Astuti Astuti

Kalanchoe species is a plant that contains secondary metabolites that are beneficial for human health. However, the systematics of species in the genus Kalanchoe are often debated because these plants have many variations that easily cross between species and can reproduce asexually with adventitious buds. Previous studies have revealed that Kalanchoe ceratophylla Haw. is often misidentified as Kalanchoe laciniata . Therefore, the reidentification of K. ceratophylla (Crassulaceae) as the correct identity of sidingin, a medicinal plant widely used in Sumatra, challenges the prior identification of the species as K. laciniata . This study is aimed at determining the true identity of sidingin, a medicinal plant locally used in Sumatra, Indonesia, and traditionally recognized as K. laciniata . Specimens of sidingin were collected from Sumatra and analyzed using morphological and molecular approaches to clarify its taxonomic classification. The morphological analysis revealed that sidingin exhibits pinnately lobed leaves and other distinct characteristics, which prompted comparison with documented descriptions of Kalanchoe species. Molecular analysis, accomplished through ITS sequencing, indicated a 94.60% identity match with Kalanchoe miteja , supporting the morphological findings. The resulting phylogenetic tree positioned sidingin within the same clade as commercially available samples of K. ceratophylla , suggesting a potential reclassification of sidingin as K. ceratophylla . This study provides new insights into the distribution of Kalanchoe species in Sumatra, documenting it as a new record only recently discovered in this region. Furthermore, through integrating morphological and molecular evidence, this study confirms that sidingin is K. ceratophylla .

This study investigated sawdust-derived activated carbon (SAC) as a sustainable reinforcing filler for vulcanized rubber bushings (VRBs). Two types SAC200 (75 µm, carbonized at 200 °C) and SAC400 (38 µm, carbonized at 400 °C) were chemically activated and incorporated into natural rubber (NR) at 25–55 phr loadings, while SAC free VRBs served as controls. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that SAC400 exhibited stronger hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, indicating higher surface reactivity compared with SAC200. The incorporation of SAC increased cross-linking density, thereby enhancing both curing behavior and mechanical performance. VRBs reinforced with SAC400 demonstrated higher maximum torque (up to 38.07 kg·cm), shorter scorch time (5 min 58 s), and reduced cure time (11 min 05 s) relative to SAC200 and the control. Mechanical properties improved markedly, with hardness and tensile strength rising from 45 Shore A and 5.52 MPa in the control to 70 Shore A and 13.40 MPa in SAC400. Although elongation at break decreased slightly, it remained within the acceptable range for dynamic applications. Swelling resistance also increased, reaching 101.76% at 25 °C and 106.61% at 100 °C. Overall, SAC400 consistently outperformed SAC200 and the control, highlighting its potential as a renewable, biomass-derived filler for high-performance rubber bushings and promising a sustainable alternative to conventional fillers in industrial applications.

Plastic packaging poses significant environmental challenges due to its resistance to natural degradation. In response, there has been a growing body of research dedicated to developing sustainable packaging alternatives, particularly those based on biodegradable materials. Biopolymer‐based packaging is widely recognized for its enhanced environmental compatibility, owing to its capacity for natural decomposition and reduced ecological footprint. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of recent advancements in biopolymer coatings for food packaging, with a focus on their potential to enhance food safety, quality, and shelf life. Analysis of publications from 2015 to 2024 indicates a substantial and consistent rise in scholarly output related to biopolymer‐based packaging solutions, driven by global efforts to mitigate plastic waste and its associated environmental impacts. The findings suggest that the future trajectory of biodegradable packaging research should emphasize the development of materials that simultaneously support human health and environmental sustainability. Bibliometric mapping identified polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), chitosan, and cellulose‐based polymers as key areas of innovation, highlighting their increasing prominence and interdisciplinary research significance. These materials are notable for their biodegradability, and many also exhibit intrinsic functional properties such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities—attributes that are highly desirable in food packaging applications. Biopolymer coatings, in particular, have demonstrated excellent barrier properties, including controlled permeability to moisture and oxygen, which are critical for maintaining food integrity. Such coatings contribute to extended shelf life by minimizing dehydration and oxidative damage while concurrently offering protection against microbial contamination. Despite the promising functional characteristics of these materials, several challenges continue to hinder their widespread adoption. Key barriers include high production costs, the limited availability of industrial composting infrastructure, and the general lack of consumer awareness regarding appropriate disposal practices. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts across research, industry, and policy domains. To enable scalable implementation, future innovation must achieve critical advancements in materials science, biopolymer production efficiency, and regulatory alignment. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach will be essential to realize the full potential of biopolymer coatings as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging.

This research aimed to determine the optimum combination of aloe vera and Java spices’ herbal drink formulations. A Design Expert mixture D-optimal was used to analyze the optimal composite formulation. The optimum formula is determined through four stages, namely, the formula planning, formulation, analysis, and optimization stages. The selected formulation was determined based on the response to phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity tests, and pH. The formulations had pH values ranging from 4.452 to 4.636, the antioxidant capacity values ranged from 2.4796 to 12.5697 mg Ek vit C/100 g, the total phenolic content ranged from 0.0871 to 0.1883 mg GAE/g, and the total flavonoid content ranged from 0.1451 to 0.4210 mg QE/g. The most optimum response is obtained when the desirability value is close to one. The optimum formulation for aloe vera and Java spices herbal drinks consisted of 52.92% aloe vera, 11.58% ginger extract, 1.50% white turmeric extract, and 2.00% galangal extract. The formulation under investigation exhibits a pH of 4.502, an antioxidant capacity of 7.4638 mg ascorbic acid equivalent per 100 g, a total phenolic content of 0.1314 mg GAE/g, and a total flavonoid content of 0.3315 mg QE/g.

Pengaruh pra-perlakuan osmotik dalam pengeringan terhadap karakteristik buah kering: meta analisis

Tri Yulni, Waqif Agusta, Anuraga Jayanegara, Mohammad Nafila Alfa, Lusiana Kresnawati Hartono, Tantry Eko Putri Mariastuty, Herdiarti Destika Hermansyah, Astuti, Primawati Yenni Fauziah, Dian Anggraeni, and Meivie Meiske Jetty Lintang. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2024;29:178-89. https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2024.29.2.178