compilation of abstracts 2015

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ANTIOXIDATIVE CONSTITUENTS OF BITTER LEAF, Vermonia
amygdalina
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Ainaa Syafiqah binti Mohd Alias [UK28878]

: Dr. Norhayati Yusuf

ABSTRACT

Botanical ingredients in dietary supplements, including traditional herbal medicines and
foods, contain bioactive constituents with potential health benefits. Many herbal
medicines possess antioxidant properties that play an important role in therapeutics.
Vernonia amygdalina is a perennial herb which possess a natural antioxidants to prevent
any diseases. This study was conducted to determine and to compare the specific activities
of enzymatic antioxidants and the amounts of non-enzymatic antioxidants in leaf and stem
of V. amygdalina. For enzymatic antioxidants, the guaiacol peroxidase (g-POD) specific
activity in leaf (16.17 ± 0.68 units/mg protein) was significantly higher compared to stem
(11.39 ± 0.31 units/mg protein). g-POD was the most prominent enzymatic antioxidants
due to its higher specific activity in both leaf and stem compare to the other antioxidants.
Meanwhile, the amount of α-tocopherol in leaf (544.98 ± 3.07 μg/g fresh weight) was the
highest among non-enzymatic antioxidants. It can be concluded that the specific activities
of enzymatic antioxidants and the amounts of non-enzymatic antioxidants were higher in
leaves compared to stem.

50

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : TREMATODES AND GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES
INFECTION IN THREE CATTLE FARMS LOCATED IN KUALA
AUTHOR TERENGGANU
SUPERVISOR
CO-SUPERVISOR : Nurul Sakiinah binti Mohd Azhari [UK28879]

: Dr. Khadijah Saad

: Dr. Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim

ABSTRACT

Endoparasite infection such as from trematodes and gastrointestinal nematodes are the
major problem faced by farmers as it will lead to losses on economy and affects livestock
industry. A study was conducted to determine the prevalance of the trematodes and
gastrointestinal nematodes infections at three cattle farms located in Kuala Terengganu.
Twenty-nine faecal samples from three different farms were examined and subjected to
sedimentation technique, McMaster method and faecal culture to estimate the trematodes
egg, nematodes egg and identification of the third stage of larvae. The overall prevalence
of infection was 62% for liver fluke and 17% mixed infection of Fasciola (liver fluke) and
Paramphistomum (rumen fluke). There was no cattle infected with nematodes. The mean
egg count for liver fluke egg were 16.4 ± 8.5 e.p.g., 2.9 ± 0.9 e.p.g. and 32.1 ± 18.5e.p.g. in
Kampung Teluk Pasu, Kampung Tok Dir and Kampung Bukit Tok Beng respectively. The
result indicated that there was no significant difference of fluke egg count between the
three farms. The study indicated higher prevalence of liver fluke infection compared to
the Paramphistomum and nematodes infection. Result from this study were submitted to
Department of Veterinary Services which can be used as a reference for the parasite
treatment and control in respective farms. Further studies on factor affecting the rate of
the endoparasite transmission such as breed, age and seasonal changes are required to
improve the livestock quality in Malaysia.

51

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : WOUND HEALING EFFECT OF Moringa oleifera LEAVES
EXTRACT
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Amiladziffar binti Ramli [UK28880]
CO-SUPERVISOR : Dr. Nurul Huda Abd Kadir @ Abdul Rahman

: Dr. Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim

ABSTRACT

Moringa oleifera Lam. is one of the well-known medicinal plants which have been used
traditionally for centuries by the world populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the wound healing effects of M. oleifera methanolic leaves extract at various
concentrations using AlamarBlue Cell Viablility Assay and wound scratch assay on human
dermal fibroblast cell lines. Various concentrations of leaves extract (1 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL,
and 4 mg/mL) from M. oleifera plant were treated on fibroblast cells in order to examine
its wound healing properties through scratch assay. FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum) has been
used as a positive control to compare the efficacy among the concentrations in this
experiment. The concentration of 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL were found to stimulate
proliferation and enhanced migration rate of fibroblast cells within 48 hours treatment.
Based on phytochemical profile analysis of the plant extract conducted by UV-Vis
spectrophotometer, it was shown that quercetin might be one of the compounds in the M.
oleifera crude extract that actively involved in stimulating wound healing. This study has
concluded that M. oleifera leaves may possess wound healing properties and be
considered as a potential wound healing agent.

52

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : FLEAS AND LICE INFECTION ON CATS AROUND HOSTELS
AND CAFETERIAS AT UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nur Sulaiha binti Dali [UK28881]

: Dr. Khadijah Saad

ABSTRACT

Infection of fleas and lice on cats able to cause flea allergy dermatitis and transmit many
bacteria cause serious injuries. This study was conducted to determine the presence of
fleas and lice infection on cats around hostel and cafeteria of UMT and to identify the
common species of fleas and lice on cats according to their morphological characteristics.
Due to no study on flea and lice infection being carried out, this first attempted have
provide the prevalence of infection. 58 cats were randomly selected around the hostel and
the cafeteria at UMT and were combed to obtain the fleas and lice. The fleas and lice
sample obtained was processed to remove the liquid inside its body and preserved in
permanent mount. The study revealed that the overall prevalence of fleas and lice
infestation on cats at UMT was 57%. Infection occurred around hostels was about 67%,
while infection around cafeterias was 33%. The common species of fleas and lice that able
to be identified on cats in UMT were Ctenocephalides felis (33%) and Felicola subrostratus
(22%). The status of infection on adult cat and kitten was found to be similar, X2 (1, N =
58) = 3.67, p > 0.05 but there were significant differences between infection on female
compared to male, X2 (1, N = 58) = 8.76, p < 0.05. Further action should be taken by
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu with Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Terengganu to control this
problem and prevent any infection toward students and staffs.

53

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ASSESSMENT OF ANTICANCER PROPERTIES FROM Raphanus
sativus (WHITE RADISH) AGAINST MCF-7 CELL LINES*
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nur Amaliena binti Zamri [UK28882]
CO-SUPERVISOR : Dr. Nurul Huda Abd Kadir @ Abdul Rahman

: Prof. Dr. Nakisah Mat Amin

ABSTRACT

Chemotherapy can cause adverse effects to the patients and cancer cells may develop drug
resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Thus, it is a need to find chemopreventive agents that
are specific and less toxic to normal cells. In this study, our objectives are to 1) Examine
the presence of 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate in Raphanus sativus, 2) to
determine the cytotoxicity effect of R. sativus and 3) to determine the phenotypic of cell
death using AOPI staining and 4) to determine the expression of p38 MAPK in treated
MCF-7 cell lines. 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate was found to be presence in R.
sativus water extract using GC-MS analysis. On the other hand, IC50 of R. sativus water
extract were 167 μg/mL, 155 μg/mL and 150 μg/mL at 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. Our
AOPI staining results have shown that the induction cell death after the exposure with R.
sativus was due to apoptosis. In order to confirm the apoptotic event of the treated MCF-
7 cells, p38 protein expression was carried out. The result has shown that p38 protein
regulation was up-regulated at 24 h and down-regulated after 48 h. We can conclude that
the compound in R. sativus water extract can inhibit cancerous cells as well it can induce
apoptosis to the cells. Therefore, the compounds in R. sativus water extract can be utilised
for pharmaceutical used.

* Winner of the BEST FINAL YEAR PROJECT FOR BSc. (BIOLOGICAL SECINCES) 2015

54

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : EFFECT OF MERCURIC ION ON THE SURFACE MORPHOLOGY
AND DNA OF Chlorella vulgaris (UMT- M1)
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Devanthiran S/O Letchumanan [UK28883]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Hazlina Ahamad Zakeri

: Dr. Fatimah Hashim

ABSTRACT

Disturbance of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals pollution has a consequence in the loss
of biological diversity, as well as increased bioaccumulation in the food chain. Microalgae
the main primary producers in marine and freshwater ecosystems play an important role
in the equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems and represents highly suitable biological
indicators of environmental changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of
highly toxic heavy metal mercury on some physiological and biochemical activities and
also morphological structures of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris prior to metal
bioaccumulation. Alternatively, microalgae can be also used in bioremediation process of
heavy melat polluted water treatment. In this study, the effects of mercuric ions (Hg(II)
on the color (green pigments) of culture, membarne morphology and DNA damage of C.
vulgaris (UMT- M1), were observed in detail. The half maximal inhibitory concentration
(i.e IC50 ) of Hg(II) on the growth and viability of C. vulgaris cells obtained from this study
was 0.67 mg/L. Under the light and scanning electron microscopes, it was observed that
Hg(II) treated cells become smaller in size (i.e. ±2.4 µm) compared to untreated cells (i.e.
±3.0 µm). The shape of C. vulgaris cells was changed from spherical to wrinkled in
untreated and treated cells, respectively. Apoptotic cell bodies were also observed on the
surface membrane of C. vulgaris cells treated with 0.001 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L
of Hg(II) but was not present in the highest concentration of 1.0 mg/L Hg(II). The highest
percentage 27% C. vulgaris cells with level 4 DNA damage was observed in 1.0 mg/L Hg(II)
and the score levels obtained for DNA damage was significant (p< 0.05). In conclusion,
even a small amount of Hg(II) present in the environment can have an effect to C. vulgaris
by changing its morphology, disrupting its physiological and biochemical processes and
damaging its DNA. Changes in color (green pigments), membrane morphology and DNA of
Chlorella vulgaris culture and cells when exposed to heavy metal mercuric ion can be used
as the suitable biomarkers to show mercuric ion toxicity.

55

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : WOUND HEALING EFFECT OF Chromolaena odorata LEAVES
EXTRACT
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Syazwani binti Awang [UK28884]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Nurul Huda Abdul Kadir @ Abd Rahman

: Dr. Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim

ABSTRACT

Current method that were used to treat wound possess unwanted side effect. Thus, the use
of alternative treatment was currently important. Chromolaena odorata has been used for
many centuries for remedial purpose such as wound healing because of its properties to
enhance cell growth. Nowadays, herbal medicines were favourable in treating ailments
due to its properties. In this research, polyphenolic compounds in C. odorata were
screened and used to study its role in promoting cell growth during wound healing.
Methanol extraction was used for C. odorata plant extraction. The extract were further
analysed using UV/VIS spectroscopic in order to detect the quercetin compounds and the
absorbance of 26 mg/mL of methanolic crude extract was 2.68 absorbance units to give
140.54 mg/mL of quercetin content. The proliferation and viability of fibroblast cells was
observed by AlamarBlue assay and wound scratch assay were done to observed fibroblast
cells migration. C.odorata extract exhibited the proliferation and migration of fibroblast
cells compared to control. As conclusion, quercetin was one of the important compounds
that responsible in the bioactivities of C.odorata extract. The compounds are proven to
have a role in promoting fibroblast cell growth and one of the potential mechanisms
contributing to enhance wound healing.

56

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : VARYING YEAST EXTRACT CONCENTRATION AND ITS
EFFECT ON Saccharomyces cerevisiae DRY CELL WEIGHT AND
AUTHOR ETHANOL PRODUCTION IN BATCH FERMENTATION SYSTEM
SUPERVISOR
: Nurul Aisyah binti Ahmad Shukeri [UK28885]

: Dr. Azila Adnan

ABSTRACT

Ethanol is the best alternative fuel containing 35% of oxygen and helps in reducing air
pollution caused by biofuels and petroleum. Previous studies focused more on the
production of ethanol using yeast extract concentration on bacterial strain which did not
reach the level sufficient for commercial applications. The aims of this study were to
investigate the effect of different concentration of yeast extract on Saccharomyces
cerevisiae dry cell weight and ethanol production. The concentrations of yeast extract were
varied at 3, 5 (positive control), 7 and 9 g/L. The dry cell weight was measured after
centrifugation of samples at 3900rpm, 4ºC for 30 minutes. At 9 g/L yeast extract, it showed
that the dry cell weight performed highest in this concentration with 7.6 g/L among other
concentration. The 3, 5-dinitrosalycylic acid (DNS) assay (Miller, 1959) was used to
investigate the residual glucose after 24 hours fermentation. At 7 g/L yeast extract, the
residual glucose was the lowest with 19.54 g/L, hence, showed the highest consumption
of glucose by the S. cerevisiae with 11.90 g/L. Next, the High Performance Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC) was used with C18 column to detect ethanol formation and 3 g/L
yeast extract showed the highest concentration among all with 56.22 g/L ethanol
concentration. Therefore, it is concluded that S. cerevisiae responded better at 9 g/L, 7 g/L
and 3 g/L yeast extract concentration for production of dry cell weight, residual sugar
analysis and ethanol production respectively. It is suggested that the production of ethanol
as an alternative to high cost fuel can be maximized by growing S. cerevisiae on 3 g/L yeast
extract in large –scale fermentation, for example in bioreactor.

57

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : CHARACTERIZATION OF EMERGENCE AND RECURRENCE OF
PERSISTENT BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM HUMAN CERUMEN
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Wan Nur Addina binti Zakaria [UK28886]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim

: Dr. Azila Adnan

ABSTRACT

Persistent bacteria are a small fraction of quiescent bacterial cells that survive lethal
antibiotics or stresses and able to regrow under appropriate conditions. Microbial
persisters can cause recurrent or intractable infections, they carry an increasing clinical
burden, for instance, in context of human ear healthcare, they may cause otitis media. In
this study, bacterial species isolated from healthy human cerumen have been identified by
undergoing Gram staining and rapid identification with biochemical test. Five samples out
of twelve were identified: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus,
Rhodococcus equi, two samples of Staphylococcus capitis with an unidentified species. In
this study, the emergence and recurrence rate of the persisters from those species were
characterised by challenging them with different concentration of erythromycin and
metronidazole. Antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted by applying quantitative
method, macrobroth dilution MIC test and measured using spectrophotometer at 600nm.
The treatments of the antibiotics were doneseparately for both antibiotics. For
erythromycin, seven batches of antibiotic concentrations were incubated at 37oC, while
for metronidazole, eleven batches of antibiotic concentrations. There results show that S.
aureus is more susceptible to metronidazole with the lowest MIC. Those three species are
persistent to erythromycin. Molecular work is recommended for a concrete result.

58

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF AMOEBAE FROM GILLS
OF PANGASIUS HYPOPHTHALMUS : A PRELIMINARY STUDY
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nurhamizah binti Abdullah [UK28887]

: Dr. Fatimah Hashim

ABSTRACT

Pathogenic amoebae have potential to cause disease such as amoebic gill disease (AGD) in
fish. However, lack of knowledge to isolate and cultivate amoebae from fishes in Malaysia
become the main limitation for identification of amoebic infection, even though a number
of fatal cases caused by sudden death among fishes have been reported. Moreover, lack of
reported cases about AGD in Malaysia lead to less awareness among fish farmers about
pathogenicity of amoebae. The objectives of this study are to isolate and identify the genus
of the amoebae from gills of Pangasius hypophthalmus based on their morphological
characteristics by using light microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Tentatively, hree different genus of amoebae were identified, which were Hartmannella,
Echinamoeba, and Vannella. It is also recommended to further this study by using
molecular technique to identify the amoebae up to species level.

59

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : GENOTOXICITY STUDY OF NICKEL CHLORIDE IN Chlorella
vulgaris
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nur Hasana binti Ahmad Zaki [UK28889]

: Dr. Fatimah Hashim

ABSTRACT

Chlorella vulgaris is one of the microalgae that can be used as a bio-indicator for our
environment particularly aquatic environment. Many studies have been done on the effect
of heavy metals to this microalgae, but there were only few studies that focus on the effect
of heavy metals especially nickel chloride, NiCl2 on the genetic materials of C. vulgaris. In
this study, fifty percent inhibition concentration (IC50) value of NiCl2 after being exposed
to C. vulgaris were determined. Morphological changes of C. vulgaris were observed and
genotoxicity potential of NiCl2 was evaluated. C. vulgaris were first cultivated and treated
with different concentration of NiCl2 solution which were 0.001 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.1
mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL and no treatment of NiCl2 as negative control. The IC50
value was estimated using the dose-response graph constructed after 72 hours of
treatment followed by alkaline comet assay to evaluate the genotoxicity of NiCl2. As a
result, the IC50 value obtained was 7.4 mg/mL and algae from the highest concentration
shows rough surface as compared to control treatment as viewed using scanning electron
microscope (SEM). No distinct differences were obtained when the samples were viewed
under light microscope. Comet assay scoring shows score 0 is the most dominant score for
each treatment, but at score 4, the highest concentration which is 10.0 mg/mL shows the
highest population of algal cells. For a more precise result on what happened to the genetic
materials, molecular work have to be done in the future.

60

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : INVESTIGATION ON CYTOTOXIC AND GENOTOXIC EFFECTS
OF EUROPIUM (Eu) COMPLEXES ON Acanthamoeba sp. (HKL
AUTHOR ISOLATE)
SUPERVISOR
CO-SUPERVISOR : Afiq bin Adnan [UK28890]

: Dr. Fatimah Hashim

: Prof. Dr. Nakisah Mat Amin

ABSTRACT

Acanthamoeba is free-living protozoa that can be found in various environments where it
is also an opportunistic pathogen. Pathogenic Acanthamoeba can cause disease related to
the eyes known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and until now, there is no effective
treatment against this disease. In this study, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity potential of
synthetic europium (Eu) complexes on Acathamoeba cells were investigated to discover
their anti-amoebic properties. The cytotoxicity potential of synthesis Eu complexes were
evaluated through the establishment of 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) values on
Acanthamoeba cells by MTT colorimetric assays and through acridine orange and
propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining together with the use of light and fluorescence
microscopy. Next, the genotoxicity potential of Eu complexes on Acanthamoeba cells was
analyzed by alkaline comet assay. From the observation under fluorescence microscopy
treated Acanthamoeba cells were stained with yellow, orange and red nucleus and also
showed several type 3 and type 4 DNA damage in alkaline comet assay. The results showed
that Eu complexes exhibit cytotoxic and genotoxic effect on Acanthamoeba cells.
Therefore, it proves that Eu complexes have the potential to establish as new anti-amoebic
agents in further research.

61

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ASSESSMENT OF ANTICANCER PROPERTIES OF Moringa
oleifera WATER EXTRACT AGAINST MCF-7 CELLS
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Muhamad Hatib bin A Rahaman [UK28891]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Nurul Huda Abd Kadir @ Abdul Rahman

: Prof. Dr. Nakisah Mat Amin

ABSTRACT

Glucosinolates are the most abundance compounds in Brassicaceae, Moringaceae and
Caricaceae. The glucosinolates will be hydrolysed to their degradation products by
myrosinase when those plant tissues are disrupted. Water extract of Moringa oleifera
leaves (MOL) was screened for anticancer activity against breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-
7) cells. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) that are abundance in MOL extract possess cytotoxic
effect on MCF-7 cells were evaluated by using AlamarBlue® assay. The water extract of
MOL showed significant potential to reduce the viability of MCF-7 cells with exclusive 50%
inhibition concentration (IC50) on each time point of the treatments (IC50: 25.3 μg/mL after
24 hours; 18.8 μg/mL after 48 hours; and 6.25 μg/mL after 72 hours). This anticancer
activity was corresponded with the morphological changes of the MCF-7 cells after stained
with acridine orange and propidium iodide (AO/PI) dyes where the treated MCF-7 cells
showed typical criteria of apoptosis mode of cell death. p38 mitogen-activated protein
kinase (MAPK) was detected using Western blot technique and our result has shown that
p38 protein expression of treated MCF-7 with MOL extract was upregulated after 24 hours
and down regulated after 48 hours, suggesting that cell death event induced by MOL
extract was due to apoptosis.

62

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ENDOPARASITE INFECTION IN CATS AROUND UNIVERSITI
MALAYSIA TERENGGANU
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nurul Syuhada binti Izanda [UK28893]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Khadijah Saad

: Dr. Siti Nor Khadijah Addis

ABSTRACT

Cats in Peninsular Malaysia especially stray cats are normally infected with endoparsite
such as helminths and protozoa and may potentially cause harm to human’s health.
Studies on the prevalence endoparasite infection in cats have received little attention in
Peninsular Malaysia especially in Kuala Terengganu. This knowledge and studies allow for
improved explanation as to distribution of parasitism. This study was conducted to
determine the prevalence of endoparasite infection in cats around Universiti Malaysia
Terengganu (UMT) and to identify the genus of endoparasite eggs present in faeces of the
cats by the morphological characteristics. Thirty faecal samples of cats were collected
around UMT and examined using faecal direct smear and flotation faecal methods. The
overall prevalence endoparasite infection in cats was 29(97%). The parasite detected in
the samples were Spirometra spp. (57%; 95%CI: 0.26-0.59), Ancylostoma spp. (37%;
95%CI: 0.13-0.42), Toxocara spp. (23%; 95%CI: 0.52-0.30), Taenia spp. (3%; 95%CI: 0.03-
0.08), Isospora spp. (10%; 95%CI: 0.01-0.16) and Entamoeba spp. (3%; 95%CI: 0.03-0.08).
From this study, it is clear that the abundance of parasite in cats would facilitate zoonotic
transmission by some of these species of parasites and these cats may have an important
role in the transmission of some diseases. So, it is imperative for students and workers to
avoid faecal contamination in public areas. Proper hygiene, including washing hands
before meals, cleaning soil from vegetables for workers at cafeteria, and reducing
exposure to cat faeces can prevent the infection.

63

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : WOUND HEALING EFFECT OF Piper sarmentosum EXTRACT
ON FIBROBLAST CELL LINE
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nida Husna binti Azhar [UK28894]

: Dr. Nurul Huda Abd Kadir @ Abdul Rahman

ABSTRACT

Piper sarmentosum has been used for centuries as traditional medicine because they
therapeutic value. This plant was used to treat many ailments such as toothache and ulcer.
In this study, polyphenolic compounds were detected in the P. sarmentosum methanolic
extract using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The absorbance of 26mg/ml of P. sarmentosum
methanolic extract was 2.4541 absorbance units give to 128.64 mg/ml indicating the
presence of polyphenolic compounds. Polyphenolic compound, quercetin has been used
as a control to prove that this compound is responsible for wound healing effect of P.
sarmentosum methanolic extract. For cell proliferation properties determination using
AlamarBlue assay, treatment with P. sarmentosum extract and quercetin has shown
proliferation of human fibroblast cells. In addition, scratch assay was conducted to
determine the wound healing property of the extract. The cells treated with P.
sarmentosum methanolic extract and quercetin showed positive scratch closure rate. Both
P. sarmentosum methanolic extract and quercetin have showed the same growth trend for
human fibroblast cell proliferation and migration. As conclusion, quercetin is the
compound which responsible for wound healing effect of P. sarmentosum methanolic
extracts.

64

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ISOLATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL IDENTIFICATION OF
AMOEBAE FROM HORSESHOE CRAB’S BOOK GILLS
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Norshuhadah binti Mustakim [UK28895]

: Dr. Fatimah Hashim

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms including protozoa have been reported to cause disease such as amoebic
gill disease infected in marine organisms such as fish and crustacean. Due to lack of
attention of amoebic infection, it has been misdiagnosed as other microbial infection, thus
there are no cases of amoebic infection in fish and crustaceans being reported in Malaysia.
The aims of this study are to isolate and identify the genus of amoebae from horseshoe
crab’s book gills based on morphological identification. Observations on its morphological
characteristics of amoebae isolated were identified under light and scanning electron
microscope. Tentatively three genera of amoebae had been observed in this study, which
are Hartmannella, Saccamoeba and Echinamoeba. Results obtained confirmed the
occurrence of amoebae in Malaysian marine arthropods and further studies can be carried
out by identification of species of amoebae based on molecular technique.

65

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : THE EFFECT OF pH ON GROWTH AND PHENOLIC CONTENT
OF Labisia pumila CULTURES
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Siti Nor Aishah bt Ahmad Azemi [UK28896]

: Dr. Norhayati Yusuf

ABSTRACT

pH of the soil was the most important factor that contribute to the plant growth and quality
of the crops. Many recent studies were focusing on temperatures, salinity, and heavy
metals effects on plants culture. So, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect
of pH on plant growth and phenolic content in Labisia pumila cultures. Plants were sub
cultured in different pH such as 5.0, 6.0 and 5.7 as a control and harvested every 5 days
until 20 days. The results obtained showed that the optimum pH that suitable for plant
growth was pH 6.0. The phenolic content was also produced higher in pH 6.0. Therefore,
it is suggested that for further research, the optimum pH suitable for every plants species
need to be determined so that it can improve growth quality and their metabolite
synthesis.

66

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : GROWTH AND TOXICITY OF Colletotrichum capsici (FUNGUS)
CULTURED ON DEFINED AND UNDEFINED MEDIA
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Siti Mardhiah binti Ishak [UK28897]

: Dr. Norhayati Yusuf

ABSTRACT

Colletotrichum capsici is an important pathogenic fungus and contributes in disease of
economically important crop such as Capsicum annuum. L. This fungus causes anthracnose
to the chilli plant and due to the infection it causes the yield of chilli plant to be decreased.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the growth of C. capsici on defined and
undefined media and measured the toxicity of this fungus by chlorophyll content, necrosis
and seed germination test. Parameter determined was the growth of the fungi (diameter,
fresh and dry weight), chlorophyll content, necrosis and seed germination. The results
showed that the fungus grew faster on undefined media compared to defined media. Then
the toxicity of this fungus showed that this fungus inhibited the germination of mustard
seed, increased necrosis on leaf disc and decreased the chlorophyll content of C. annuum.
The culture filtrate at age day 16 was found to be toxic compared to other ages. Since there
are no published reports of specific fungicide on enzyme production by C. capsici and it is
recommended that further development is carried out on fungicides production against C.
capsisi to reduce the fungal growth and toxicity.

67

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ESTABLISHING PROTEIN EXTRACTION METHODS AND FIRST
DIMENSION GEL ELECTROPHORESIS ON RICE PLANT (Oryza
AUTHOR sativa L. indica)
SUPERVISOR
: Yoges D/O Karupaih [UK28949]

: Dr. Ma Nyuk Ling

ABSTRACT

The protein studies have been established on plant since long time ago. A number of
protein studies also have been done on Oryza sativa, rice plant. However there are no best
protein extraction method has been established for Oryza sativa indica. Four protocols,
which were tricholoroacetic (TCA)/Acetone, multi detergent, phenol and sodium
hydroxide were compared for the extraction of proteins from rice plant which is an
economically and nutritionally important plant. An amount of 100 mg of rice powder were
used for each extraction which was obtained from the rice leaves that has been planted at
the green house in a controlled condition. Identification of the best protein extraction was
through running the protein sample extracted on the first dimension gel. Throughout the
experiment, the results were that all four methods produced a fair amount of protein.
However the TCA/Acetone method was superior to other methods. Through the
observation on the first dimension gel electrophoresis, it shows that the TCA/Acetone
protein extraction method produces better bands compared to the other methods.

68

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ENDOPARASITE INFECTION IN THREE CATTLE FARMS
LOCATED IN KUALA TERENGGANU
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Muhammad Ariff bin Zol [UK29599]

: Dr. Khadijah Saad

ABSTRACT

Endoparasite infection is an important parasitic disease found worldwide affecting cattle,
buffalo, sheep and goat, as well as other domestic ruminants. This study was conducted to
determine endoparasite infection in three different cattle farms in Kampung Surau Haji
Daud and Kampung Banggol Peradong, Kuala Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. Twenty
percent of the population of cattle from each farm were chosen and examined for the
presence of parasite. Faecal samples were subjected to Fasciola and Paramphistomum egg
counts for determination of trematodes infection on particular cattle from current farm.
Modified McMaster technique, sedimentation method and faecal egg culture were
conducted to detect the presence of endoparasite. The results obtained shows that
trematode infection was common in farm at Kampung Surau Hj. Daud, Chendering, and
Kampung Banggol Peradong, Kuala Terengganu which indicates 86.7%. The highest
prevalence was liver fluke infection (74.2%), followed by stomach fluke infection (13.3%).
The size of egg observed was measured to ensure whether the eggs presence were
Fasciola‟s egg or Paramphistomum‟s egg. Therefore, it is suggested that further study
should be done in others farm in Kuala Terengganu to know the current status of
endoparasite infection and this result can assist the Department of Veterinary Services,
Malaysia to plan on the treatment and management that will improve the health of
livestock in the area of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

69

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ISOLATION OF HOUSEKEEPING GENE ACTIN FROM MARINE
MICROALGA, Chlorella vulgaris
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Jesreen Tega [UK29623]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cha Thye San

: Dr. Malinna Jusoh

ABSTRACT

Microalgae are photoautotrophic microorganisms of a very diverse phylogenetic position.
Microalgae depict numbers of advantages such as fast growth, proficient carbon dioxide
fixation, high lipid content and carbohydrates accumulating potential. Chlorella vulgaris is
one of the most favourable microalga species that currently serves as a potential biodiesel
feedstock and is widely used in pharmaceutical industry. Due to the increasing roles of C.
vulgaris in biotechnological industries and research, there is a need to study and analyze
C. vulgaris at gene expression level. Housekeeping genes are used as reference genes in
gene expression study because they are widely expressed in variety of tissues and show
only minimal changes in expression levels. Therefore, the stability of expression of
housekeeping gene is important for accurate and reliable normalization in real-time
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments. This study was undertaken to isolate
one of the most used reference gene, actin, in C. vulgaris. In this study, RNA from C. vulgaris
was extracted and converted into cDNA through reverse transcription. Specific primers
were designed to isolate actin gene through PCR. Results showed that 261 bp of actin gene
was successfully isolated and the actin gene encoded for 87 amino acids. The isolated actin
gene is also classified into a nucleotide binding domain together with sugar kinase and
heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) superfamily. This superfamily possessed the same function
regarding ATP binding site. The sequencing analysis of the isolated actin gene showed that
it has high homology to the green algae with 80% to 88% nucleotide identity while the
homology with higher plants is in the range of 76% to 80%. Therefore, the isolated actin
gene is suitable to be used as a candidate for validation of stability as a reference gene in
RT-PCR studies in C. vulgaris.

70

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULIN RESPONSE TOWARDS
SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION OF Lactobacillus plantarum
AUTHOR POLYSACCHARIDES-ADJUVANTED VACCINE OF Mannheimia
SUPERVISOR haemolytica A2
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Chiam Yin Yin [UK29625]

: Prof. Dr. Mohd Effendy Abdul Wahid

: Dr. Siti Nor Khadijah Addis

ABSTRACT

Mannheimia haemolytica A2 is one of the most important respiratory pathogen that causes
pneumonic pasteurellosis in sheep and goats worldwide. The bacteria infection would lead
to the declining in the production of meat and milk in the ruminants. Currently,
commercially available vaccines are unable to provide long lasting specific immunity
against pneumonic pasteurellosis. Thus, adjuvant is one of the approaches that could be
used to improve the efficiency of the vaccine. This study was carried out to determine the
potential of exopolysaccharide (EPS) extracted from Lactobacillus plantarum as the
adjuvant for M. haemolytica A2 vaccine and to determine the antibody response in serum
triggered by EPS-adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted vaccines following subcutaneous
injection. Nine Sprague dawley white rats were equally divided into 3 groups. Group A was
the negative control with no treatment given, group B was the positive control which
treated with vaccine alone while group C was treated with EPS-adjuvanted vaccine. All
treated animals were immunized subcutaneously on day 7 and were challenged with 108
CFU/mL of live M. haemolytica A2 through intraperitoneal injection on day 21. Blood
serum samples of all tested rats were collected every week for serological analyses of the
development of immunoglobulin level (IgA) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA). Based on the two ways ANOVA analysis, group C showed the higher development
of IgA in serum than other groups. Therefore, EPS extracted from L. plantarum has a
potential to be adjuvant for M. haemolytica A2 vaccine. Further researches could be carried
out to study the chemical and physical characteristic as well as the toxicity of EPS extracted
from L. plantarum for better understanding in its nature and role in stimulating the
immune response.

71

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : CYTOTOXICITY AND GENOTOXCITY OF LANTHANIDE
COMPLEXES ON Acanthamoeba sp.
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Siti Khadijah binti Syed Mohammed Nazri [UK29647]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Fatimah Hashim

: Prof. Dr. Nakisah Mat Amin

ABSTRACT

Acanthamoeba sp. is the most common free-living amoeba (FLA) found in a wide range of
environmental niches. Eye infection elicited by an Acanthamoeba sp. is possible to produce
a progressive sight threat, Acanthamoeba keratitis. Until now, there is no appropriate
treatment to treat Acanthamoeba keratitis. In this study, the anti-amoebic potential of
lanthanide complexes assessed through the institution of dose response and 50 %
inhibition concentration (IC50) values on Acanthamoeba cells by MTT colorimetric assay,
whereas cytotoxicity and genotoxicity study were evaluated by light and fluorescence
microscopy. The effects of lanthanide complexes at the genomic level on the
Acanthamoeba were observed by using alkaline comet assay. Based on the result,
EO4.Ce(Pic) was the strongest inhibition activity with 3 μg/ml followed by EO4.Pr(Pic),
9.5 μg/ml, EO4.Nd(Pic), 10.75 μg/ml, and EO4.Dy(Pic), 24.75 μg/ml. Under fluorescence
microscopy, untreated Acanthamoeba when stained with acridine orange and propidium
iodide fluoresced green with a green intact nucleus representing healthy and viable cells.
Lanthanide complexes-treated Acanthamoeba cells nevertheless, were observed with
orange-red nuclei indicating necrotic type of cells, yellow nucleus demonstrated
distinctive criteria of apoptotic cells and orange lysosomes specified as autophagic cell
death. Genotoxicity testing by alkaline comet assay conducted in this study indicated that
lanthanide complexes showed genotoxicity effects towards Acanthamoebacells after two
hours treatment. Based on the findings, it is highly recommended that further research be
carried out to study this potential lanthanide as new anti-amoebic agents.

72

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF AMOEBAE FROM
Oreochromis sp. BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL APPROACH: A
AUTHOR PRELIMINARY STUDY
SUPERVISOR
: Ainur Munirah bt Ahmad Munadi [UK29695]

: Dr. Fatimah Hashim

ABSTRACT

Amoebic infections in fish are highly potential since free living amoebae (FLA) are very
abundant in freshwater, soil. Therefore the purposes of this study were to confirm the
presence of amoeba from the gills of Oreochromis sp. (Red Tilapia) and to identify the
unknown amoebae isolated based on its morphological characteristics. Isolation of
amoebae followed by the observation for the amoebae was done by using inverted light
microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result from this study putatively
showed four genera which are Hartmannella, Vexillifera, Vannella and Naegleria were
present on gills of Oreochromis sp. based on morphological characteristics. In conclusion,
all of the Oreochromis sp. showed positive culture of amoebae and have been identified. It
is recommended for identification of species associated with fish will be by molecular
approach.

73

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : EVALUATION OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI AGAINST THE
BLOW FLY, Chrysomia rufifacies (DIPTERA: CALLIPHORIDAE)
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nur Syahirah binti Mohd Yusof [UK29734]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Wahizatul Afzan Azmi

: Dr. Siti Nor Khadijah Addis

ABSTRACT

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is the specific fungi that kill the invertebrate by direct
contact. As they are able to kill the invertebrate, they have been recommended to be used
as a biological control agent replacing the use of chemical insecticide to control the blow
flies which cause myiasis to human and animal. The objectives of this study were to
determine the most effective entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) that killed the blow flies
larvae and to identify the most efficient spore concentration from the selected
entomopathogenic fungi against blowflies larvae. Three species of EPF including
Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Paecilomyces sp. with concentration of 5
107 conidia per ml were applied to 10 individual blowflies third instar larvae and the
mortality rate were observed within seven days. M. anisopliae which killed 100% of the
third instar larvae with median lethal time (LT50) at 3.8 days was chosen for bioassay.
180 individual of third instar larvae were treated to three different spore concentrations
of M. anisopliae and control treatment. The observation was made within 14 days. The
highest concentration of 5 109 and 5 107 conidia per ml killed 100% of the larvae but
there was no significant difference (p=1.000) between both concentrations. The result
showed that both concentrations were infective against the blowflies third instar larvae.
The median lethal concentration (LC50) showed 50% of third instar larvae could be killed
from the concentration of 8.27×10⁹ conidia/ml. It was recommended that, the
pathogenicity of M. anisopliae should be tested in the field conditions to confirm the
susceptibility of the blowflies third instar larvae towards the fungus.

74

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES ON ROOTS OF Oryza sativa L.
AFTER EXPOSURE TO LONG TERM OF SALINITY STRESS
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nur Syahirah binti Ab Aziz [UK29761]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Ma Nyuk Ling

: Dr. Juriffah Ariffin

ABSTRACT

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is known as a staple food for most of country especially in Asia. The
major restriction factor for this crop production is salinity. Salinity can lead towards food
crisis as this abiotic stress could reduce rice production. The objectives of this study are to
give better insight on revealing the regulatory mechanism of antioxidant and related
growth parameters in roots of salinity tolerance and susceptible line. Besides that, this
study also will give useful information for crop breeding technology as root is the first
organ that will encountered with any changes in the soils. Based on that, the comparative
study of antioxidant system in root of salt tolerant (SS1-014) and salt sensitive (SS2-018)
rice line have been studied in response to long stress induced by different concentration
(0, 50 and 150 mM) of NaCl at different treatment period (0, 7, and 14 days). The result
revealed that the sodium and potassium showed the antagonistic relationship in SS1-014.
Besides that, it was revealed that catalase (CAT) have higher activity compared to
ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The physiological assessment after recovery showed that
SS1-014 has more roots viability and longer in length compared to SS2-018. So, this
indicated that the tolerance have better root architecture than susceptible rice line to
survive and revealed that CAT are the most efficient scavenger for SS2-018 under salinity
stress.

75

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : EVALUATION OF CYTOTOXIC AND GENOTOXIC EFFECT OF
EXTRACT OF Catharantus roseus ROOT ON Acanthamoeba sp.
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Wan Siti Aisyah binti Wan Muhamad [UK29762]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Fatimah Hashim

: Dr. Juriffah Ariffin

ABSTRACT

Acanthamoeba sp. known as potentially pathogen protozoan can cause Acanthamoeba
keratitis when infecting the eye cornea that may lead to loss of vision. An effective
treatment is still undiscovered as most of given treatments have their own side effects
towards the patient. So, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the cytotoxicity and
genotoxicity of root compound of well known medicinal plant Catharantus roseus as a
method of treatment against the Acanthamoeba sp. An experimental analysis have been
conducted on potential extract C. roseus root which were chloroform, ethyl acetate and
methanol crude extracts for its antiamoebic activity. Methanolic crude extract showrd
cytotoxic towards these protozoan as compared to other extracts. The concentration of
the methanolic crude extract compound required to reduce the absorbance of treated cells
to 50% was in range of 18.7μg/mL. Differences in cell structure between the treated and
untreated cell can be seen using the light microscope. The existence of acanthapodia and
the cytoplasmic component clearly in untreated cells in comparison with treated cells have
proved that methanolic crude extract applying pressure towards the cell and create the
unfavourable condition. After applying the dyes (AO/PI), the untreated cells absorb the PI
colour that only permeable when the membrane of cell compromised. This indicated that
the cell were dead. As a conclusion, methanolic crude extract showed cytotoxic towards
the Acanthamoeba cell if compared with the ethyl acetate and chloroform extract and the
mode of cell death was determined which were through apoptosis, necrosis and
autophagic cell death. Methanolic crude extract also caused damage to the DNA of
Acanthamoeba cell, show that this compound is mildly genotoxic towards the cell. It is
recommended to find out the pure compound on the root extract of Catharantus roseus
root that were cytotoxic and genotoxic towards Acanthamoeba cell.

76

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF AMOEBAE-RESISTANT
BACTERIA IN FREE LIVING AMOEBA FROM THE INNER SIDE
AUTHOR OF SINK TAPS AT HOSPITAL SULTANAH NUR ZAHIRAH
SUPERVISOR
: Afiqah Afza Sahira binti Kamarzaman [UK29774]

: Prof. Dr. Nakisah Mat Amin

ABSTRACT

Free-living amoebae (FLAS) are a diverse group of ubiquitous organisms, some of them
can cause severe central nervous system infections and keratitis. However, the interaction
between these free-living amoebae with pathogenic bacteria in the environment also can
give threat to human health. This study was conducted to isolate the free-living amoebae
from inner sink taps at different locations at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah and to isolate
and identify the amoeba-resistant bacteria (ARB) from these amoebae isolates. Collection
of amoebae samples were swabbed from the inner side of sink taps and streaked on the
non-nutrient agar. These amoebae then were lysed by using triton X-100 0.3% to release
the ARB. The sample containing ARB was streaked on nutrient agar and incubated to allow
the growth of bacteria. Identification of these bacteria was done by using conventional and
rapid identification method. Four species of ARB were gram-negative bacteria which are
Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Chlamudophila pneumonia and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. The remaining two species were gram-positive bacteria including Bacillus
cereus and Corybacterium pseudogenitalium. There were two genera of FLA found which
including Acanthamoeba sp. and Hartmanella sp.. Most of the bacteria collected were
pathogenic to human. From this study, it was suggested that free-living amoeba can be
used as model system for the study of intracellular pathogens as the existence of this
bacteria can give risk to human.

77

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : MEASUREMENT OF BACTERIAL GROWTH ISOLATED FROM
HUMAN CERUMEN BASED ON DNA CONCENTRATION
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Siti Noor Aishah binti A Rohman [UK29775]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim

: Dr. Azila Adnan

ABSTRACT

Bacteria are microorganisms that are ubiquitous and can be found everywhere around
human body. Nowadays, there are problems about persistence and resistance of bacteria
towards antibiotic. Hence, it lead to the appearance of new diseases that are hard to cure
and need more cost to find new antibiotics that are compatible with bacteria that are
residing in ears. It is important to understand the growth of bacteria in identifying the
persistence and resistance characteristic of bacteria towards antibiotic. The purpose of
this study is to identify the bacteria from human cerumen and characterize their growth
in nutrient broth based on DNA concentration. The cerumen from healthy human was
collected to isolate the resident bacteria. The bacteria were isolated by using direct
culture. Isolated bacteria were identified based on its morphology and biochemical
reaction. The bacteria growth based on DNA concentration was identified by using
spectrophotometer. From graph of DNA concentration versus absorbance, it is clearly
showed the higher the number of DNA concentration, the increase the number of
absorbance. So the number of bacteria increase directly because of sufficient nutrient and
suitable environment.

78

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF BACTERIAL GROWTH AND
SPREAD
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nur Nadiah binti Rosban [UK29776]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim

: Dr. Azila Adnan

ABSTRACT

Computational biological models are used to further investigate the biological system and
to generate more questions regarding the evolution or phenomena. The mathematical
modelling with ordinary differential equation (ODE) can be used to predict the kinetic
growth and cell cycle of bacteria. Mathematical modelling has been long introduced but it
is seldomly used by the biologist. There is a lot of information on speciation of bacteria but
less of data regarding on dynamic of bacteria and many research shows bacteria in the
cerumen of ear infection, not in healthy individual. Therefore, this study was conducted to
identify bacteria from the cerumen (earwax) of healthy human individual and the
development of ODE modelling to investigate and measure the kinetic growth of bacteria.
The identification of bacteria was done by using Gram staining and BBL crystal
identification. Gram staining was used to differentiate the bacteria into two large groups
based on their different cell wall constituents. All of the species are Gram positive bacteria.
Four bacteria species has been identified which were Staphylococcus aureus, S.
haemolyticus, S. capitis and Rhodococcus equi. The growth of the bacteria was measured by
observing the number of colony and diameter of each colony. Based on the data, ODE
model was developed to predict the kinetic growth and spread of the bacteria. The growth
dynamic of the bacteria were relatively constant because the bacteria multiply at rates that
are overall constant. The bacterial culture increases in population density with a constant
doubling time. Hence, the developed ODE modeling was used to predict the growth of the
bacteria. Therefore, it is suggested that ODE modelling should be widely used to predict
the dynamic of microorganisms as mathematical modelling become a valuable tool for
molecular cell biology.

79

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ASSESSMENT OF ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF RED CABBAGE
WATER EXTRACT ON MCF-7 CELL LINE
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nurul Ain Sabrina binti Mohamad Adnan [UK29777]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Prof. Dr. Nakisah Mat Amin

: Dr. Nurul Huda Abd Kadir @ Abdul Rahman

ABSTRACT

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a hydrolysis product of sinigrin which is abundant in red
cabbage and is well-known for its anticancer properties. However, less study were done
in quantifying AITC from red cabbage water extract and its underlying mechanism. The
objectives of this study were to quantify AITC from red cabbage water extract, to
determine the 50% inhibition concentration of the extract towards MCF-7 cells and to
observe morphological changes of the cells after treatments. Using gas chromatoraphy-
mass spectrometry, two types of isothiocyanate were found to be in the extract which are
allyl isothiocyanate and 3-butenyl isothiocyanate. Inhibition concentration value was
determined through AlamarBlue assay and the results were 1125, 342 and 433 µg/mL for
treatments after 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. Acridine orange-propidium iodide (AOPI)
staining was used to observe morphological changes of cells after treatment. Results
obtained showed changes in cells morphology as necrotic cells characters. To sum up, it is
suggested that the intake of red cabbage can inhibit breast cancer proliferation due to its
isothiocyanates content and it is very potent at high concentration. In suggestion, further
work to be done using lower concentration of extract for longer incubation period and to
test it on other types of cancer cell line.

80

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : CHARACTERIZATION OF RESISTANCE BACTERIA ISOLATED
FROM HUMAN CERUMEN
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nurul Hanan binti Mustafa [UK29778]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Dr. Muhamad Fairus Noor Hassim

: Dr. Azila Adnan

ABSTRACT

Cerumen is secreted by 1000-2000 sebaceous glands and modified apocrine sweat gland
that are located on the outer third ear canal. Human cerumen exhibits antibacterial and
antifungal properties against commonest bacterial and fungal. Despite of having these
properties, some of resident bacteria already evolved a resistance that can lead to ear
infection. The objectives of this study are to identify bacteria in human cerumen and to
characterize bacterial resistance isolated from human cerumen. Sterile cotton swab was
used to collect the sample under sterile condition. Bacteria strains were cultured on LB
agar. Bacteria from collected cerumen was further identified using Gram staining,
biochemical and rapid test. There are four bacteria that have been identified;
Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus capitis and
Rhodococcus equi. Antimicrobial susceptibility test of isolated bacteria was done by disc
diffusion method. During five day observation, tetracycline shown the largest effectivity.
Meanwhile, penicillin had least effectivity against these bacteria. Based on the finding, it is
highly recommended that further research be carried out to study bacteria isolated from
human cerumen to identify suitable antibiotic since some resident bacteria have evolved
a resistance that causes an ear infection.

81

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ASSESSMENT OF ANTICANCER PROPERTIES OF GREEN
CABBAGE WATER EXTRACT ON MCF-7 CELL LINES
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Anis Farhana binti Mohd Noriden @ Nuri [UK29784]
CO-SUPERVISOR
: Prof. Dr. Nakisah Mat Amin

: Dr. Nurul Huda Abd Kadir @ Abdul Rahman

ABSTRACT

Cancer drugs such as vincristine and vinblastine obtained from plants have been used as
anticancer and could be resistance towards various cancer cells. Hence, an edible Brassica
vegetable which is cabbage has been used in the study since it contains allyl isothiocyanate
(AITC) that potentially an anticancer agent. In addition, less study has been conducted to
quantify this compound in Malaysia cabbage. Thus, this study was conducted to quantify
AITC in green cabbage water extract, to analyse its cytotoxicity effect and to identify the
phenotypic characterization on treated MCF-7 cells. Our results showed that AITC
concentrations obtained was 1 035.75 μg/ml using UV-vis spectrophotometer. Moreover,
green cabbage water extract was found to exhibit inhibitory activity on MCF-7 cell lines at
24 and 48 hours in dose-dependent manner, whereas for 72 hours treatment, IC50 of the
treated cells was slightly higher than 48 hours treatment. The IC50 values of green cabbage
water extract on treated MCF-7 cells were determined as 176 μg/ml, 40 μg/ml, and 60
μg/ml at 24, 48, and 72 hours respectively using AlamarBlue® assay. Furthermore, the
phenotypic characterization using AOPI staining under fluorescence microscopy suggests
that all these cells are apoptotic. It could be concluded that green cabbage shows a
promising cytotoxicity effect against cancerous cell growth and the compounds in green
cabbage can be utilized for pharmaceutical use.

82

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : ISOLATION OF FUNGI FROM MANGROVE Avicennia alba AND
ITS RESISTANCE TOWARDS HEAVY METALS
AUTHOR
SUPERVISOR : Nur Aliah binti Ahmad Nazri [UK29793]

: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariam Taib

ABSTRACT

Water sources are continuously loaded with metals pollutants leading to water pollutions.
These contaminations with heavy metals released hazardous materials into environment
causing severe environmental and health problems and thus, becoming a major
environmental concern around the world. Available remediation techniques applied are
less efficient to degrade the resistant metals apart from the high cost and uneconomical.
Thus, scientists are exploring new techniques with bioremediation as the best choice
including mycoremediation. The focus of this study is fungi associated with mangrove as
they are believed to be more tolerant to stress conditions by heavy metals since mangrove
ecosystem is well known as heavy metals reservoirs. The aims of this study are to isolate
and identify fungi from Avicennia alba and to determine their resistance towards heavy
metals. Parts of leaves, stems and roots of A. alba were collected and isolation of fungi were
carried out by two different techniques: Direct Plating Technique and Damp Incubation
Technique. Isolates then are identified macroscopically and microscopically under light
microscope. A total of 14 isolates were obtained belonging to 11 different genus with
Ascomycetes as the most frequent fungi isolated. Fungi were found to associate at roots
parts the most followed by stems and leaves. Out of 14 isolates, two of them are aquatic
fungi and 12 isolates are terrestrial fungi. The fungi were further screened for their
tolerance against heavy metals: cadmium, copper, plumbum and zinc. Metals salts were
prepared in different concentration of 0.0 mM until 2.0 mM. The level of their resistance
were given a score of 0 (no growth), 1 (weak growth), 2 (moderate growth) and 3 (good
growth). Alternaria sp., Chrysonilia sp. and Mucor sp. appeared to be the most tolerant
towards heavy metals. Fungal tolerance levels against heavy metals were as follows: Pb >
Cu > Zn > Cd. These fungi have shown a high level of resistance to metals tested, which
makes them promising candidates for further investigations regarding their ability to
remediate metal pollutants from contaminated wastewaters.

83

Compilation of Abstracts: Final Year Research Project 2014/2015

TITLE : CLONING OF EXPRESSION PLASMID CONTAINING A HYBRID
OF MURINE POLYOMAVIRUS VP1 GENE AND OUTER
AUTHOR MEMBRANE PROTEIN H (OMP H) GENE OF Pasteurella
SUPERVISOR multocida

: Nur Athirah binti Mohamad Zaini [UK29845]

: Dr. Siti Nor Khadijah Addis

ABSTRACT

Hemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) caused by P. multocida strain B:2 is a major problem to the
livestock industry and has contributed to massive annual loses which is approximately
$US1.0 million in Malaysia. Currently vaccines used against HS including inactivated and
live vaccines, have their intrinsic disadvantages. Thus, recent studies on vaccines have
now been directed towards the generation of recombinant DNA-based vaccines, which
previously shown to exhibit better immune protection. In this study, a recombinant DNA
vaccine containing the major outer membrane protein H (Omp H) of P. multocida strain
B:2 in pGex-pyVP1 vector backbone of Murine polyomavirus was constructed. Omp H has
been previously identified as one of the immunodominant antigens which provide
homologous protection against various serotypes of P. multocida. Murine polyomavirus
virus-like particle (MpyVLPs) was chosen as it is immunogenic and exhibited dramatic
effectiveness as candidate vaccines. The procedures in this study involved a molecular
approach by using specifically designed oligonucleotide primers for isolation and
amplification of Omp H gene by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Generation of
complementary sticky ends was achieved by treating both the vectors and inserts with
XhoI and NotI restriction endonuclease enzymes, followed by T4 ligation process.
Subsequently, the ligated DNA was transformed into the chemically competent DH5α E.
coli bacteria by standard heat-shock technique. Screening of the putative transformants
involved the process of colony PCR as well as digestion of the DNA using BamHI and XhoI.
Results obtained have shown successful cloning of Omp H gene into Murine polyomavirus
pGex-pyVP1 vector. The generated recombinant plasmids will be further used in protein
expression assay where the specific mechanism and function of the proteins can be further
elucidated.

84