratio. Based on the analysis, the best treatment was the combination of red dragon fruit skin with gelatin and stevia: sucrose ratio of 0%:30% with the texture value (10.03 g/mm), color *L (26.27), a*( 15.47), b*(8.27) and organoleptic properties (color) was 3.39-3.44 (neutral).

Identification and application of an exocarp-preferential promoter for genetic engineering of tomato fruit.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally cultivated crop with great economic value. The exocarp determines the appearance of tomato fruit and protects it from various biotic and abiotic challenges at both pre-harvest and post-harvest stages. However, no tomato exocarp-specific promoter is currently available, which hinders exocarp-based genetic engineering. Here, we identified by RNA sequencing and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analyses that the tomato gene SlPR10 (PATHOGENESIS RELATED 10) was abundantly and predominantly expressed in the exocarp. A fluorescent reporter expressed by a 2087-bp SlPR10 promoter (pSlPR10) was mainly detected in the exocarp of transgenic tomato plants of both Ailsa Craig and Micro-Tom cultivars. This promoter was further utilized for transgenic expression of SlANT1 and SlMYB31 in tomato, which are master regulators of anthocyanin and cuticular wax biosynthesis, respectively. pSlPR10-driven SlANT1 expression resulted in anthocyanin accumulation in the exocarp, conferring gray mold resistance and extended shelf life to the fruit, while SlMYB31 expression led to waxy thickening in the fruit skin, delaying water loss and also extending fruit shelf life. Intriguingly, pSlPR10 and two other weaker tomato exocarp-preferential promoters exhibited coincided expression specificities in the gynophore of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants, providing not only an inkling of evolutionary homology between tomato exocarp and Arabidopsis gynophore but also useful promoters for studying gynophore biology in Arabidopsis. Collectively, this work reports a desirable promoter enabling targeted gene expression in tomato exocarp and Arabidopsis gynophore and demonstrates its usefulness in genetic improvement of tomato fruit quality.

PERBANDINGAN TOTAL SENYAWA FLAVONOID EKSTRAK ETANOL KULIT DAN BIJI BUAH OKRA HIJAU (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Green okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Green okra fruit contains many secondary metabolites, one of which is flavonoids, which have potential as antioxidants to stabilize free radicals. This study aims to determine and compare the total flavonoid content of seeds and skin, so that it can be ascertained which part of the fruit has the highest total flavonoid content. The okra fruit extraction process was carried out by maceration with 70% ethanol solvent. Phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography tests were performed on green okra seeds and skin extracts. The total flavonoid content was determined using the colorimetric-aluminum chloride method with UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that the ethanol extract of green okra fruit peels contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and steroids, while the ethanol extract of green okra fruit seeds contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. The results of the thin layer chromatography test showed that the ethanol extract of green okra fruit skin and seeds contained a flavonoid compound as quercetin. The results of the total flavonoid content of the ethanol extract of green okra fruit skin : okra fruit seeds were 6.4589 mg QE/g extract ± 0.86 : 27.7583 mg QE/g extract ± 0.36. Based on statistical results with an Independent T test using SPSS, the significance value (2-tailed) of both samples was < 0.05, which means that there is a real difference between the total flavonoid compounds of skin ethanol extract and ethanol extract of green okra fruit seeds.

Effect of heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) on selected heavy metals present in crude oil-polluted soil

This study investigated the effect of a heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) on selected heavy metals present in crude oil-polluted soil. The soil sample was collected from Agbura Community, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Heat-stable biocatalytic remediation cocktail (HBRC) also called garbage enzyme (GE) was produced from three substances; water, fruits skin (orange, pineapple, plantain, watermelon and banana peels) and brown sugar in a ratio of 10: 3: 1, and were allowed to ferment for 90 days. The soil sample was divided into six Groups (1 - 6). Groups 1 and 2 served as control; (unpolluted) and (polluted but not treated soil) while Groups 3 to 6 were given different treatments. The samples were prepared and selected heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn and Co) concentrations were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). After treatment of the crude oil-polluted soil with the HBRC for 180, there were significant reductions in Fe, Cu, Zn and Co were observed in Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 when compared to Groups 1 and 2. The highest iron concentration reduction was observed in Group 3 (76.58%). Similarly, the highest Cu concentration reduction was seen in Group 5 (73.55%). Also, the highest Zn concentration reduction was observed in Group 6 (86.30%) while Co highest concentration reduction was seen in Group 5 (86.56%). Hence, the result reveals that HBRC can be used as a remediation cocktail for heavy metals.

Blackcurrant Pomace as a Rich Source of Anthocyanins: Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction under Different Parameters

The industry is currently trying to manage the waste generated during juice pressing. Berry pomace is an especially rich source of many bioactive compounds. Blackcurrant pomace is particularly valuable because of the large amount of extractable anthocyanins remaining in the fruit skin. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters on the content of anthocyanins and color parameters of blackcurrant pomace extracts. The pomace used for the study was very rich in anthocyanins—an average content of 853.2 mg/100 g fresh weight. The effect of temperature (25, 35, 45 °C), time (15, 30, 60 min) and material/solvent ratio (1:20 or 1:7) on extraction yield was analyzed. The extracts were obtained using two solvents: water–ethanol acidified with HCl and water acidified with citric acid. Either solvent type, as well as the other parameters of the extraction process, have an impact on the level of anthocyanins in the extracts. The lowest range of extraction yield (63–68%) was obtained for a 1:7 ratio with water–citric acid solvent. The highest range of extraction yield (74–93%) was obtained for a 1:7 ratio with water–ethanol solvent. The most efficient method was extraction in a water–ethanol solvent (50/50 v/v) acidified with HCl, at a 1:7 material/solvent ratio, at 35 °C, for 15 min, providing 93% process efficiency. A strong relationship (r > 0.991) was also found between anthocyanin content and color saturation (C*) or hue (h°) in the obtained extracts. Based on the E1% coloring strength results, all the extracts obtained can be considered strong colorants, especially those obtained with the water–citric acid solvent. Ultrasonic extraction can be successfully applied to extract pigments from blackcurrant pomace and obtain, for example, food coloring.

Silk‐Based Functional Inks with Color‐Tunable Light Upconversion for Printing on Arbitrary Surfaces

AbstractA biocompatible and versatile silk‐based functional ink with hydrophilic upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) that can be printed or painted on arbitrary substrates, including biological surfaces is demonstrated. Hydrophilic UCNPs, ready to be dispersed in aqueous silk fibroin solution, are synthesized in large quantities via facile hydrothermal synthesis using citric acid. Based on a systematic study of dopant control to achieve robust red emission from citrate‐capped UCNPs, three primary colors are obtained, which serve as the basis for the expansion of the color palette. The synthesized UCNPs are homogeneously dispersed in regenerated silk fibroin solutions derived from Bombyx mori cocoons to produce water‐based functional inks. Cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) inks are created by combining red, green, and blue (RGB) inks. Demonstrator devices, where a variety of colorful patterns and codes are revealed only under near‐infrared irradiation, are realized through stencil printing or brush painting on flexible polymer films, fruit, leaves, silkworm cocoons, and pig skin. The patterns and codes are highly heat resistant (≈230 °C) and can be easily washed off with water after use. The printable/paintable inks and functions proposed here will provide new opportunities for applications where sustainability, biocompatibility, and intentional luminescence are simultaneously required.

Two inclusion complexes of cinnamon essential oil and lemongrass essential oil with β‐CD: preparation, characterisation and effect on the preservation of mango fruits

SummaryMango is a nutritious fruit but susceptible to the development of black spots on its skin, which can significantly reduce the post‐harvest fruit quality. In response to this challenge, this study focused on preparing and characterising two inclusion complexes (ICs) by combining cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and lemongrass essential oil (LEO) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), named CEO‐β‐CD and LEO‐β‐CD. Their effectiveness in preserving mango fruit were evaluated. The findings demonstrated the successful encapsulation of essential oils by β‐CD, forming two distinct ICs. Moreover, these ICs notably extended the shelf‐life of mangoes by 40% and 25%, respectively, while reducing black spot occurrence on the fruit skin. Additionally, analysis of physicochemical parameters revealed that the CEO‐β‐CD IC, at a dosage of 2.5 mg per gram of mango, could notably enhance the overall fruit quality. In conclusion, the application of CEO‐β‐CD, at an appropriate concentration, exhibits promising potential as an effective preservative for mangoes.

Arabic gum/chitosan/Zn–NPs composite film maintains the quality of Hass avocado fruit by delaying ripening and activating enzymatic defense mechanisms

Avocado fruit is a climacteric fruit that has a short life after harvest. Chitosan (Ch) and Arabic gum (AG) have a pronounced effect on the storability of fruits. This investigation aimed to determine the effect of individual or combined use of Ch and AG as well as Ch/AG enriched with 2, 4, 8% Zn–NPs on physio-biochemical attributes and antioxidant capacity of Hass avocado fruit during cold storage (7 °C). The result showed that Ch or AG alone succeeded in maintaining fruit quality of Hass fruit during cold storage. Also, combined application of Ch/AG was more effective than individual application of Ch or AG in reducing fruit weight and polyphenol oxidase activity (PPO) as well as increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, Ch/AG coating enriched with 8% Zn–NPs recorded the lowest fruit weight loss, fruit decay %, TSS fruit content, fruit firmness and improved fruit skin and pulp color significantly compared to Ch/AG and control. Coating with Ch/AG/2%Zn NPs recorded the highest peroxidase (POD) activity, while Ch/AG/8% Zn–NPs recorded the highest TAC and the lowest PPO activity. Moreover, enriched Ch/GA with Zn–NPs recorded the highest CAT and POD activity compared to the control. This study shows the efficiency of Ch/AG enriched with Zn–NPs on preserving Hass avocado fruit quality during cold storage by delaying ripening process and activating enzymatic defense mechanisms.

UTILISATION OF NATURAL DYES FROM NIPAH FRUIT SKIN (NYPA FRUTICANS) USING THE SHIBORI TECHNIQUE IN FASHION PRODUCTS

This research explores the potential of Nipah fruit skin as a natural dye for textiles and demonstrates its practical application. Natural dyes derived from plant extracts, such as roots, wood, fruit, skin, seeds, or flowers, have long been used in textiles. However, this study investigates using palm fruit skin waste as a natural dye. The Shibori Nui Technique, a tie-dye technique originating from Japan, is employed, where fabric is sewn together and wrapped with thread, then dipped in dye and made into fashion products. The extraction of colour from nipa palm skin is a process of boiling the nipa palm skin, which is then left overnight; the dyeing process on textiles is carried out using the cold dyeing method. The research, conducted in experimental forms with a quantitative approach, utilised data collection techniques, including documentation, literature study, applied experiments, and questionnaires. The data obtained was arranged systematically and described narratively. The research results show that the colour produced from Nipah fruit skin with whiting fixation produces a terracotta colour, and the product produced is outer. The potential of Nipah fruit skin as an alternative natural dye is promising, offering a sustainable and ecofriendly solution for the fashion industry.

Genetic diversity in a core collection of Iranian sour cherry.

The exploitation of plant genetic resources is an important and rapid strategy to release commercial cultivars. In this study, 234 sour cherry genotypes were collected from various locations of Iran and phenotypically assessed according to IPGRI and UPOV descriptors. The genotypes were grafted onto Mahaleb rootstock and were planted in Horticultural Science Research Institute (HSRI) core collection in Karaj, Iran. In this study, 22 different characteristics were measured in the sour cherry genotypes. The results showed that fruit and stone weights varied from 1.65 (G410) to 5.47 g (G125) and 0.13 (G428) to 0.59 g (G149), respectively. The fruit size index comprised average fruit length, width, and diameter, which varied from 10.57 to 19.13. The stalk length was less than 50 mm in 90.6% of the studied genotypes. Twelve of the 234 studied genotypes did not exhibit any symptoms of bacterial canker disease. Principle component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis classified the studied genotypes into four main groups. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that fruit size, stone shape, stone size, stalk thickness and weight, and fruit appearance correlated positively with stone and fruit weights. In contrast, fruit juice, fruit skin, and flesh color correlated negatively with the stone and fruit weights. The range of TSS varied between 12.66 (G251) and 26 (G427). Variations in pH value were between 3.66 (G236) and 5.63 (G352). In conclusion, a high level of genetic diversity was observed among the Iranian sour cherry genotypes. This diversity can be considered valuable and applicable for future breeding programs.

Influence of various solvents in extraction of natural pigments from Annona atemoya and Physalis peruviana as photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells

Herein, we investigate the effect of various solvents on the extraction of natural dyes from two different fruit skins, namely Annona atemoya (Atemoya) and Physalis peruviana (Physalis), as photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The functional groups of the extracted dye pigmentation were confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to verify the presence of anthocyanin radicals. To fabricate the DSSCs, semiconducting TiO2 nanoparticles were deposited on FTO glass as a photoanode (using the spin-coating method), and platinum was also deposited on FTO glass as a photocathode (using the drop-casting method). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to verify the surface roughness and morphologies of the TiO2 photoanode and Pt photocathode. The photoelectric performance results of the fabricated DSSCs were examined and revealed the influence of various solvents on the extraction of Annona atemoya and Physalis peruviana dyes. The extraction of Annona atemoya and Physalis peruviana dyes in methanol solvent showed higher energy conversion efficiency of 2.02 % and 0.31 %, respectively, compared to other solvent extractions. In general, this work demonstrates that constructing solar cells from natural dyes at a reduced cost is a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional silicon cells.

Comprehensive genetic diversity and genome-wide association studies revealed the genetic basis of avocado fruit quality traits.

Avocado (Persea americana) is a highly nutritious fruit gaining worldwide popularity. However, its cultivation is currently reliant on a limited number of cultivars with restricted genetic diversity. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of avocado germplasm and identify genetic loci associated with key fruit quality traits that influence customer preference. A diversity panel of 110 avocado accessions was analyzed using 4,706 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Genetic diversity and population structure were analyzed using pairwise FST, AMOVA, admixture analysis, and phylogenetic analysis. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted targeting nine fruit quality traits using two models: General Linear Model (GLM) with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Mixed Linear Model (MLM) with PCA and kinship (PCA + K). The analysis revealed three distinct populations corresponding to the three avocado ecotypes: Guatemalan, West Indian, and Mexican. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a closer relationship between the Guatemalan and West Indian races compared to the Mexican race in our Florida germplasm collection. GWAS led to identification of 12 markers within 11 genomic regions significantly associated with fruit quality traits such as fruit color, shape, taste, and skin texture. These markers explained between 14.84% to 43.96% of the phenotypic variance, with an average of 24.63%. Annotation of these genomic regions unveiled candidate genes potentially responsible for controlling these traits. The findings enhance our understanding of genetic diversity and population structure in avocado germplasm. The identified genetic loci provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of fruit quality traits, aiding breeding programs in developing improved avocado cultivars. Marker-assisted selection can accelerate the development of new varieties, promoting a more diverse and resilient avocado market.

Avaliação e caracterização morfoagronômica de acessos de abóbora provenientes do semiárido do nordeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate morphoagronomic characteristics of different Cucurbita moschata (Duch) accessions from the Semiarid region of the Northeast of Brazil. Two experiments were conducted at the experimental field of the Bahia State University (Department of Technology and Social Sciences), Juazeiro, BA, Brazil, one from May to October 2021 and another from February to July 2022. Eighteen C. moschata accessions were evaluated in the first experiment, and 11 S1 progenies were evaluated in the second. Quantitative descriptors were analyzed in both experiments: fruit weight (FW; kg); fruit diameter (FD; cm); fruit length (FL; cm); fruit internal cavity diameter (FICD; cm); fruit internal cavity length (FICL cm); average of fruit skin thickness (AFST; mm); average of fruit flesh thickness (AFFT; mm); soluble solids content (SS; °Brix); 100-seed fresh weight (100SFW; g); 100seed dry weight (100SDW; g). Qualitative descriptors evaluated included fruit shape, fruit ribbing, skin color, flesh color, flesh texture, and skin texture. Significant differences were found for FW, FD, FL, FICD, FICL, AFST, AFFT, and SS in the first experiment, and or FD, FL, FICD, FICL, AFST, SS, and 100SDW in the second experiment. The results indicate genetic variability among accessions for quantitative and qualitative morphological fruit characteristics.

Combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed the molecular mechanisms of fruit skin coloration in pink strawberry.

Elucidating the key genes and metabolites responsible for fruit skin color is essential for the breeding of strawberry varieties with beautiful fruit color. Here, transcriptome and metabolome analyses were used to identify the key genes and metabolites associated with fruit skin color in strawberry accessions of red skin (Kaorino), white skin (2012-W02), and the pink skin (Fenyu NO.1, the F1 hybrid of Kaorino and 2012-W02). The metabolomic data showed that the content of anthocyanin-related metabolites, such as p-Coumaroyl quinic acid, 5-Hydroxyconiferyl alcohol and Coumestrol were significantly higher in red-skinned strawberry line Kaorino than in the white-skinned line 2012-W02. The flavonoids and isoflavonoids such as syringetin and 2,7,4'-trihydroxy-isoflavone, were less expressed in the Kaorino than in the other two accessions. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as BZ1, F3H, CHS, CHI, DFR, 4CL, PAL, CCR, 4CL, F5H, REF1 and UGT72E, were also significantly upregulated in the red-skinned line Kaorino compared to the white-skinned line 2012-W02, while the HCT, CYP75B1, FG3, HIDH, IF7MAT, I2'H, and VR was downregulated in Kaorino. Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the pathways of isoflavonoid biosynthesis and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway essential for anthocyanin synthesis were commonly enriched by DRMs and DEGs. In addition, the metabolites of peonidin 3-O-glucoside, 2'-hydroxydaidzein and daidzin, and the genes of CYP93B2_16 and UGT73C6 were detected and most accumulated in pink-skinned Fenyu NO.1. This result suggested that the main strategy for obtaining a red skin color is to enhance the upstream pathway of anthocyanin biosynthesis, including the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, and to restrict the downstream steps in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, such as the branch pathway of flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and isoflavonoid biosynthesis.

High-density genetic map and quantitative trait loci map of skin color in hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida bge. Var. major N.E.Br.).

Fruit skin color is an important trait of the hawthorn tree, which has an important influence on fruit quality. Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. Major N.E.Br. Is one of the most widely cultivated varieties in China and has a long history of medicinal use. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the world due to its nutritional and medicinal values. Skin color is the focus of breeders and food processors. At present, skin color-related genes have still not been mapped. In this study, "Shandong Da Mianqiu" (♀, red skin color), "Da Huang Mianzha" (♂, yellow skin color) and 131 F1 hybrids were used to construct genetic map of hawthorn by RAD-seq, and QTL mapping was performed by combining these features with the hue angle and the observed color. In this study, 13,260 SNP was assigned to 17 linkage groups, with an integrated map covering 2,297.75cM was constructed. A total of 5 QTLs related to hawthorn skin color were detected on LG1, LG3 and LG15. Whether hue angle or pericarp color acts as phenotype for QTL mapping, the candidate genes include bHLH086, WD repeat regions and Myb-like. bHLH, WD and Myb play an important role in the color regulation of Hawthorn skin color. These results lay a solid foundation for QTL mapping and molecular marker-assisted breeding of hawthorn.

Fostering Students’ Creative Attitudes in Laboratory Inquiry Activities: Learning about Extraction by Utilizing Dragon Fruit Skins

Fostering Students’ Creative Attitudes in Laboratory Inquiry Activities: Learning about Extraction by Utilizing Dragon Fruit Skins

Genetic variations at BBX24 and MYB110a loci regulated anthocyanin accumulation in pear bud sports

Genetic variation contributes to the phenotypic diversity of plants. Most red pear cultivars that accumulate anthocyanins originated from somatic variation and are termed bud sports. ‘Hongzaosu’ is a bud sport derived from the green pear ‘Zaosu’. A new genetic map was constructed from a population derived from the cross of ‘Yuluxiang’ and ‘Hongzaosu’, from which PpBBX24 was identified as a crucial gene controlling anthocyanin accumulation. Genetic and phylogenetic evidence revealed that PpBBX24 is a repressor of anthocyanin biosynthesis in pear. A 14 bp deletion was detected in the third exon of PpBBX24 in ‘Hongzaosu’, resulting in premature termination of protein translation. The truncated PpBBX24 protein was a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis by activating the transcription of PpCHS and PpUFGT. Three independent variations in the BBX24 coding region that led to premature termination of translation were detected in other pear bud sports and the progeny of a bud sport that all accumulate anthocyanins. The genome of ‘Hongzaosu’ was assembled using both long-read and short-read sequences. By combining genomic and transcriptomic data, allele-specific expression of PpMYB110a was observed in the fruit skin of ‘Hongzaosu’, which was likely caused by large variation in the promoter. This work enhances understanding of coloration in red pears and provides a novel genomic resource for further studies on ‘Hongzaosu’ pear.

Colour and surface functional properties of wool fabrics coated with gallnut, feijoa skin, and mango seed kernel tannin-stabilised Ag nanoparticles.

In the textile industry, textile materials are dyed and multi-functionalised by multi-step treatments that considerably increase the environmental impacts by increasing water and energy usage along with increasing the generation of volume of effluent. In this work, Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were in situ formed and stabilised with gallnut, feijoa fruit skin, and mango seed kernel-derived tannins, and wool fabrics were coated simultaneously with these Ag NPs in the same bath. The Ag NP treatment produced dark to light olive-brown shades on wool fabrics. The treatment conditions for the treatment with Ag NPs were optimised to achieve the best results. The colour intensity, UV radiation absorption, antibacterial activity, surface electrical resistance, and durability of the treatment to washing were assessed by various methods. The gallnut-derived tannin (GNT)-stabilised Ag NP-coated wool fabrics showed overall the best results including excellent antibacterial activity against various types of bacteria. The treatment was durable to at least 20 cycles of IWS 7A washes (equivalent to 80 domestic washes). For the 0.5% Ag NPs on the weight of fibre (owf) dosage, the UV light transmission through the trisodium citrate-stabilised Ag NP-coated fabric at 365 and 311 nm was 6.37 and 0.95% respectively, which reduced to 1.63 and 0.20% for the fabric coated with GNT-stabilised Ag NPs providing excellent protection against UV radiation. The surface resistivity of wool fabric reduced from 1.1 × 1012 ohm cm-1 for the untreated fabric to 1.1 × 109 ohm cm-1 for the fabric coated with 2.0% owf GNT-stabilised Ag NPs. The stabilisation of Ag NPs with GNT prolonged the wash-durability by reducing the leaching of Ag NPs from the treated fabric. The developed method could be a sustainable alternative to traditional multi-stage treatments conducted in the textile industry with toxic synthetic dyes and finishing agents for the colouration and multifunctionalisation of wool fabrics.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity in Ecoenzymes with Variations in Carbon Sources

Ecoenzyme is a fermented solution from a mixture of fruit skin waste, vegetables, water and sugar. The fermentation process of various types of natural ingredients is known to be able to increase the content of various phytochemical compounds and antioxidants in these products. Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that can overcome oxidative damage due to reactive oxygen compounds that play a role in capturing free radicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical and antioxidant content of each ecoenzyme. This type of research is descriptive. Ecoenzyme extraction was carried out by maceration method using three different solvents namely distilled water, methanol and ethanol. Phytochemical screening was carried out by qualitative methods. The antioxidant activity test was measured using the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-Prikrylhidrazil) method. The results showed that the ecoenzymes identified alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. The antioxidant activity of the ecoenzyme with methanol extract (IC50 value) was 100.052 ppm (moderate activity category), while the antioxidant activity of the other ecoenzyme sample extracts had weak antioxidant properties. The conclusion from this study is that ecoenzyme contains phytochemicals and antioxidant activity that can be applied to some field research.

RANCANG BANGUN ALAT PENGUPAS KULIT BUAH ASAM (TAMARINDUS INDICA) MENGGUNAKAN MEKANISME CENTRIFUGAL IMPACT

Tamarind farmers generally use the traditional method, namely by using their fingers to peel the skin of the tamarind fruit, in addition to using their fingers the other traditional way and also using their hands by putting the acid into a sack and then hitting it with a hard object, this traditional method requires a lot of time to peel the skin. acid and separates the tamarind peel from the sour fruit flesh. Acid peeling tools are needed as a means to help farmers need to peel tamarind and make it easier to peel and also save time and energy in peeling tamarind. The design of tamarind peeler aims to produce a design and manufacture of tamarind peeler for the needs of tamarind farmers in East Nusa Tenggara. The results of the design of an acid peeler which is made using a centrifugal impact mechanism so as to make the tamarind peel breakable and can be separated from the sour fruit flesh with production result 180 kg/hour, at least 4 days of driying.