Umar Santoso

Nutrient composition of kopyor coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.)

Kopyor coconuts (matured coconuts with broken meat particles in the watery endosperm due to abnormal formation of the kernel during the development of the fruits) were analysed for their proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibres, sugars, organic acids, fatty acid composition and amino acid profile. The chief constituent of kopyor water was sucrose (about 92% of the total sugar); in contrast, the young or normal-mature nut water contained glucose and fructose as the main sugars. α-Tocopherol was detectable in the kopyor water. Total amino acid content of kopyor water was higher than that of the young or normal-mature water. Like the young or normal-mature nut water, kopyor water seemed to be a good source of dietary minerals, with potassium as the predominant one. The relatively high contents of sucrose, glucose, fructose, citric and malic acids might contribute to the deliciousness of kopyor meat. The lipid content of kopyor meat was lower than that of the normal-mature meat, but fatty acid profiles were similar.

The Effect of Size Reduction and Preparation Duration on The Antioxidant Activity of White Saffron (Curcuma mangga Val.)

An UV spectrophotometric area under curve method was developed for the estimation of Levofloxacin Hemihydrate in its mono component tablets. The spectrophotometric method for estimation employed Area under curve method for analysis using 0.1M Sodium Hydroxide as solvent for the drug Levofloxacin Hemihydrate at the wavelength range of 285-295nm. Levofloxacin Hemihydrate obeys Beer’s law in concentration range 10-50µg/ml. The recovery studies ascertained accuracy of the proposed method and the result validated according to ICH guideline. Results of analysis have been valid statistically by recovery studies. The method was successfully for evaluation of Levofloxacin Hemihydrate in tablet dosage form without the interference of common excipients.

Physicochemical Properties of Gelatin Extracted from Buffalo Hide Pretreated with Different Acids

The acid pretreatment of collagen molecules disrupts their crosslinks and assists in the release of acid-soluble proteins, fats, and other components. Generally, to achieve optimum extraction efficiency, strong acids may be used at a lower acid concentration compared to weak acids. This study aimed to determine the yield and physicochemical properties of gelatins extracted from buffalo hides pretreated with different acids. Hides were extracted with hydrochloric, citric, and acetic acids at concentrations of 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5 M. A completely randomized design and the least significant difference test were used in the experimental design, and all measurements were performed in triplicate. The highest yield (29.17%) was obtained from pretreatment with 0.9 M HCl. The gel strength did not differ significantly (p>0.05) according to acid type (280.26-259.62 g Bloom), and the highest viscosity was obtained from the 0.6 M citric acid pretreatment. All the gelatins contained α- and β-chain components and several degraded peptides (24-66 kDa). The color and Fourier-transform infrared spectrum of the gelatin extracted using 0.9 M HCl were similar to those of commercial bovine skin gelatin. In general, the physicochemical properties of the gelatin complied with the industry standard set by the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America, revealing that buffalo hide could serve as a potential alternative source of gelatin.

Effect of Light-Emitting Diode (Led) Light on the Gene Expression Related With Ascorbate Biosynthesis and Metabolism in Broccoli Florets

Ascorbate is one of the most abundant soluble antioxidants in the plant. Multiple functions of ascorbate in photo protection have been proposed, including scavenging of reactive oxygen species generated by oxygen photoreduction and photorespiration. There is still unclear information relation to LED light with Ascorbate biosynthesis and metabolism, yellowing, chlorophyll content, and ethylene production in broccoli florets. The effect of light-emitting diodes (LED) light on ascorbate (AsA) biosynthesis and metabolism in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) cultivar “Ryokurei” were studied using red (660 nm), blue (470 nm) and white LED lights as the light source and also no light treatment as the control. Gene expression involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of AsA, AsA content, color, chlorophyll content and ethylene production rate on the postharvest broccoli were observed in 4 days. The result showed that after two days, red light treatment significantly (p < 0,05) delayed the decrease of ascorbate content. The result was supported by observations using Real-Time Quantitative RT-PCR showed that red light treatment can suppress mRNA level of BO-APX1, BO-APX2, and BO-sAPX on the third day. Observation of BO-GLDH mRNA level was increased in the third-day exposure of red LED light. Therefore red LED light showed up-regulated AsA biosynthesis transcriptional level. Enzymes which possibility responsible for AsA metabolism and biosynthesis in a row were Ascorbate Peroxide (APX) and L-Galactono-1,4-Lactone Dehydrogenase (GLDH). The regulation of this gene expression might contribute to the suppression of AsA reduction by red LED light treatment in broccoli. Red LED also showed suppression of yellowing and decline the chlorophyll content in postharvest broccoli florets. Keywords: ascorbate, LED; broccoli; gene expression; real-time quantitative RT-PCR.