cover
Contact Name
Ivandini Tribidasari A.
Contact Email
ivandini.tri@sci.ui.ac.id
Phone
+622129120943
Journal Mail Official
editor_mss@ui.ac.id
Editorial Address
Directorate of Research and Community Engagement UNIVERSITAS INDONESIA UI Campus, Depok 16424 Indonesia
Location
Kota depok,
Jawa barat
INDONESIA
Makara Journal of Science
Published by Universitas Indonesia
ISSN : 23391995     EISSN : 23560851     DOI : https://doi.org/10.7454/mss
Core Subject :
Makara Journal of Science publishes original research or theoretical papers, notes, and minireviews on new knowledge and research or research applications on current issues in basic sciences, namely: Material Sciences (including: physics, biology, and chemistry); Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology (including: microbiology, physiology, ecology, taxonomy and evolution); and Biotechnology.
Arjuna Subject : -
Articles 940 Documents
Enhancing the Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Kraft Paper for Food Packaging using Poly (Lactic Acid) Coatings via Dip-Coating Technique Setyarini, Putu Hadi
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 2
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Abstract

Moisture-resistant kraft paper is important for food packaging because it helps preserve product quality and extend shelf life. However, untreated kraft paper exhibits limited barrier performance owing to the porous and hydrophilic nature of its cellulose structure. Herein, the mechanical and barrier properties of kraft paper were enhanced by applying poly (lactic acid) (PLA) coatings using a dip-coating technique with PLA concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 g/100 mL and either single- or double-dip-coating cycles. The results showed that increasing the PLA concentration and applying a double dip-coating treatment consistently improved coating thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, water resistance, and water vapor barrier performance. The best performance was achieved with the double-dipped sample coated with 5 g of PLA, which increased the thickness by up to 17%, improved tensile strength by more than 200%, increased elongation at break by 55%, reduced Cobb water absorption by 82.45%, and decreased the water vapor transmission rate by 31.19%. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed that high PLA loading and repeated dip-coating produced smooth and dense surfaces through fiber encapsulation, pore filling, and enhanced physical integration between PLA and cellulose fibers. These findings demonstrate that PLA-coated kraft paper is a promising biodegradable and scalable material for food-packaging applications requiring improved mechanical integrity and enhanced moisture-barrier performance.
Morphometric and Genetic Analyses of the Sheat Catfish Genus Ompok and Kryptopterus (Siluriidae) from the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indone-sia Jusmaldi, Jusmaldi; Gustiano, Rudhy; Haryono, Haryono; Rusdianto, Rusdianto; Wahyudewantoro, Gema; Nasution, Syahroma Husni; Yulianto, Yulianto; Aththar, Muhammad Hunaina Fariduddin; Dody, Safar; Syam, Amran Ronny; Kusmini, Irin Iriana; Yosmaniar, Yosmaniar
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 2
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Anthropogenic impacts within the watershed threaten the survival of sheat catfish. Therefore, species of the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus should be conserved and domesticated to ensure their long-term persistence. Moreover, the accurate documentation of the existence and taxonomic validity of Ompok and Kryptopterus species is crucial. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the species diversity of the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus in the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The study was conducted between June and December 2014, with an update in August 2024. Fish samples were collected from the upstream and middle reaches of the Mahakam River. A total of 655 fish were biometrically examined. Scatter plots of the principal components are used to distinguish among types and identify the primary characteristics. In addition, COI gene sequence alignment, genetic variation analysis (SNP), genetic distance, and phylogenetic tree reconstruction via the Neighbor-Joining method were performed. As reference species, GenBank contains 19 partial COI gene sequences from the genera Ompok and Kryptopterus, along with the Notopterus notopterus gene sequence as an outgroup. The COI gene sequence of Silurus glanis (Siluridae) was also used as a reference. This study demonstrated that biometrics, morphology, and genetic analysis produce mutually supportive outcomes. A strong key for practical identification will be particularly valuable for clarifying distinctions among species, as well as for their conservation and sustainable use.
Mutation Screening for Confirming Suspected Spinal Muscular Atrophy using Dried Blood Spotted on In-House Cellulose-Based Cards Wijaya, Yogik Onky Silvana; Ahza, Farda Tsaqouva; Almaszahra, Annisa Naufal; Ar Rochmah, Mawaddah; Nurputra, Dian Kesumapramudya
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 2
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Early and accurate diagnosis for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained relevance in an era of emerging therapies to improve patient outcomes. While screening of dried blood spots (DBS) effectively detects deletion-type SMA, non-deletion cases are often missed. Mutation screening from DBS is needed to address this gap. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an in-house, cellulose-based card for direct Sanger sequencing for variant hunting, avoiding DNA extraction and offering an alternative to commercial cards. As a proof of concept, sequences obtained from DBSs of 23 healthy individuals were compared with sequences derived from isolated genomic DNA (gDNA). Two DBSs from unrelated SMA-suspected cases retaining the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene were then sequenced similarly. All SMN exons from DBS were amplified and sequenced; the results were consistent with those obtained with gDNA. A common exon 3 variant was identified in two unrelated healthy individuals and was consistent in both DBS and gDNA samples. No pathovars could be detected in the DBSs of the suspected cases. These findings demonstrated the feasibility of direct sequencing from DBS on an in-house card for screening SMA mutations, particularly non-SMN1 deletions. Such an approach can enhance early diagnosis and intervention, especially in resource-limited settings.
Unraveling the Role of Tree Species Diversity in Climate Change Mitigation: A Case Study of Ecuadorian Tropical Forests Salas-Macías, Carlos Alfredo; Zamora-Ledezma, Ezequiel; Montes-Escobar, Karime; García-Saltos, Grover; Toth, Jerry; Tenorio-Mendoza, Moises; Moreira-Castro, Juan Manuel; Vinces-Obando, María Belen; Balarezo-Saltos, Luis David
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 2
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To address climate change, a crucial environmental challenge, strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential. This study examines the relationship between tree species diversity, aboveground biomass (AGB), and carbon storage across tropical forests. The research was carried out in the Jama-Coaque Ecological Reserve and the Bosque Seco Lalo Loor Ecological Reserve in northwestern Ecuador, using 16 sample plots across five forest types: Mature Moist Forest (MMF), Cloud Forest (CLF), Early Succession Forest (ESF), Tropical Dry Forest (TDF), and Mature Semi-Deciduous Forest (MSF). To obtain indices of diversity and evenness, individual species were measured within plots, along with assessments of species abundance and richness. Biomass estimation was performed using allometric equations, while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explored the relationships among diversity, structure, and carbon storage. Forests with higher diversity, such as MMF (Hʹ = 3.245), exhibited greater carbon storage in AGB (119.87 MgC ha-1). The global ranking for C storage capability among tropical forests was MMF > MSF > CLF > TDF > ESF. Species diversity influenced forest stand characteristics, increasing carbon storage potential in AGB. These findings highlight the impor-tance of diverse forests in conservation and policy, given their enhanced carbon sequestration potential for mitigating climate change.
Screening for the Suitable Signal Peptide for Secreted Nattokinase Expression in E. coli using an In Silico Approach: Precursor vs. Mature Forms Ningsih, Dewi Purwani Caya; Dewi, Kartika Sari; Santika, I Wayan Martadi; Andriani, Ade; Trinugroho, Joko Pebrianto; Yusuf, Muhammad
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 2
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Nattokinase (NK), an enzyme with thrombolytic activity, has been widely used in treating cardiovascular disease. The expression of NK in the E. coli cell host is favored due to its several benefits, though it often results in inclusion bodies. Appropriate signal peptides can be attached to the N-terminus of a protein to initiate a secretory expression system, thus preventing the nascent protein from aggregating in the cytoplasm. This study aimed to identify suitable signal peptides for the secretory expression of active NK in E. coli and to investigate the impact of pre-protein in NK secretion using an in silico approach. The target proteins used were mature NK and propeptide-NK. Fifty prokaryotic signal peptides were analyzed using several bioinformatics tools, including SignalP, SoluProt, ProtParam, ProtCompB, I-TASSER, and RNAfold. The computational analysis identified pelB, flgI, Bla1, and ompC as the most suitable signal peptides for secreting NK in the E. coli system. We also found that a propeptide is essential for maintaining the alpha-helical conformation of signal peptides, which is necessary for promoting efficient secretion. Our analysis provides valuable insights for resear-chers seeking to develop secreted recombinant NK. This method can also be applied to optimize the secretion of other proteins in E. coli
Chemical Composition and Thermal Behavior of Biopolymer Tjipetir Gutta-Percha Kartikasari, Dewi; Maulina, Wenny; Avivin, Alivia Nurul; Soedjoko, Djarwani Soeharso; Anawati, Anawati
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 3
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Natural gutta-percha, a biopolymer derived from the sap of Palaquium gutta trees, has long been utilized in endodontics for root canal obturation, yet its native physicochemical properties remain inadequately characterized. In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of pure gutta-percha from Tjipetir, West Java, Indonesia, employing spectroscopic (FTIR, NMR), crystallographic (XRD), morphological (SEM/EDS, 3D microscopy), and thermal (DSC-TGA) techni-ques. Morphological assessment demonstrated a dense, non-porous microstructure with moderate surface roughness, supported by elemental homogeneity of carbon and oxygen as shown by EDS. FTIR and NMR confirmed that the material possessed a trans-1,4-polyisoprene structure, while XRD revealed a mixed crystalline profile comprising predominantly the β-phase with minor α-phase content. Thermal analysis identified a sharp endothermic transition at 56.5 °C with ΔH = −21.01 J/g and negligible mass loss, affirming high purity and stability. These findings establish a benchmark for natural gutta-percha, supporting its continued clinical utility in thermoplastic obturation and guiding future biomaterial innovations
HBB Gene Mutations and Their Impact on Phenotype and Protein Function in β-Thalassemia Families from Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan Ayaz, Muhammad; Muzammal, Muhammad; Shafiq, Maria; Ahmad, Nisar; Iman, Dua; Faraz, Maria; Hoti, Yaser Uddin; Siraj, Sami; Khan, Muzammil Ahmad; Khan, Jabbar
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 3
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The current genetic study aimed to screen out the genetic basis of ß-thalassemia in five unrelated consanguineous Pakistani families. Blood samples were collected, and targeted Sanger Sequencing of the HBB gene was done. Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and quantitative measurements of T Helper and T Suppressor Lymphocytes were also carried out. Additionally, in silico analysis, including protein modeling, Protein-Protein docking, and Multiple sequence alignment, was also performed. Genetic analysis identified a homozygous mutation c.92+5G > C (IVS-I+5 G > C) in families 1, 2, and 3, which resulted in β+/ β+ Thalassemia Intermedia phenotype. While in the case of family 4, we identified a c.92G > C + c.92+5G > C (IVS-I+5 G > C) mutation in a compound heterozygous state that led to β+ Thalassemia Intermedia phenotype. However, in the case of family 5, a rare frameshift homozygous mutation c.17_18delCT was identified, reported only in the Balochi ethnic group throughout the history of thalassemia in Pakistan. Heterogeneous quantities of IL-6, T helper lymphocytes, and T Suppressor Lymphocytes were found in all the patients. This study offers an effective incentive to establish mutation detection as well as prenatal diagnosis (PND) centers on a larger scale, in the different ethnicities residing in the district Dera Ismail Khan (D. I. Khan), KP, Pakistan
Combined Antifungal Activity of Secondary Metabolites from Piper aduncum and Additive Oils against Sclerotium rolfsii, A Causal Agent of Stem Rot on Patchouli Cuttings Idris, Herwita; Nurmansyah, Nurmansyah; Abdullah, Syahrial; Riska, Riska; Budiyanti, Tri; Afrizon, Afrizon; Jonharnas, Jonharnas; Rosmanah, Siti; Hidayat, Taufik; Gustia, Helfi
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 3
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This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Piper aduncum secondary metabolites along with additive oils against Sclerotium rolfsii, causing stem rot on patchouli cuttings. It was conducted in two stages—an in vitro experiment using a completely randomized design with seven treatments: P. aduncum oil, combinations of P. aduncum oil with citronella grass, lemongrass, cinnamon leaf, and cloves leaf oils, a synthetic pesticide (propineb 70%), and without essential oils. The second was carried out in vivo using a factorial completely randomized design, in which the first factor was five antifungal formulations, and the second was the spraying interval. The study was done from January to December 2022 at the Laing Solok Experimental Garden, West Sumatra, Indonesia. GC–MS analysis identified four major compounds contained in P. aduncum, citronella, lemongrass, and cinnamon leaf oils, and three in clove leaf oil. All five formulations inhibited fungal growth, with the best combination being P. aduncum + citronella oil, which inhibited growth by 91.85% and biomass by 91.76%. No marked variation with synthetic pesticides as a positive comparison was observed. In the in vivo test, a combination of P. aduncum + citronella and clove leaf oils, which was applied once a week, demonstrated the maximal inhibition, resulting in 0% disease intensity. For a once-fortnight spraying interval, disease intensity increased to 33.3%–100%.
New Westernmost Record of Jansen’s Goatfish, Parupeneus jansenii (Mulli-dae) from Indian Coastal Waters Mariasingarayan, Yosuva; Mahadevan, Gopalan; Danaraj, Jeyapragash; Ponnuvel, Mohanchander
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 3
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In July 2023, five individuals of Parupeneus jansenii were collected from the Parangipettai landing center, south-eastern India (Bay of Bengal). The standard length ranged from 140 to 150 mm, and two females and three males were recorded. This study confirms the first distributional record and the westernmost valid occurrence of this species in Indian coastal waters. P. jansenii significantly differs from P. heptacanthus in having fewer pectoral fin rays, more gill rakers on the upper limb, and 27 lateral line scales. Compared with P. angulatus, P. jansenii has a shallower body, a shallower caudal peduncle, a shorter snout, a shorter anal‑fin base, and a shallower eighth dorsal‑fin ray. This record adds P. jansenii to the marine biodiversity of India
Development of an Indirect ELISA Kit for Measurement of Circulating Thyroid Peroxidase Levels in Patients with Hypothyroidism Aulanni’am, Aulanni’am; Ramadani, Devi; Khairana, Almas Dwi; Fiddaroini, Saidun; Nur, Muhammad Fikri; Wijaya, Andreas Budi; Rosandi, Rulli; Wuragil, Dyah Kinasih; Riawan, Wibi
Makara Journal of Science Vol. 30, No. 3
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Hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, affects approximately 5% of the population, especially women, thus increasing pregnancy-related risks. Conventional screening mainly measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4). Detecting the presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies indi-cates autoimmune thyroid disease. This study developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for detecting circulating TPO using polyclonal antibodies generated in rabbits. TPO was isolated from positive sera of pa-tients with hypothyroidism, purified by electroelution, and confirmed as a 52-kDa protein by Western blot. Rabbits immunized with this protein produced polyclonal antibodies with the highest titer (OD = 0.334) at week 8. Dot blot analysis demonstrated a detection capability up to a serum dilution of 1:80. The developed indirect ELISA showed reliable sensi-tivity and indicates potential cost-effectiveness. These findings demonstrate its potential as a diagnostic tool for early hypothyroidism detection and monitoring, providing a foundation for further clinical validation and broader application.