Informatics Publishing Limited

Ramprasath Ramakrishnan ¹, Jolius Gimbun ¹, Fahmi Samsuri ², Vigneswaran Narayanamurthy ², Natarajan Gajendran ³, Yamini Sudha Lakshmi ⁴, Denisa Stranska ⁵, Balu Ranganathan ⁶

Affiliations
1 University Malaysia Pahang, Gambang Campus, Gambang - 26300, MY
2 University Malaysia Pahang, Pekan campus, Pekan - 26600, MY
3 Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Presidency College, Chennai - 600005, Tamil Nadu, IN
4 Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Madras, Chennai - 600113, Tamil Nadu, IN
5 InStar Technologies a.s., Liberec - 46007, Czech Republic
6 Palms Connect Sdn Bhd, Shah Alam - 40460, Selangor Darul Ehsan, MY

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Needleless electrospinning technology surmounts the shortcomings and bottlenecks of the conventional needle based electrospinning systems. Spinneret clogging and lower throughput in terms of productivity has been the setbacks of the conventional technology leading to fewer nanofibers based commercial products. Nanofiber based products finds a market in healthcare, energy and defence. Proof of concept leading to lab level prototype scaling up into industrial level of nanofiber production units is the focus of this paper. Methodology/Analysis: A simple search in the scopus web portal with a keyword ‘electrospinning’ resulted in 16,272 publications as of date. Same search for patent in US patent office portal resulted in 1939 granted patent documents. A comparison of years of technology time cycle (110 years), publications (16,272) and granted patents (1939) with the companies (31) working on electrospun products was made. Findings: Bubble, hollow tube, roller, wire based and slit-surface needleless electrospinning units are discussed on the basis of entrepreneurial product cycle of prototype development translating into commercial units. Nanofiber production at a mean diameter of 140 nm at commercial level using Poly (ethylene) oxide for Nano Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) by wire based free surface electrospinning has been analysed. Novelty/Improvements: The analysis proves an entrepreneurial approach in the area of electrospinning as evidenced by number of patents match ups or exceeds publications in some region and also depicts its futuristic demand in several areas including healthcare and energy sectors.

Keywords

needleless elecrospinning; wire based; nanofibers; nano drug delivery systems; nanocarriers;

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Foo Sheng Tong ¹, Siew Choo Chin ², Shu Ing Doh ², Jolius Gimbun ³

Affiliations
1 Faculty of Civil Engineering and Earth Resources,Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia, MY
2 Faculty of Civil Engineering and Earth Resources,Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Pahang, MY
3 Centre of Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Pahang Malaysia, MY

Abstract

Synthetic Fiber Rreinforced Polymer composites (FRP) have been widely accepted by the construction industries as an effective external strengthening material to rehabilitate the existing structures deficiencies. These materials possess outstanding performances like high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, and lightness. However, the drawbacks include high costs during the manufacturing and end-life services, less environmental-friendly and cause adverse effects to human health. Environmental issues on global warming have triggered rapid development of natural fibers as sustainable materials for the strengthening of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures. This paper presents a detailed review on the potential use of natural fibers as reinforcement in polymeric strengthening materials. A comparison was made between various types of fibers in terms of their chemical and mechanical properties. Bamboo fiber has demonstrated great potential among other natural fibers due to its superior physico-mechanical and thermal properties.

Keywords

Bamboo Fiber, External Strengthening, Natural Fiber, Natural Fiber Composites, Structural Application

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Norliyana Erain ¹, Woon Phui Law ¹, Noram Irwan Ramli ², Siew Choo Chin ¹, Jolius Gimbun ¹

Affiliations
1 Centre of Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF), MY
2 Faculty of Civil Engineering and Earth Resources, UniversitiMalaysia Pahang, 26300 Gambang, Pahang, MY

Abstract

Objectives:Air pollution dispersion is greatly affected by the wind speed and direction. Most often the pollution dispersion from industrial area is not fully understood. In the present work, the effect of surface topology on the wind speed and atmospheric turbulent around the Gebeng industrial area in Pahang was studied using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The typical southeastern wind with a speed of about 1.3003 m/s corresponding to the actual speed of approximately 5 km/h was considered for validation. The turbulent flow was modelled using k-ε model. The model was compared with the Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurement onthe scale-down rig. Findings:The CFD prediction showed good agreementwithin 10% deviation with the experimental measurement via LDV. It was found that the plume of noxious gas driven by the eastern wind can affect the nearby residential area R2, whereas the western wind is affecting the residential area R1. In the presence of hill obstacle, the gas plume moves southward into the flat terrain. Application/ Improvements: Results from this work may be useful to understand the risk of air pollutant dispersion around Gebeng industrial area.

Keywords

CFD, LDV, Atmospheric Pollution Dispersion, Turbulence, Wind Speed

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Suok Ling Nguang ¹, Yi Ling Yeong ¹, Sook Fun Pang ¹, Jolius Gimbun ²

Affiliations
1 Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering, University Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Gambang, Pahang,, MY
2 Centre of Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF), University Malaysia Pahang,26300 Gambang, Pahang,, MY

Abstract

Objectives: To find out the effect of ultrasonic assisted extraction with various solvents of phenolic and flavonoid compound extracted from P. niruri. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Phenolic content from P. niruri was analyzed using Singleton’s method while the flavonoid content was analyzed by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. Findings: The polyphenols extraction was greatly affected by the solvent type and concentration, particle size of the plant powder, solid liquid ratio and frequency. The highest phenolic content and flavonoid content were obtained at the solid ratio of 2g dry weight P. niruri powder at 119.28 mg GAE/g DW and 75.86 mg QE/g DW. Application/Improvements: The phenolic and flavonoid content reached its optimum extraction yield at the particle size of 125 μm, using 40% EtOH as solvent and the extraction yield increased when the ultrasonic frequency is increased to 53 kHz. The extraction method used in this work may serve as a useful guide to obtain optimum polyphenol extraction from P. niruri.

Keywords

Phyllanthus niruri, Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Content, Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction

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Jolius Gimbun ¹, Natarajan Gajendran ², Balu Ranganathan ³

Affiliations
1 Center of Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF), University Malaysia, Gambang – 26300, Pahang, MY
2 Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Presidency College, Chennai – 600005, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Palms Connect LLC, Showcase Lane, Sandy, UT 84094, US

Abstract

The 2nd edition of Fluids and Chemical Engineering conference, FluidsChE 2017 held in April 2017 at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is organised by the Center of Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF) Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia. FluidsChE 2017 covers a wide area of engineering and sciences with the theme "Advancing Fluids Engineering for A Sustainable Future". Over 200 submissions were received from countries such as India, Iraq, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Qatar. More than 100 full papers were submitted for the special issue. After an extensive peer-review process, 66 papers were finally selected for publication. The current special issue volume consisted of natural resources product lifecycle, polymer technology and pharmaceutical technology

Keywords

FluidChE 2017, Natural Resources, Polymer Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology.

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Natarajan Gajendran ¹, Jolius Gimbun ², Balu Ranganathan ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology, Presidency College, Chennai - 600005, Tamil Nadu, MY
2 Center of Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF), University Malaysia, Pahang- 26300, Gambang, MY
3 Palms Connect LLC, Showcase Lane, Sandy, UT - 84094, US

Abstract

The International Conference on Fluids and Chemical Engineering (FluidsChE 2017) organised by Centre for Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia (FluidsChE 2017) aims to provide a platform to discuss ideas and latest research findings on different disciplines of chemical engineering. 1st FluidsChE 2015 was conducted in Langkawi, Malaysia in November, 2015 which stirred and kindled intellectual minds to make this event a biannual event to disseminate knowledge and findings of chemical engineering fields to the entire world. As an outcome of the event 60+ research articles are published in reputed journals which are in open access for all spectrums of researchers to gain knowledge. Research publications were sectioned into three volumes, volume -1, 2 and 3. First volume was segmented into these disciplines of fluid flow dynamics, distillation technology and absorption / adsorption technology. Second volume consisted of natural resources product lifecycle, polymer technology and pharmaceutical technology. Third volume contains allied fields of chemical engineering. Researchers from different parts of the world contributed to the knowledge pool. Convergence was seen where researchers from different disciplines collaborated for technology solution support for product development with feasible techno economics with prospects for successful commercialization.

Keywords

Chemical Engineering, FluidsChe 2017, Malaysia, Cariff, Sabah.

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Sonia Prabhakaran ¹, Dhiviya Thirumal ², Jolius Gimbun ³, Balu Ranganathan ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Kancheepuram District, Sriperambudur - 602117, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Medicine, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Chinna Kolambakkam, Palayanoor P.O, Kanchipuram Dist, Madurantagam - 603308, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 University Malaysia Pahang, Gambang Campus, Gambang - 26300, MY
4 Palms Connect Sdn Bhd, Shah Alam - 40460, Selangor Darul Ehsan, MY

Abstract

Metformin has been known to the mankind for centuries. Metformin is the first line of drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Initial pharmaceutical therapy was for treating the frequent urinal problem which is a primary manifestation of diabetes. At the time of writing, metformin as an intervention is looked into for cardiovascular risks, polycystic ovary syndrome and breast cancer. Annual demand for Metformin is 23,000 Metric tons per annum. Nano Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) has embarked into Metformin controlled and targeted delivery for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical estimation of the biological fluids by the FDA approved diagnostic laboratories use LC-MS/MS where blood samples estimate Metformin as an intact molecule easing the pressure of clinical trials result. Metformin was manufactured by a less known and low profile Aoron pharmaceutical, France not aware of the block buster drug hence the potential of technology development start-ups can neither be underwritten nor underestimated even when there is a very high rate (~90%) of failed biotech/biomed start-up ventures. The bloom of the French lilac (metformin) to blossom and flower for the cure of breast cancer by convergence revolution initiative with the integration of academia, hospital, technology business incubator, multinational corporation with the deliverance of a start-up company.

Keywords

Antineoplastic Drug, Breast Cancer, Clinical Trials, Metformin, Start-Up Company.

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Balakrishnan Purushothaman ¹, Ramalingam Prasanna Srinivasan ², Purushothaman Suganthi ², Balu Ranganathan ³, Jolius Gimbun ⁴, Kumaran Shanmugam ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science & Technology, Thanjavur – 613403, Tamilnadu, IN
2 TANBIO R&D Solution, Periyar Technology Business Incubator, Thanjavur – 613403, Tamilnadu, IN
3 Palms Connect Sdn Bhd, Shah Alam 40460, Selangor Darul Ehsan, MY
4 Centre of Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang 26300, Pahang, MY

Abstract

The genus Ocimum has a number of species that are used to treat different types of disorders and diseases from ancient times. In this genus, O. basilicum plays a vital role due to its various medicinal properties. It is universally cultivated as herbaceous, perennial plant but originated from Asian continent. O. basilicum is used as a culinary herb and also has a number of pharmacological activities to prevent or treat cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, menstrual cramps, digestive disorders, neuro-degenerated disorders and cancer. In addition to that, it has been reported for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and larvicidal activities. Chemical constituents such as linalool; eugenol; 1, 8-cineone; methyl eugenol and anthocyanins are mostly responsible for the above mentioned activities. Some traditional uses of this plant coincidences with experimental results. However, the studies conducted based on its traditional use are negligible. This review is an attempt to provide a pharmaceutical perspective of Ocimum basilicum.

Keywords

Cancer, Chemical Constituents, Immunomodulatory, Pharmacological Activity, GC-MS.

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