cover
Contact Name
Dinia R Dwijayanti,
Contact Email
biotropika@gmail.com
Phone
+62341-575841
Journal Mail Official
biotropika@gmail.com
Editorial Address
Departemen Biologi FMIPA UB, Jalan Veteran, 65145, Malang, Jawa Timur
Location
Kota malang,
Jawa timur
INDONESIA
Biotropika
Published by Universitas Brawijaya
ISSN : 23027282     EISSN : 25498703     DOI : 10.21776/ub.biotropika.
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology invites research articles, short communication, and reviews describing new findings/phenomena of biological sciences in tropical regions, specifically in the following subjects, but not limited to biotechnology, biodiversity, microbiology, botany, zoology, biosystematics, ecology, and environmental sciences.
Arjuna Subject : -
Articles 554 Documents
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Some Xylariaceous Fungi Panjaitan, Desimaria; Noraini; Norwahyunie; Fastanti, Fandri Sofiana; Naibaho, Frans Grovy
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2025.013.03.01

Abstract

The Xylariaceae family comprises cosmopolitan ascomycetous fungi that predominantly live as saprobes, contributing ecologically and forming interactions with various organisms. Due to their cultivability under laboratory conditions and potential to produce bioactive metabolites, members of Xylariaceae are increasingly explored for bioprospecting. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of mycelial extracts from Xylariaceae isolates collected from Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, as an initial step in exploring their bioprospective traits. Fungal specimens obtained from forest exploration were cultured in vitro to obtain axenic cultures. Liquid-state fermentation was performed to induce metabolite secretion, and the biomass was extracted (macerated) using ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH). The antimicrobial activity was tested against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans using the disk diffusion method. Antioxidant capacity was assessed via the DPPH radical scavenging assay and expressed as IC50 values. Morphological examination of six isolates (DP61–DP66) revealed characteristic features of Xylariaceae, such as upright stromata, clavate dark structures, and smooth to punctate surfaces, while their mycelia appeared white and unpigmented. Ethyl acetate extracts generally exhibited broader antibacterial effects than methanolic extracts. The EtOAc-DP62 extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 13.3 mm and 13.2 mm against B. cereus and S. aureus, respectively. MeOH-DP66 demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity, with an inhibition zone of 21.7 mm. DP62 also exhibited potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 3.44 µg/mL), surpassing ascorbic acid (IC50 = 28.32 µg/mL). Molecular identification based on ITS-rDNA sequences revealed DP62 as Nectriopsis epimycota (Bionectriaceae) and DP66 as Xylaria plebeja (Xylariaceae). Interestingly, DP62 may represent an endohyphal fungus initially associated with a xylariaceous fruiting body. These findings highlight the bioprospective value of these fungal isolates as promising antimicrobial and antioxidant-producing agents.
Exploration of Actinomycetes from Krueng Aceh River Estuary Sediments for Antibacterial Compounds Harahap, Diannita; Wahyuni, Rosi
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2025.013.03.04

Abstract

Actinomycetes are major producers of various classes of antibiotics, including those that work against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. River sediments have varying physical and chemical conditions and a source of highly complex material that is suitable for the growth of Actinomycetes. This study investigated the characteristics and genus of Actinomycetes from the Krueng Aceh Estuary sediments and their ability to produce antibiotics. Sediment samples were collected from the Krueng Aceh estuary using a purposive sampling method. The isolates were cultured on Yeast Malt Extract Agar (YMA) and identified based on morphological characteristics and biochemical tests. Antibacterial screening was conducted using the well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Environmental parameters, including current speed, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and temperature, were measured in-situ to characterize the habitat. The research identified six isolates belonging to the genera Streptomyces and Nocardia. Antibiotic activity tests using the well diffusion method revealed varying degrees of growth inhibition of against the test bacteria. Streptomyces sp.A3 demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against E. coli with an inhibition diameter area of 15.86 mm, while Streptomyces sp.A4 showed moderate activity of 4.12 mm. In addition to the tested S. aureus, Streptomyces sp.A2 exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, showing  an inhibition diameter of 16.56 mm, and Streptomyces sp.A3 showed moderate activity (4.42 mm). This study concludes that Streptomyces isolated from the Krueng Aceh river estuary possesses the potential to produce antibacterial compounds capable of inhibiting the pathogenic bacteria S. aureus and E. coli.
The Effect of Avocado Oil Cream on Accelerating Wound Healing Process: A Macroscopic Analysis Amalia, Fia; Paramanandi, Dini Agusti; Monica, Yelis Tria
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2025.013.03.03

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex physiological process involving hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phases. Natural compounds such as avocado (Persea americana) oil, rich in oleic and linoleic acids, have shown potential in supporting tissue regeneration. This study aimed to analyse the macroscopic wound healing effects of avocado oil cream at different concentrations in mice. Eighteen male Swiss Webster mice (8 weeks old, 30 g) were divided into three groups: K (0%) as a control group, P1 (25%) and P2 (50%) as the treatment groups. A 6 mm excisional wound was created on each mouse, and cream was applied once daily for seven days. Wound area and contraction were measured on days 1-7 using a digital calliper and analysed using one-way ANOVA (p>0.05). Results showed a consistent decrease in wound area and an increase in wound contraction across all groups, indicating progressive healing. Although statistical differences were not significant (p>0.05), the P2 (50%) group demonstrated a faster rate of wound area reduction and higher contraction compared to other groups. Macroscopically, P2 (50%) wound exhibited cleaner surfaces, earlier granulation tissue formation, and better epithelial coverage. These effects are likely related to the bioactive properties of avocado oil, which modulate inflammation, stimulate fibroblast proliferation, and enhance collagen remodelling. In conclusion, the topical application of avocado oil cream, particularly at a 50% concentration, showed promising macroscopic improvement in wound healing. Further studies with longer observation periods and histological analysis are recommended to confirm its therapeutic potential.
Potential of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) from The Tobacco Rhizosphere in Prancak Village to Degrade Organic Matter Hefdiyah, Hefdiyah; Ach. Kholish; Safitri, Soviana Fila
Biotropika: Journal of Tropical Biology Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Brawijaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.biotropika.2025.013.03.07

Abstract

Organic agriculture is growing in Sumenep due to heightened awareness of the negative impacts of synthetic chemical use. Utilising Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) from the rhizosphere of tobacco plants in Prancak Village presents an alternative to chemical fertilisers and pesticides. It may serve as a biostimulant, encouraging farmer independence and maintaining the organic farming practices. This study examined the diversity of bacteria in the rhizosphere of tobacco plants in Prancak Village. It also examined the efficiency of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilising bacteria, or PGPR, in decomposing organic matter. The bacterial population was measured using the total plate count method. The soil physicochemical factors considered included pH, texture, and colour, while the potential for organic matter degradation was assessed of measuring inhibition zones. The results showed that the PGPR population in the tobacco rhizosphere ranged from 0.83 to 6.68 × 106 CFU. Nine isolates of potential organic matter-degrading bacteria were identified, with index values for the Amylolytic Index (AI) ranging from 16.7 mm to 42.8 mm, Cellulolytic Index (CI) from 68 cm to 4.31 cm, Proteolytic Index (PI) from 2.05 mm to 5.94 mm, and Lipolytic Index (LI) from 1.62 mm to 5.20 mm.