Biotechnology Commons^™

Large T Antigen Mediated Target Gene Replication Improves Site-Specific Recombination Efficiency, Zening Wang, Chuan Chen, Xin Ge

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

With advantages of high-fidelity, monoclonality and large cargo capacity, site-specific recombination (SSR) holds great promises for precise genomic modifications. However, broad applications of SSR have been hurdled by low integration efficiency, and the amount of donor DNA available in nucleus for SSR presents as a limiting factor. Inspired by the DNA replication mechanisms observed in double-stranded DNA virus SV40, we hypothesized that expression of SV40 large T antigen (TAg) can increase the copy number of the donor plasmid bearing an SV40 origin, and in consequence promote recombination events. This hypothesis was tested with dual recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) in suspension …

One-Step Production Of Fully Biotinylated And Glycosylated Human Fc Gamma Receptors, Minhyo Kang, Zening Wang, Xin Ge

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Initiating and regulating humoral immunity, Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) have been identified both as therapeutics and as drug targets, and thus production of biologically active FcγRs is highly demanded for biopharmaceutical development. Focusing on low-affinity FcγRs IIA (131H/R allotypes), IIB, and IIIA (176F/V), this study used human 293-F cells to achieve correct post-translational modifications (PTMs) including biotinylation, N-glycosylation, and disulfides. Approaches involving co-expression of FcγR-AviTag and Escherichia coli biotin ligase BirA, endoplasmic reticulum retention, stable and transient transfections, and optimization of transgene ratio were investigated. Protein electrophoresis under reducing and non-reducing conditions, enzymatic deglycosylation, streptavidin pull-down assays, and binding kinetic …

Quantitative Raman Analysis Of Human Blood Serum Of Glaucoma Patients Supplemented With Macular Pigment Carotenoids., Joy Udensi, Ekaterina Loskutova, James Loughman, Hugh J. Byrne

Datasets

Carotenoids have been widely studied for their high dietary, antioxidant, and vision protection roles in the human body. Blood contains all major dietary carotenoids and hence presents as a suitable and efficient substrate for the estimation of dietary carotenoids in vivo. Following the 18-month supplementation of open angle glaucoma patients with macula pigment carotenoids (Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin) in the European Nutrition in Glaucoma Management (ENIGMA) trial, Raman spectroscopic analysis of the pre-supplementation baseline and 18-month supplemented blood serum carotenoids from participants was carried out, to investigate the systemic impact of supplementation in the blood and explore a more direct …

Fungal Activity In Fusarium Keratoplasticum Isolates With And Without Endohyphal Bacteria On Various Carbon Sources, Maya Brown

Honors College Theses

In recent years, the fungus Fusarium keratoplastic has been associated with failed sea turtle eggs. One fungal isolate collected from a failed egg collected on Wassaw Island, GA in 2020 contained endohyphal bacteria, bacteria living within the hyphae of the fungus. The type of endohyphal bacteria (EHB), as well as the relationship between the bacteria and fungal hosts, are currently unknown. Previous research on the same fungus and EHB, specifically Chitinophaga sp., discovered that EHB influenced the ability of the fungus to utilize carbon sources. Our research goal was to examine the metabolic relationship of Fusarium isolated from failed sea …

Electrospun Tamarindus Indica-Loaded Antimicrobial Pmma/Cellulose Acetate/Peo Nanofibrous Scaffolds For Accelerated Wound Healing: In-Vitro And In-Vivo Assessments, Elbadawy A. Kamoun, Elbadawy A. Kamoun

Nanotechnology Research Centre

In this work, Tamarindus indica (T. indica)-loaded crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/cellulose acetate (CA)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) electrospun nanofibers were designed and fabricated for wound healing applications. T. indica is a plant extract that possesses antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial and wound healing properties. T. indica leaves extract of different concentrations were blended with a tuned composition of a matrix comprised of PMMA (10 %), CA (2 %) and PEO (1.5 %), and were electrospun to form smooth, dense and continuous nanofibers as illustrated by SEM investigation. In vitro evaluation of T. indicaloaded nanofibers on normal human skin fibroblasts (HBF4) revealed a high …

Utilizing Plasmid Dna Hydrogels For Cell-Free Protein Production, Tinotenda Duche

Honors Theses and Capstones

Proteins play an important role in various biological processes and are crucial components in biomedical research and therapeutics. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has provided a valuable approach for rapid protein production outside living cells, involving both transcription and translation processes. However, traditional CFPS methods encounter challenges such as high cost, relatively low yields, and scalability. The end goal of our project is to incorporate our template into the hydrogel. In this work, we report advancements towards that by trying to optimize our solution of CFPS. Unfortunately, the standards for pDNA hydrogel synthesis are not met by the pDNA production and …

Measures Of Feed Efficiency In Beef Cattle: Biological Basis And Effect On Response To Dietary Supplementation, Modoluwamu Idowu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

During the feedlot receiving period, newly weaned beef cattle face various stressors, including weaning, transportation, vaccination, and exposure to pathogens. Additionally, changes in diet and low dry matter intake contribute to nutrient deficiencies, heightening susceptibility to disease and performance declines. Therefore, we examined the effects of dietary supplementation with a multicomponent blend of prebiotics and probiotics on the health, immune status, metabolism, and performance of newly weaned beef steers during a 35-day receiving period. Our results showed that compared to the control group, the supplemental additive (SYNB) increased average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake, and meal events during the …

Structural And Functional Consequences Of Pde6 Prenylation In Rod And Cone Photoreceptors, Faezeh Moakedi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6) serves as a pivotal component in the phototransduction pathways of both cone and rod photoreceptors. In cones, PDE6 consists of tetrameric subunits: inhibitory (γ') and catalytic (α'). The catalytic subunit, PDE6α', contains a C-terminal prenylation motif. Deletion of this motif is associated with achromatopsia (ACHM), a form of color blindness. The mechanisms underlying the disease and the roles of PDE6 lipidation in vision remain elusive. Meanwhile, rod PDE6 is composed of α and β catalytic subunits and γ inhibitory subunits, with alterations in the C-terminal "prenylation motif" of PDE6β linked to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) pathology. In this comprehensive …

Developing Cellular Systems To Elucidate Rna Structural Dynamics Of Cag Expansion Transcripts In Spinocerebellar Ataxias, Victoria Demeo

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a diverse group of over 40 genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders, many of which are caused by a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion in the coding region of specific genes. These expansions lead to the production of polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts that interfere with normal protein function, triggering cellular dysfunction and contributing to disease pathogenesis. The most well-known of these SCAs, such as SCA1, SCA2, and SCA3, exhibit progressive neurodegeneration, yet the precise mechanisms through which these mutations cause disease remain poorly understood.

A significant challenge in studying CAG repeat expansion disorders lies in the complexity of the disease …

Building Better Biofuel Crops: A Field Evaluation Of Transgenic Populus Modified To Improve Feedstock Performance For Bioenergy Use, Molli Elisabeth Coombs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A transition away from fossil fuel use is necessary for the future of energy production, and biofuels are a renewable energy option that can mitigate the impacts of fossil fuels through lowered carbon emissions and possible carbon sequestration. In order to successfully compete with fossil fuels, the production of biofuels must be sustainable and cost effective. Populus species are a biofuel crop used for bioenergy conversion from lignocellulosic biomass that have been proposed for use in feedstock plantations on marginal lands, which would avoid competition with agricultural production. Two challenges of feedstock production being faced are recalcitrance to chemical processing, …

Pelletizing Of Attapulgite/Carbon Nanocomposite From Used Bleaching Earth For Continuous Treatment Of Wastewater From A Natural Rubber Factory, Lilis Hermida, Joni Agustian, Yin Fong Yeong

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The increase in global natural rubber production has correspondingly elevated the generation of wastewater. To address this, various wastewater treatment methods are being implemented, with continuous adsorption emerging as a promising approach. In this recent study, pelletizing of attapulgite/carbon nanocomposite was conducted to obtain pellet adsorbent for continuous adsorption of wastewater from natural rubber industry. The study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and performance of the pellet adsorbent in wastewater treatment. In the preparation, spent bleaching earth (SBE) with a 200-mesh particle size was calcined to obtain attapulgite/carbon nanocomposite. This nanocomposite was mixed with bentonite clay at a 70:30 (w/w) …

Policy Strategies For Developing Superior Human Resources For The Sugar Cane Agro-Industry In The Industrial Era 4.0 In Indonesia, Mursiti Mursiti, Illah Sailah, Marimin Marimin, Muhammad Romli, Alex Denni

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The development of Industry 4.0 creates new challenges for human resources. Research in the field of human resources for the sugarcane agro-industry is still rare and is important because it is a strategic commodity in Indonesian for the sustainability of the sugarcane industry. The scope of the research ranges from the cut load transportation to sugar refining. The aim of the research is to conduct human resource scenario planning towards Human Resource 4.0 in sugarcane agroindustry. The research method used is scenario planning. The data were obtained from primary and secondary data. The variables used are human resource readiness and …

Developing Herbal-Based Beverage Fermentation Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae: The Physico-Chemical Properties, Siti Madihah Mohd Don, Mas Munira Rambli, Beston Faiek Nore

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Herbal-based fermented beverages are popular non-dairy products among consumers who seek healthy and immunity-supporting products. Amongst commonly used health supplements that are added to food and beverage would be probiotics, commonly Saccharomyces cerevisiae or yeast. This study aims to determine the physico-chemical properties of fermented beverages at different fermentation periods using lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus DC. Stapf), ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), mint (Mentha), and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.). This study revealed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in pH, total soluble solids, and density in most fermented beverages after 24, 36 and 48 hours of fermentation. Low …

Kinetic Modelling During Soaking Of Dried Long Grain Paddy Mr297, Jhauharotul Muchlisyiyah, Rosnah Shamsudin, Roseliza Kadir Basha, Radhiah Shukri, Syahmeer How, Masmunira Rambli

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This study aimed to assess the soaking behaviour of MR 297 dried paddy under two conditions: room temperature and hot water soaking at 60°C. The experiment involved soaking dried MR297 paddy samples in water for 0.5 to 8 hours at room temperature and 0.5 to 5 hours for soaking at 60°C. The water absorption of MR 297 behaved differently at two different soaking conditions. The kinetic behaviour of the soaking process was also simulated using established 25 predictive models and incorporating 5 novel models presented in this work. The comparison of all prediction models involved using three statistical measures: the …

Youth Resilience Toward Climate Smart Agriculture Technology Adoption In Brunei Darussalam, Rosita Hassan, Wida S. Suhaili, Beston F. Nore, Mohamad A. Basuni

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Climate change and food security are critical issues to be addressed, nationally and globally, to reach sustainable agricultural development goals to feed the growing human population. The great challenge is to adapt to the climate change and in the meantime increase food production with sustainable farming practices that require farmers to have a paradigm shift toward climate smart agricultural technology (CSAT). Encouraging farmers to adopt and implement CSAT have become a priority for governmental policy making programmes. The question is what are the measures that can be taken for Brunei to leapfrog into this technology bandwagon to revitalise farmers for …

Unveiling The Antioxidant Properties Of Stenochlaena Palustris And Diplazium Esculentum Through Time-Dependent Analysis, Nurnajiihah A. Samad, Hasna B. Mazalan, Hazimah Sharifulazar, Aida M. Basri, Masayoshi Arai

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Medicinal plants are generally known for its health benefits and there has been ongoing research to gather evidence on potential plants that could exhibit antioxidant activities. In this study, we explored underutilised local medicinal plants which are Stenochlaena palustris and Diplazium esculentum, locally known as ‘Lemiding’ and ‘Pakis’, respectively. The aim was to determine the effect of extraction time on phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities and total phenolic content (TPC) of the two plant species. Maceration method was used to extract the compounds from leaves of the plant in distilled water at different durations of extraction i.e. 2 hours, 4 hours, …

Innovative Approaches And Challenges In Brunei's Agricultural Management, Nuramalina Manshor, Ulaganathan Subramanian

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The management and development in agriculture attract agricultural economic science for the pricing, business, farm policy, and financial knowledge. It conjointly draws on plant and animal sciences for soil, seed and fertilizer information, weed control, insect management, and rationing and breeding; agricultural engineering knowledge for farmhouses, vehicles, irrigation, field drying, drainage, and management of erosions; and data on human behavior in Science and Social Science.

Smes’ Perspectives On The Benefits And Challenges Of Halal Certificate Application In Brunei Darussalam, Kamariah Ismail, Syahnur Farhana Haji Shahlehi, Vivi Nabilah Shaya

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The knowledge and research on SMEs and Halal-related studies in Brunei Darussalam are scant. Guided by the principles of Resource-Based View theory, this qualitative study aims to identify the benefits and challenges of Halal certificate application from the perspectives of Bruneian Halal food SMEs, as they obtain the Brunei’s Halal certificate and label. Based on the purposive and snowball sampling, four semi-structured interviews were conducted with business owners and managers in the Halal food industry. Government officials were also in-terviewed to enhance the findings. Thematic analysis, supplemented by secondary data, was employed for a comprehensive understanding. Four themes emerged, covering …

Word Prediction Using Dynamic Skip Connections Along With Arabert And Lstm In Arabic Language, Ahad Almalki, Faris Kateb, Rayan Mosli

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Natural Language Generation (NLG) plays a crucial role in modern digital tools, including chatbots, virtual support, content suggestions, and tailored marketing, making bots more responsive and reducing the need for human staff. While there's much research on NLG for languages like English, languages like Arabic, Urdu, and Chinese still face challenges. This study examines Arabic NLG's unique aspects, dialects, and word variations. With around 420 million Arabic speakers globally, it's crucial to advance NLG for this language. We compared three models: Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), a mix of Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and LSTM, and a version that …

The Conceptual Review On The Effect Of Corporate Governance Monitoring Mechanisms On Tax Avoidance, Eveana Mosuin, Nor Balkish Zakaria, Yvonne Joseph Ason

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Taxes are the primary source of revenue for many nations in order to increase budget revenues and fund national development. Taxation serves multiple purposes because it can positively impact a nation's investment, education, social and economic development. However, tax authorities require assistance with the issue of tax non-compliance, which impedes tax administration and collection. One of the categories of tax non-compliance is tax avoidance, which is one of the company's strategies for legally reducing its tax burden by exploiting loopholes in tax regulations to minimise tax liability. Tax avoidance is when a company follows a particular tax strategy in the …