Biotechnology Commons^™

Utilizing Biomimicry To Design Sustainable Architecture, Virginia Hammond

Architecture Undergraduate Honors Theses

Nature has an integral relationship with architecture and serves as a sustainable role model and inspiration for designers. The process of biomimicry in architecture has the potential to produce more sustainable design solutions and foster a connection between humans and nature. Existing biomimetic design projects have varying strengths and weaknesses as examples of the process. Utilizing guidelines and references from key leaders in biomimetic design consultancy (Biomimicry 3.8), selected case studies are assessed for their ability to demonstrate the benefits of this design strategy. Using these evaluations, the case studies are diagrammed and critiqued to determine how new projects could …

Quantifying Costs And Benefits Of Alternative Overwintering Strategies In A Southeastern Population Of Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Horridus), John Powers, Amber Stubbs, Alfred J. Mead, Dominic L. Desantis

Graduate Research Showcase

Temperate reptile populations are under strong selective pressure to minimize the costs of extreme winter temperatures. For high latitude and high elevation snake populations, this has often favored communal overwintering behavior, wherein large numbers of conspecifics aggregate at optimal sites given the limited availability of such features in the environment. Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) are distributed across a wide latitudinal gradient in North America, and therefore represent ideal models for exploring how variable winter selective regimes might favor different strategies. Here, we leverage a unique intermediate population of C. horridus from central Georgia, USA, that exhibits both communal …

Targeting Mycobacterial Efflux System For Combating Anti-Microbial Resistance, Arathi Radhakrishnan, Rajpal Srivastav, Raj Kishor Kapardar

Research Symposium

Background: The drug resistance in the microbes is a serious concern in medicine. Along with intrinsic factors, extrinsic factors like unprescribed usage of drugs are the contributing factors. The drug tolerance has led to the emergence of superbugs. Mycobacterial species utilize an array of multidrug efflux mechanisms linked to intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance. Understanding molecular mechanisms regulating efflux could reveal new therapeutic targets and strategies. Our study is aimed to target regulators of efflux Mycobacterial transporter.

Methods: Using the reference mycobacterial strain, antibiotic sensitivity was first profiled by minimal inhibitory concentration assays across a panel of antimicrobials, followed by …

Piperlongumine Nanoformulation Attenuates Pancreatic Tumor Desmoplasia And Alter Tumor Immune Responses, Vivek Kumar Kashyap, Neeraj Chauhan, Mohammed Sikander, Eswara N. H. K. Ghali, Bilal Hafeez, Murali M. Yallapu, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan

Research Symposium

Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is characterized by lack of early diagnosis, poor response to available therapeutic modalities and chemoresistance. Gemcitabine (GEM) is currently considered the most effective therapy for PanCa; however, it shows only a marginal survival benefit of 6 months. This poor drug response has been attributed to desmoplasia, causes suboptimal drug delivery, alters tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes tumor surrounding blood vessels, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and other signaling molecules and induces chemo-resistance in tumors. To overcome these existing issues associated with chemotherapy, identification and development of novel therapeutic modalities are a pressing need. Piperlongumine (PL) is a …

Antioxidant Properties Of Kombucha Beverage Infused With Ganoderma Lucidum And Green Tea From Camellia Sinensis (L.) Kuntze With Several Fermentation Times, Rizki Rabeca Elfirta, Pamungkas Rizki Ferdian, Iwan Saskiawan, Tri Hadi Handayani, Kayla Faza Gustafri Mandalika, Rini Riffiani, Kasirah Kasirah, Ukhradiya Magharaniq Safira Purwanto

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Kombucha is a functional beverage produced through the fermentation of infused tea or Camelia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (CS) by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Apparently, the substrate of kombucha can be substituted to enhance its functional properties. Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is a potential substrate reported to have health benefits. This study aims to evaluate antioxidant properties by comparing different formulations and fermentation times. The formulations prepared in the present study varied in the compositions of GL and CS substrates, namely F1 (100% GL), F2 (75% GL: 25% CS), F3 (50% GL: 50% CS), F4 (25% GL: 75% CS), …

Integrative Genomic Insights Into Coral Resilience: Adaptive And Acclimatory Responses To Seasonal Environmental Shifts, Tasnim Ghanim

Theses and Dissertations

Coral reefs, critical to marine biodiversity and coastal protection, face escalating threats from climate change-related phenomena such as ocean warming. This warming is leading to widespread thermal stress that contributes to coral bleaching and infectious disease in corals, leading to the disruption of marine ecosystems and the economies that depend on them. Focusing on the brain coral Platygyra daedalea, known for its thermal resilience in the Persian Arabian Gulf—a region that exemplifies the extreme stressors of climate change—our study aims to dissect the genetic, transcriptomic, and microbiological underpinnings of coral survival in high-temperature environments predicted for the end of …

Panorama Of Human Embryo-Derived Cells In Biomedicine And Progress In Their Research And Regulation, Jianchao Gao, Yaojin Peng, Wei Wei, Shuang Lu, Chenyan Gao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Since the establishment of the first human diploid cell line derived from aborted fetal tissue in the 1960s, human embryoderived cells have been widely used in biomedical field and significantly contributes to improving human health. In recent years, human pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), have shown great therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine, and thus received great attention from governments and the public. However, due to various factors such as history, culture, religious beliefs, ethics and morality, research and application involving human embryo-derived cells have been controversial worldwide. This study explores the history and progress of human …

Investigating The Phytochemicals In Sargassum (Brown Algae) Against The Therapeutic Targets Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasized From Breast: An Approach, Mahema S

Annual Research Symposium

ABSTRACT:

Purpose: Oral metastases are relatively rare. In women, the most common oral metastases originate from breast cancer, the most diagnosed malignancy, and the second leading cause of death. Sargassum is a genus of brown algae which exhibits its natural therapeutic potential with anticancer properties. This study aimed to identify a therapeutic target for OSCC metastasized from breast cancer through network pharmacology and to evaluate potent phytochemicals against the identified target.

Methods: DEGs associated with OSCC and breast cancer were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The upregulated DEGs were then intersected to identify common targets between OSCC and BC. …

Interplay Of Periodontal Bacterial Metabolites In The Progression Of Coronary Artery Disease: A System Biological Approach, Janakiraman V

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the intricate relationship between periodontal disease (PD) and coronary artery disease (CAD), as evidenced by epidemiological associations. Metalloproteinase inhibitor (TIMP1) plays a pivotal role in cellular signaling, differentiation, cell death, and migration by binding to target metalloproteinases, forming complexes with other molecules (collagenases) to inactivate them. However, the expression of TIMP1 is reduced in both PD and CAD, leading to an upregulation of other metalloproteinases. This research explores the hypothesis that metabolites released from (Porphyromonas gingivalis), a prevalent bacterium in atherosclerotic patients, may inhibit TIMP1, thereby influencing CAD progression. …

Investigation Of Alzheimer’S Amyloid-Β Protein Aggregation With A New Fluorescent Dye., Emma Alberty

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia characterized by the impairment of at least two brain functions such as memory loss and judgement. AD is a progressive illness that can last as many as 20 years. AD is largely considered to be caused by the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. A better understanding of the structure and function of these plaques may lead to clearer understanding of the disease. To analyze amyloid plaques, aggregation assays are often used. During these assays we begin with monomer and place the sample in biological conditions to …

Development And Evaluation Of A Mitochondrial Dna Marker For The Detection Of Rattus Rattus And Rattus Norvegicus Fecal Contamination, A'Aden Redhead

Graduate Research Showcase

No abstract provided.

The Antagonist Effect Of Pichia Kluyveri Against The Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus Flavus, Wafa Masoud

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

Aspergillus flavus is one of the main fungi that are known to produce Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). AFB1 has been detected in many food products and reported to be a carcinogenic. Using a biocontrol agent against A. flavus can safely eliminate or reduce the occurrence of AFB1 in food. Therefore, the effects of four yeast strains of Pichia kluyveri on the growth and spore germination of A. flavus were studied. In addition, the effect of exposure of A. flavus to the yeast’s headspace, as well as the effects of different headspace concentrations of 2-phenyl ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate, on the …

Bio-Bust: Investigating Biotech Stock Factors Contributing To Abnormal Returns In The Wake Of Silicon Valley Bank's Failure, Spencer Kent

CMC Senior Theses

Following the unprecedented collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in March 2023, this study explores abnormal stock price reactions within the biotechnology sector. As the chosen financial institution for countless Silicon Valley-type technology and healthcare firms, SVB's failure had a profound impact on small to mid-sized biotech companies. Analyzing a dataset of 180 biotech firms during a two-day event window over SVB’s collapse, I investigate whether exposure to SVB, or other factors, was the primary contributor to negative abnormal stock price reactions, considering variables such as the percentage of cash held at SVB, whether a firm maintained an active SVB …

Technological Advancements In Brunei’S Local Agriculture And Fisheries Companies: An Exploratory Study Based On Field Observations, Muhammad Firdaus Mujibuddin Syah Mustafa, Navaranjan Namasivayam, Hong Shyang Pei, Fatnin Farhanah Alihan, Amni Sahilah Sahrullamzah, Khairina Umairah Takiyaudin

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This exploratory study, through seven field observations and interviews, investigates the technological advancements transforming Brunei's agricultural landscape in pursuit of local production augmentation and self-sufficiency. It confronts challenges with emerging technologies like aquaponics, hydroponics, fertigation systems, closed-house poultry systems, and UV lighting, which hold promise for enhanced farming practices. The research provides a comprehensive assessment of current practices, including livestock management advancements, underscoring their potential to boost productivity, optimize resource use, and promote sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, it discusses the broader implications for industry standards, job employability, and alignment with Brunei's Vision 2035. The findings contribute invaluable insights, advocating for strategic …

Recent Advance In Biodegradable Packaging From Banana Plant Feedstock: A Comprehensive Review, M. Atiq Juani, Namasivayam Navaranjan

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This review focuses on recent advances in biodegradable packaging derived from banana plant waste, highlighting its pivotal role in addressing environmental concerns linked to conventional packaging materials. The shift toward sustainable packaging stems from the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, and foster sustainability in the food industry. Banana plants, known for generating significant organic waste during cultivation and processing, provide a valuable source for developing biodegradable packaging. Researchers have successfully transformed banana waste into innovative, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging solutions, promoting a circular economy. Biodegradable packaging, in contrast to traditional materials derived from fossil …

Utilizing Ai Integrated Neuroimaging Technology To Expand Upon Machine Learning In Positron Emission Tomography Technology With The Aim Of Detecting Amyloid Beta Biomarkers Early In The Onset Of Alzheimer's., Ethan S. Terman

Undergraduate Research Posters

Early intervention in Alzheimer's is vital for treatment. The earlier a professional can detect symptoms and make a diagnosis the earlier a prognosis can be implemented. With the prevalence of data in our day-to-day world combined with Artificial intelligence (AI), utilizing both for machine learning can pave the way for more accurate and efficient detection of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. AI combined with Machine learning (ML) increases diagnostic efficiency and reduces human errors, making it a valuable resource for physicians and clinicians alike. With the increasing amount of data processing and image interpretation required, the ability to use AI …

Application Of Three Of Selected Medicinal Plant Extracts In Brunei Darussalam To Improve Shelf Life Of Poultry Product, Hazirah Abd Hamid, Namasivayam Navaranjan, Zohrah Sulaiman, Aida Maryam Binti Hj Basri

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Abstract. Bioactive compounds from plant derived in food application become increasingly in demand due to natural and nutritionally safe products. Due to some issues concerning food safety on the excessive use of synthetic preservatives; the present study aims to investigate the natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial food additives. The chicken meat’s shelf life was studied by adopting bio-based antimicrobial agents using three of selected native medicinal plants; P. betle, A. catechu, and A. tricolor, against common foodborne pathogens; E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and Salmonella spp. The overall results revealed that, all study extracts possessed antioxidant properties by DPPH …

Prevalence Of Resistant Escherichia Coli Isolated From Local Meats Sold In Tema Metropolis, Ghana, Frederick Adzitey, Innocent Allan Anachinaba, Charles Addo-Quaye Brown, Nurul Huda, Masmuniri Rambli

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Contamination of meat by Escherichia coli (E. coli) can take its source from the live animal or by cross contamination. The study determined the prevalence of resistance of E. coli isolated from locally produced meats in the Tema Metropolis. Beef (n=200), chicken (n=200) and pork (n=200) were randomly selected and evaluated for the presence of E. coli using the procedure in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual of USA-FDA. The disc diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility test of E. coli (n=55) isolates. Locally produced beef (67%), chicken (41%) and pork (23%) were contaminated by E. coli. Escherichia coli isolates were …

Antioxidant And Antimicrobial Properties Of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) Protein Concentrates And Hydrolysates Derived From Varied Dietary Regimens, Shyang-Pei Hong, Eng-Tong Phuah, Wey-Lim Wong, Yee-Ying Lee, Teck-Kim Tang, Ali Yassoralipour

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The larval stage of the darkling beetle, Tenebrio molitor, often referred to as the yellow mealworm, has received significant attention as a promising source of high-quality protein for human consumption due to its exceptional nutritional profile. This study focused on assessing the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of protein concentrates and hydrolysates obtained from mealworm specimens raised under distinct dietary conditions. One cohort of mealworms was sustained on food waste comprising rice bran, milled corn, and carrots (self-bred) (SM), while another group was exclusively provided with rice bran (commercially fed) (CM). Enzymatic hydrolysis of mealworm protein was accomplished using protease enzymes …

Release Behavior Of Butterfly Pea Anthocyanins From Sago Starch Micro-Composite Films Under Food Stimulants, Afiqah Nabihah Ahmad, Eng Tong Phuah, Namasivayam Navaranjan, Syazana Abdullah Lim

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This study investigates the release behaviour of Butterfly Pea (BP) anthocyanins from Sago starch micro-composite (SMC) films in the presence of food stimulants. To comprehensively describe the release profiles of BP from SMC, six well-established kinetic release models were employed which includes Korsmeyer-Peppas, zero-order, first-order, second-order, Higuchi, and Hixson-Crowell models. These models played a crucial role in examining how the release fraction changes over time, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the release kinetics of BP anthocyanins. Our data analysis revealed a strong conformity with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, suggesting its applicability in describing the release of BP anthocyanins from SMC. The …