PSRU Journal of Science and Technology

ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES, AND DEVELOPMENT OF BODY MASK PELLETS PRODUCT FROM MELALEUCA QUINQUENERVIA LEAVES EXTRACT

Kornkanok Bunmak — 2025-12-25

Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake is a prominent plant species that can be commonly found in the southern regions of the country. It was found that cajuput oil has properties to kill bacteria. Therefore, researchers are interested in studying the antioxidant activity by DPPH assay, analyzing the total phenolic compounds by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, antibacterial and antifungal activity, and developing a body mask pellets product from the extract of M. quinquenervia leaves. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of M. quinquenervia leaf extract compared with standard compound (Ascorbic acid) has IC₅₀ values of 82 µg/mL and 1.60 µg/mL, respectively, and the M. quinquenervia leaf extract has a total phenolic compound content of 174.76 mg GAE/ 1 g extract. In addition, M. quinquenervia leaf extract inhibited bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes) and fungi (Malassezia furfur) which have the minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.25, 0.50, and 1 mg/mL, respectively. The result of minimum bactericidal concentration of 4, 0.50, and 32 mg/mL, respectively. For the formulation of body mask pellets from M. quinquenervia leaf extract, it consists of 30-70 grams of tapioca starch, 30-70 grams of corn starch, 5 grams of Polyvinylpyrrolidone-K30, 10 grams of Croscarmellose sodium, 1 gram of preservatives and 25 grams of M. quinquenervia leaves extract can be used on an industrial scale, leading to the creation of products which can add value to Thai herbs that can be found locally.

PROCESS FOR PREPARING HERBAL EXTRACTS FROM THONGNOPPAKUN WOUND HEALING FORMULA WITH ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES

Wandee Pleesanit — 2025-12-25

Thongnoppakun wound healing oil is a traditional medicinal formula used for wound healing. The extract from the Thongnoppakun wound healing formula possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. This research aims to study the extraction methods of the Thongnoppakun wound healing formula. The antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content were studied. The stability of the Thongnoppakun wound healing extract was assessed. The results of the stability study under accelerated conditions. The experimental results showed that the physical characteristics of the extracts from all three extraction methods were highly similar. The extract obtained using microwave extraction at 300 W had a lighter yellow color. For the minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes and Malassezia furfur, the extract obtained using microwave extraction at 800 W had MIC values of 4, 0.50, and 4 mg/mL, respectively. The MBC values were 4 and 0.50 mg/mL, while the MFC value was >32 mg/mL. Regarding antioxidant activity with DPPH method, the Thongnoppakun extract obtained using microwave extraction at 800 W had an IC₅₀ value of 0.37 mg/mL, compared to 1.59 µg/mL for standard ascorbic acid. Analysis of total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu method revealed that the microwave 800 W extract had the highest phenolic content. For stability testing, all three extraction methods showed similar results, with precipitation occurring in the third cycle. These research findings can contribute to the development of Thongnoppakun extract-based wound healing products.

THE MEASUREMENT OF METAL IONS USING LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA (L.) PERS. FLOWER EXTRACTS WITH DIGITAL IMAGE COLORIMETRY TECHNIQUES ON SMARTPHONES

Thanaphat Tabthasong — 2025-12-25

The anthocyanin is a ligand that forms complexes with metal ions, creating colored coordination compounds. These can be applied for qualitative analysis, and when combined with digital image colorimetry, they allow for quantitative measurement. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the color change of the extract when tested with metal ions at varying concentrations, along with the digital image colorimetry technique. Anthocyanin was extracted from the flowers of the Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. using deionized water. The total anthocyanin content was determined by the pH-differential method. The color change of the extract was tested with 12 types of metal ions: Aluminum ion, Cobalt (II) ion, Chromium (II) ion, Copper (II) ion, Ferrous (II) ion, Ferric (III) ion, Magnesium ion, Manganese (II) ion, Molybdenum (VI) ion, Nickel (II) ion, Lead (II) ion, and Zinc (II) ion, under pH 1-13. The intensity of the red, green, and blue (RGB) values was measured using the RGB Color Detector application. A standard concentration graph was created between the color intensity and the metal ion solution concentration, and the accuracy of the analysis was tested using the Paired t-test statistical method. The results revealed that the extract from the Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. flowers was purple and absorbed light at the maximum wavelength (λ_max) of 550 nm. The total anthocyanin content was 1.81 mg CGE/100 g of FW. The extract exhibited clear color changes when tested with Cobalt (II) ion, Chromium (II) ion, Ferrous (II) ion, Ferric (III) ion, Molybdenum (VI) ion, and Zinc (II) ion. The R² values from the standard graphs of the digital image colorimetry technique for Ferrous (II) ion and Ferric (III) ion, derived from the red, green, and blue values, were all above 0.990. The accuracy test using the Paired t-test between the digital image colorimetry technique and spectrophotometry for Ferrous (II) ion and Ferric (III) ion analysis showed no significant difference at the 99% confidence level. This indicates that the method can be developed into a test kit for detecting or measuring the concentration of metal ions in environmental samples in the future.

PRODUCTION OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROBIAL BIOFERTILIZER POWDER BOUND WITH CHITOSAN FOR TESTING GROWTH OF RICE VARIETY 5451 (VIETNAMESE JASMINE)

Patompong Thaingphet — 2025-12-26

This research aimed to study the production of powdered photosynthetic microbial biofertilizer bound with chitosan and to test its effect on the growth of rice variety 5451 (Vietnamese jasmine). The experiment began with the preparation of four photosynthetic microbial formulations: 1) photosynthetic microorganisms with fish bones 2) photosynthetic microorganisms with shrimp shells 3) photosynthetic microorganisms with both fish bones and shrimp shells and 4) photosynthetic microorganisms without fish bones and shrimp shells. Analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) nutrient content showed that formulation 3 contained the highest nutrient levels. This formulation was mixed with chitosan and processed into powder using freeze-drying. The particle size of the produced fertilizer was measured using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results revealed that the produced fertilizer particles measured approximately 11.50-50.69 micrometers. The rice cultivation experiment was conducted in 35×50×10 centimeters, plots using a Completely Randomized Design; CRD with 4 treatments and 3 replications, including commercial chemical fertilizer, commercial nano fertilizer, powdered photosynthetic microbial biofertilizer bound with chitosan, and control (no fertilizer). Fertilizer was sprayed at 25, 50, and 75 days. Results showed that rice in all treatments had a 100 percent survival rate with no statistically significant differences (P≥0.05). Growth measurements of height and tillering at 25, 50 and 75 days mostly showed no statistically significant differences (P≥0.05). At harvest (95 days), yield components including number of grains per panicle, tillering, number of panicles, panicle length, 100 grain weight and moisture content showed no statistically significant differences (P≥0.05). Therefore, the use of powdered photosynthetic microbial biofertilizer bound with chitosan should be another option for farmers to increase productivity and safety.

HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF PHU HIN RONG KLA NATIONAL PARK

Kanjana Thananoppakun — 2025-12-26

The balance of ecosystems depends on soil sustainability, with heavy metal concentrations being a key factor determining the level of contamination and soil degradation. This study aimed to assess the contamination levels of heavy metals, including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr), accumulated in the soil of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. Additionally, the study evaluated the ecological risk using the Ecological Risk Index (ER) for individual metals and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) for overall contamination levels. The results indicated that in the nature trail area, the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn ranged from 0.02–0.25, 3.23–6.18, 1.75–7.84, 1.15–9.21, and 10.19–19.89 mg/kg, respectively. In contrast, in the accommodation and parking area, the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn ranged from 0.03–0.08, 12.56–29.07, 5.23–10.48, 5.17–7.90, and 23.56–30.49 mg/kg, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations in the studied areas did not exceed the soil quality standards of the National Environmental Board of Thailand. The ecological risk assessment revealed that the ecological risk indices for all samples were at a low level, indicating minimal contamination risk in the study area. Although the findings suggest that the soils in the national park are not contaminated with heavy metals at hazardous levels, there are indications of anthropogenic influences. Therefore, continuous soil quality monitoring is essential to prevent ecosystem degradation and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

THE FABRICATION OF A FOOD CONTAINER FORMING MACHINE FROM BAMBOO CULM SHEATH BY HOT COMPRESSION MOLDING

Buppachat Toboonsung — 2025-12-25

This research aims to design and develop a food container forming machine made from bamboo culm sheath using the hot-pressing method. The developed prototype machine consists of two main operational systems: a pressing system driven by a hydraulic jack to move the mold for material compression and a heating system that uses a heating coil, capable of reaching a maximum temperature of 200°C within 18 minutes. The machine operates at a maximum power of 706.60 watts. Testing of the bamboo culm sheath food container formation revealed that the optimal forming conditions were at 200°C for 5 minutes, resulting in the highest dryness with an average water evaporation percentage of 24.96%. Additionally, fungal contamination tests indicated extremely low microbial growth levels, as assessed by the water activity (a_w) value, which was within a range unfavorable for fungal development. The formed containers demonstrated excellent heat resistance, with an average moisture content of 6.12%, an average density of 0.19 g/cm³, and an average water absorption percentage of 22.71%. The production rate of bamboo sheath containers using the developed pressing machine averaged 10 pieces per hour, reflecting its efficiency and potential for use in community-level production to enhance the value of natural materials.

IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZATION BY TALAROMYCES ARGENTINENSIS DASI19079

Sontaya Khamtib — 2025-12-25

This research aims to identify and evaluate the phosphate-solubilizing potential of the fungus DASI19079 under different pH conditions. The morphological characteristics of DASI19079 were studied by culturing it on various media. The results indicated that the colony exhibited different appearances and colors depending on the type of medium and the incubation period. The fungus DASI19079 grew and produced ascomata most effectively on Oat meal agar (OMA) after 7 and 14 days of incubation. Microscopic examination revealed that DASI19079 formed globose or subglobose ascomata, with globose or subglobose asci containing eight ellipsoidal ascospores with spinose walls. Additionally, both biverticillate and monoverticillate conidiophores were observed. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region showed the highest similarity (99.43%) to Talaromyces argentinensis NRRL 28750 (NR_165525.1), with 97% query cover. Phylogenetic analysis further indicated that DASI19079 is most closely related to T. argentinensis. The phosphate-solubilizing potential of DASI19079 was assessed for aluminum phosphate, calcium phosphate, and ferric phosphate under pH conditions ranging from 3 to 10. The results indicated that DASI19079 effectively solubilized aluminum phosphate and calcium phosphate in acidic to neutral conditions, while its ability decreased at higher pH levels. In contrast, ferric phosphate solubilization was most efficient at pH levels between 4 and 10. These findings demonstrate the ability of DASI19079 to solubilize phosphate under a wide range of pH conditions, highlighting its potential application as a phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizer.

STUDY ON DRYING OF KRATOM LEAVES USING FLUIDIZED BED METHOD

Praphon Thongpool — 2025-12-26

Kratom leaves are used to treat intestinal infections, diarrhea, muscle pain, and to reduce fever. In 2021, the Thai government lifted the restriction on using kratom in food, allowing it to be legally incorporated into food products. At present, kratom is processed into dried leaves and powder, which are used in various products such as kratom-infused beverages and instant tea. This research studied the drying process of green-stem kratom leaves (Tangkwa variety) using a fluidized bed dryer. The system consists of a blower fan that pushes hot air through a heater into the drying chamber at a flow rate of 38 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Kratom leaves weighing 1 kilograms, 2 kilograms, and 3 kilograms were cut into pieces of 3–5 centimeters in size. The experiments were conducted at temperatures of 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C, with moisture content recorded every 10 minutes to determine the effects of temperature and leaf weight on moisture ratio, specific energy consumption, and mitragynine content. The results showed that moisture was reduced more quickly at higher temperatures, while drying time increased with greater weight of kratom leaves. Specific energy consumption decreased by up to 9.10% as the drying temperature increased. The mitragynine content in kratom leaves decreased linearly with increasing drying temperature, with the lowest level of 25.93% observed at 70°C. Based on the experimental results, considering energy use and drying time, a drying temperature of 60°C was found to be the most appropriate for this study. However, if retaining the highest mitragynine content is the priority, drying should be conducted at 40°C. The findings from this research can be applied to the development of food and beverage products from kratom leaves, adding value to agricultural products, recommending appropriate drying temperatures to reduce energy consumption, and supporting the production of Thai traditional herbal medicines with controlled active compounds.

บทบรรณาธิการ

2025-12-25

บทบรรณาธิการ

สารบัญ

2025-12-25

สารบัญ