Download Title 1 Graft copolymerization of cellulose Student Synopsis

Final Year Project Titles
Title 1
Graft copolymerization of cellulose
Student
Synopsis
Title 2
Cellulose has been widely studied during the past decades due to its
abundance, inexpensive, and attractive properties.
It is non-toxic,
biodegradable and renewable. However, cellulose lacks some properties to
make it more useful. Modification of cellulose by graft polymerization provides
a significant route to combine the advantages of natural and synthetic
macromolecules for a wide range of potential application.
Identifying a mosquito-repellent plant
Student
Synopsis
Title 3
Mosquito are the primary vectors of several tropical diseases like malaria and
dengue. Identification of some repellent can be eco-friendly in repelling these
pests besides minimising the incidence of these diseases
Enantioselective Extraction of β-Blocker using Chiral Selector
Student
Synopsis
β-Blockers are type of chiral drugs which are efficient in the treatment of
ischemic heart diseases, arrhythmia and hypertension. Atenolol is a chiral
drug belonging to the general class of β-blockers, which are exemplified by
such well-known commercial products such as Tenormin. Racemic atenolols
have two structurally similar forms that can behave very differently in
biological systems due to their different 3-dimensional shapes. These two
structurally forms are known as enantiomer which can be considered as two
different drugs. It can be designated as (R) or (S) configuration based on
the absolute configuration. (S)-atenolol proved to be effective in blocking
adrenergic beta-adrenoceptors than the respective (R)-atenolol. (R)-atenolol
is inactive and contributes to undesirable side effects.
Due to the demand of single enantiomer drug (specifically for β-Blockers) in
pharmaceutical industry, the main objective of this research is to develop a
process for extracting (S)-atenolol from (R,S)-atenolol in batch operation.
Several parameters will be investigated in this process such as
concentration of chiral selectors, composition of organic solvent, pH of
buffer, equilibrium time and agitation speed.
Title 4
The quantitative estimation of amino acid in earthworm (Eisenia foetida)
powder at various harvesting time.
Student
Synopsis
Title 5
The aquaculture industry in Malaysia becoming more important to ensure
enough supply of fish with the increase of population. However, one of the
major constrain facing for aquaculture industry is increasing cost of production
where one of them is price of fish feed [1]. Fish feed contains crude protein,
crude lipid, ash, salt, ammonia-N, moisture, vitamin and antioxidant [2]. For
the mean time, fish meal is a major sources of protein in a fish feed. The cost
for fish meal covers 30–60% of the total cost of feeds for aquaculture. With the
rises of cost and lack of fish meal supply, an alternative and more sustainable
protein sources are essential to meet the growing demand [3].
Animal protein for example the earthworm may serve as a good source to
balance the amino acid and vitamin deficiencies in cereals and other plant
products [4]. Earthworm lives in soils that high in organic matter such as dung
and feces. They have been used in soil fertility as vermicompost, in
pharmaceutical as anticancer agent, antibiotic and in cosmetic. . Earthworm
dry matter contains 60-70% protein that is high in essential amino acid (lysine
and methionine) compared to meat or fish meal. It also contains 6-11% of fat,
5-12% carbohydrate and 2-3% of minerals and various types of vitamins [5].
Basa reported that the earthworm in dried or dehydrated form yields protein
content higher than those of conventional protein rich or ingredients such as
fish meal, meat and bone meal and soybean meal [4]. The study objective is
to analyse amino acids content in earthworm powder according to their
harvesting ime. This information will help earthworm breeder to harvest at
highest amino acids level and not the weight as practises nowadays.
Optimization of antioxidant activities of Dicranopteris linea by pressurized hot
water extraction (PHWE) and comparison with other extraction techniques.
Student
Synopsis
Title 6
PHWE is a green solvent and an interesting alternative for extractions. With
an increasing interest in avoiding organic solvents in the extraction of active or
marker compounds from medicinal plants, PHWE has been shown to be a
feasible alternative approach. Therefore the aim of this study is to optimize the
antioxidative activity of D. linea by using PHWE and compare with other
common extraction techniques.
Identifying the chemicals in chilli that attracts aphids
Student
Synopsis
Aphids are key vectors in the spread of viruses in chilli. It is worthwhile to
identify the chemicals in or on the plant that attract the aphids. This could be
done by using HPLC or any other suitable analytical method to identify the
chemicals from an aphid-infested plant.
Title 7
To study a technique for quick composting.
Student
Synopsis
Title 8
Student
Synopsis
Title 9
Organic agriculture has gained importance in Malaysia as many vegetable
farmers are gradually switching towards it as the demand for the product is
higher than the supply, besides organic produce fetch higher price when
compared to conventionally grown vegetables. Organic composting enriches
the soil structure and is eco friendly. The project will attempt to study a
technique for quick composting by manipulating soil microbes and agricultural
waste.
Enhancement of glucose oxidase production by indigenous fungal strain.
Glucose oxidase enzyme is useful in various industries and widely used for
research purposes. So far, the need for this enzyme is fulfilled through import,
despite the fact that Malaysia has abundant raw materials and potential
indigenous strains. Currently there is an effort in Bioprocess Unimap intended
to isolate local indigenous strain for producing glucose oxidase. Accordingly,
there is a need to enhance the production of this enzyme. The current
proposal deals with the Enhancement of glucose oxidase production by
adding elicitors to the culture of locally isolated fungal strain.
Production of protease by commercial and modified effective microorganis
(EM) in solid state fermentation using Jatropha curcas cake as substrate: A
comparative study
Student
Synopsis
Title 10
J. curcas contains approximately 47% of crude fat, 25% of crude protein, 10%
of crude fibre, 5% of moisture and 8% of carbohydrate. Thus, Jatropha cake
can be used as substrate for fermentation because its composition is
appropriate to support good microbial growth and production of enzyme.
Solid-state fermentation is one of the types of fermentation that has been
employed to grow microbes and to produce extracellular enzymes like
proteases, xylanase, lipase and cellulose.
Graft copolymerization of natural fibres
Student
Synopsis
With the increasing global energy crisis and ecological risks, plant fibers
reinforced polymer composites have attracted more and more research
interests owing to their potential of serving as alternative for artificial fiber
composites. Natural fiber such as hemp, jute, rice straw, wood, bamboo, etc
has gained attention to produce materials that are more biodegradable while
retaining the more desirable features of conventional plastics. Therefore, the
fiber surface is needed to be modified to reduce polarity of fiber and hence the
compatibility at interface region is improved.
Title 11
Phase equilibrium studies for the extraction of natural products found in
essential oil, Sabinene and Myrcene using supercritical carbon dioxide.
Student
Synopsis
Title 12
The objective of this project is to study phase equilibrium data for the
extraction of natural products found in essential oil for scaling up design pilotplant to be able to extract the component of the natural oil Sabinene and
Myrcene found as an essential oil of mentha spicata from mint-plant leaves
using supercritical solvent carbon dioxide. Separation or fractionation of
essential oil and its related compounds has become a subject of active
research because of potential applications in food, pharmaceutical and
biochemical industries. In particular Sabinene and Myrcene found in spearmint
oil plant have been noted for their beneficial role in human health and disease.
These raw materials are mixtures of organic compound that carry the
essential odor and flavor of the parent plant. Due to their thermal sensitivity,
however, conventional separation techniques such as vacuum distillation
requiring relatively high temperatures are unsuitable. Extraction using carbon
dioxide at supercritical pressure as a solvent offers potential advantages for
processing under milder conditions. Experimental data for the extraction would
be reviewed and compared with the theoretical data calculated from the
equation of states in this project.
Protein analysis of earthworm (Eisenia foetida) powder at various harvesting
time.
Student
Synopsis
The aquaculture industry in Malaysia becoming more important to ensure
enough supply of fish with the increase of population. However, one of the
major constrain facing for aquaculture industry is increasing cost of production
where one of them is price of fish feed [1]. Fish feed contains crude protein,
crude lipid, ash, salt, ammonia-N, moisture, vitamin and antioxidant [2]. For
the mean time, fish meal is a major sources of protein in a fish feed. The cost
for fish meal covers 30–60% of the total cost of feeds for aquaculture. With the
rises of cost and lack of fish meal supply, an alternative and more sustainable
protein sources are essential to meet the growing demand [3].
Animal protein for example the earthworm (Eisenia foetida) may serve as a
good source to balance the amino acid and vitamin deficiencies in cereals and
other plant products [4]. Earthworm lives in soils that high in organic matter
such as dung and feces. They have been used in soil fertility as
vermicompost, in pharmaceutical as anticancer agent, antibiotic and in
cosmetic. . Earthworm dry matter contains 60-70% protein that is high in
essential amino acid (lysine and methionine) compared to meat or fish meal. It
also contains 6-11% of fat, 5-12% carbohydrate and 2-3% of minerals and
various types of vitamins [5]. Basa reported that the earthworm in dried or
dehydrated form yields protein content higher than those of conventional
protein rich or ingredients such as fish meal, meat and bone meal and
soybean meal [4]. The study objective is to analyse protein content in
earthworm powder according to their age before harvesting. This information
will help earthworm breeder to harvest at highest protein level and not the
weight as practises nowadays.
Title 13
Development of antioxidant film based on blends of Stenochlaena palustris
extract and poly(vinyl alcohol).
Student
Synopsis
Title 14
Student
Synopsis
Title 15
The aim of this project was to develop biodegradable films based on blends of
Stenochlaena palustris flour and poly(vinyl alcohol), and to study the effect of
the PVA content in the blends on its mechanical properties and solubility.
Determination of total flavonoid content in Citrus grandis
People are now focusing on examining food for their protective and healthpromoting potential. Antioxidants help to slow down or prevent the oxidation
process, hence play an important role in blocking the generation of free radical
chain reactions from those processes [1]. Antioxidant is molecules that slow
down or prevent the oxidation process. Oxidation can cause the production of
free radicals which can form a chain reaction that contributed in many health
problems. Therefore, antioxidants play an important role in blocking the
generation of free radical chain reactions [1]. Due to high awareness of natural
and organic antioxidant especially from plant origin nowadays, the markets on
natural product such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid and caretenoids are
increasing. Flavonoids is not produced or stored in human except in significant
amounts, therefore is need for a constant and regular apply in everyday diet
[2]. Citrus is one of the most important world fruits crops and is consumed
mostly as fresh produce or juice because of its nutritional value and special
flavour. The health benefits of citrus fruits have mainly been attributed to the
presence of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics (e.g. flavonone
glycosides, hydroxycinnamic acids) [3], vitamin C [4] and caretenoids [5].
Research by Ortuno et al. (2006) shows that Citrus peel is rich in flavonone
glycosides and polymethoxyflavonones and the results also state that the Star
Ruby grapefruits and Sanguinelli orange stand out for their highest contents of
naringin and hesperidin, respectively.
Extraction of essential oil -pinene and -Pinene found in mint-plant leaves
using supercritical solvent.
Student
Synopsis
The objective of this project is to obtain extraction data for scaling up design
pilot-plant to be able to extract the component of the natural oil -pinene and
- Pinene found as an essential oil of mentha spicata from mint-plant leaves
using supercritical solvent carbon dioxide. Separation or fractionation of
essential oil and its related compounds has become a subject of active
research because of potential applications in food, pharmaceutical and
biochemical industries. In particular - pinene and - Pinene found in
spearmint oil plant have been noted for their beneficial role in human health
and disease. These raw materials are mixtures of organic compound that
carry the essential odor and flavor of the parent plant. Due to their thermal
sensitivity, however, conventional separation techniques such as vacuum
distillation requiring relatively high temperatures are unsuitable. Extraction
using carbon dioxide at supercritical pressure as a solvent offers potential
advantages for processing under milder conditions. Experimental data for the
extraction would be reviewed and compared with the theoretical data
calculated from the equation of states in this project.
Title 16
Protein analysis of earthworm (Eisenia foetida) powder with various food
consumption.
Student
Synopsis
Title 17
The aquaculture industry in Malaysia becoming more important to ensure
enough supply of fish with the increase of population. However, one of the
major constrain facing for aquaculture industry is increasing cost of production
where one of them is price of fish feed [1]. Fish feed contains crude protein,
crude lipid, ash, salt, ammonia-N, moisture, vitamin and antioxidant [2]. For
the mean time, fish meal is a major sources of protein in a fish feed. The cost
for fish meal covers 30–60% of the total cost of feeds for aquaculture. With the
rises of cost and lack of fish meal supply, an alternative and more sustainable
protein sources are essential to meet the growing demand [3].
Animal protein for example the earthworm may serve as a good source to
balance the amino acid and vitamin deficiencies in cereals and other plant
products [4]. Earthworm lives in soils that high in organic matter such as dung
and feces. They have been used in soil fertility as vermicompost, in
pharmaceutical as anticancer agent, antibiotic and in cosmetic. Earthworm dry
matter contains 60-70% protein that is high in essential amino acid (lysine and
methionine) compared to meat or fish meal. It also contains 6-11% of fat, 512% carbohydrate and 2-3% of minerals and various types of vitamins [5].
Basa reported that the earthworm in dried or dehydrated form yields protein
content higher than those of conventional protein rich or ingredients such as
fish meal, meat and bone meal and soybean meal [2]. The study objective is
to analyse protein content in earthworm powder according to their food supply.
This information will help earthworm breeder to prepare a proper meal with
intention to increase protein content in earthworm.
Removal of Heavy Metal from Aqueous Solutions by Reverse Osmosis
Student
Synopsis
Waste water containing heavy metals are extremely toxic and have harmful
effects on human physiology and other biological systems. Copper is one of
the hazardous materials contained in wastewaters from chemicals,
electroplating and electronic industries which could be prevented from being
discharged into the environment by several methods such as precipitation,
absorption, and liquid extraction. Among these methods, membrane
technology offers great advantages in metal separation/rejection such as low
energy consumption, easy to scale up and large volume processes. The aim
of the present study is to explore the effect of varying operating parameter
such as pressure drop and initial copper concentration on the metal rejection,
permeate flux and global hydraulic resistance.
Title 18
Process optimization of antioxidant extraction from seeds of Pangium edule
using solid liquid extraction method.
Student
Synopsis
Title 19
A study of antioxidant extraction from seeds of P.edule using solid/liquid
extraction method is to be carried out. It was said by Andarwulan et al. [1] that
this seed contain antioxidant. Because of this, the local fruit of P.edule which
is obtained from East Malaysia has been used as natural food preservative
especially for meat and fish. At the end of this project, student will have to
define the antioxidant characteristic and obtain the optimum condition of
antioxidant extract.
Performance analysis of Titanium dioxide nano-particle filled
polydimethylsiloxane membrane prepared using sol gel method used in
pervaporation separation of acetic acid and water.
Student
Synopsis
Title 20
Pervaporation (PV) is a membrane separation process that can be applied to
a wide range of uses such as solvent dehydration and separation of organic
mixture [1]. It is characterized by performance parameters such as flux and
selectivity. These are indicators of the ability to separate a feed mixture into a
permeate and a retentate fraction. The total fluxes, partial fluxes and
permeance are to be calculated; the activity coefficients are calculated using
UNIFAC equation while the vapor pressure is calculated using ClausiusClayperon equation [2].
Graft copolymerization of starch
Student
Synopsis
Starch is a natural biopolymer which has a potential for future biodegradable
polymer products. It is abundantly available, inexpensive and a renewable
resource. Due to the mechanical properties of thermoplastic polymer/starch
blends are very poor due to the incompatibility and hydrophilic nature of
starch, graft copolymerization of thermoplastic polymer onto starch has been
widely studied. The objective of this study is to synthesize starch with various
polymers including biodegradable polymers.
Title 21
Adsorption of textile dye from aqueous solutions using coconut husk as
adsorbent: kinetic and equilibrium studies
Student
Synopsis
Title 22
Water pollution is one of the most undesirable environmental problems in the
world and it requires solutions. Textile industries produce a lot of wastewater,
which contains a number of contaminants, including acidic or caustic
dissolved solids, toxic compounds, and any different dyes. Various techniques
have been employed for dye removal from
wastewaters. Currently, the principal methods of treatment involve biological,
physical and/or chemical processes such as microbial degradation, chemical
oxidation, electrofloculation and adsorption. However, these processes usually
require appropriate facilities with high maintenance costs. Adsorption has
proven to be an effective procedure for removal of various pollutants from
aqueous solutions and is also one of the most economical alternative
technologies for the treatment of dye-contaminated waste streams. Some
natural biomaterials including agricultural products and other by-products with
low costs have been explored as new sources in recent years. Coconut husk
has demonstrated its ability for adsorbing some heavy metals in wastewater
stream. Based on this property, the ability of coconut husk to adsorb dye in
wastewater will be investigated in the present study.
Optimization of silage processing and fermentation using Surface Response
Method
Student
Synopsis
Silage is the acid fermented product of anaerobic fodder fermentation, the aim
being to preserve fodder for later feeding. Silage making has been practised
since ancient times, but the modern era of silage making was ushered in by a
French farmer, A. Goffart. in 1877, advocated a technique involving the rapid
filling and sealing of the silo to generate anaerobic conditions, which is still the
basis of silage making today. The principal objective of the modern ensilage
process is to rapidly achieve anaerobic conditions.
The exposure of forage crops to air for any appreciable period of time results
in a large increase in the activity of aerobic micro-organisms, leading to the
loss of nutritive value and eventually an inedible, possibly toxic, product. By
excluding air, the growth of anaerobic organisms is facilitated, resulting in the
production of ethanol and a variety of organic acids such as acetic, butyric and
lactic acid.
The primary purpose of silage fermentation is therefore to encourage the
growth of lactic acid producing bacteria and to inhibit undesirable and
potentially hazardous organisms. In well made silage, the production of lactic
acid will result in a pH of around 4, which is usually sufficient to inhibit most
organisms, partly by the direct effect of hydrogen ions but mainly by
enhancing the toxic effect of organic acids. The result is a sharp reduction in
metabolic activity and, so long as air continues to be excluded, silage
potential storage time is extended.
The objective of this project is to study the effects of silage materials physical
properties (e.g.: size, moisture content, etc.) on the silage product quality
attributes (lactic acids content, smell, appearance, etc.)
Title 23
Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye utilizing Degussa P25 TiO2
photocatalyst supported on montmorillonite
Student
Synopsis
Title 24
Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye is studied in a simplified bench-scale
batch reactor. TiO2 in the form of Degussa P25 is used as the photocatalyst
and montmorillonite as the support. The supported photocatalyst is subjected
to SEM, EDX characterization. Effect of certain process parameters will be
studied such as effect of azo dye concentration, pH and etc.
Exploring liquid natural rubber (LNR) production and its potential engineering
applications
Student
Synopsis
Natural rubber is a biopolymer. Being a bioproduct, natural rubber can be
manipulated by engineering principles. One such material is liquid natural
rubber (LNR), a viscous fluid in concentrated form (Use the internet for
knowledge and further understanding).
Rubber is known for its elasticity, mallaeability, durability etc. in its natural
form. Its properties have been modified and refined through processing,
complexation etc. LNR has been researched but it has not been promoted as
a useful material and its commercial production is non-existent. The potential
application of LNR is yet unexplored.
There is a need to explore the positive attributes of LNR and its potential uses.
The inclusion of LNR in strengthening construction materials, production of
earthquake-resistant materials, and bio-based composites may open up new
dimensions in R&D and commercial applications.
Title 25
Computational Modelling of acetic acid and water separation through
pervaporation using polydimethylsiloxane membrane.
Student
Synopsis
Pervaporation (PV) is a membrane separation process that can be applied to
a wide range of uses such as solvent dehydration and separation of organic
mixture [1]. It is characterized by performance parameters such as flux and
selectivity. These are indicators of the ability to separate a feed mixture into a
permeate and a retentate fraction. The total fluxes, partial fluxes and
permeance are to be defined using computational modelling; the activity
coefficients are calculated using UNIFAC equation while the vapor pressure is
calculated using Clausius-Clayperon equation [2].
Title 26
Supercritical fluid extraction of natural products related compound using
carbon dioxide solvent.
Student
Synopsis
Title 27
The objective of this project is to obtain supercritical fluid extraction data for
the natural product related compound for scaling up design pilot-plant to be
able to extract the component of the natural oil Limonene and -Terpinene
found as an essential oil of mentha spicata from mint-plant leaves using
supercritical solvent carbon dioxide. Separation or fractionation of essential oil
and its related compounds has become a subject of active research because
of potential applications in food, pharmaceutical and biochemical industries. In
particular
Limonene and -Terpinene found in spearmint oil plant have been noted for
their beneficial role in human health and disease. These raw materials are
mixtures of organic compound that carry the essential odor and flavor of the
parent plant. Due to their thermal sensitivity, however, conventional separation
techniques such as vacuum distillation requiring relatively high temperatures
are unsuitable. Extraction using carbon dioxide at supercritical pressure as a
solvent offers potential advantages for processing under milder conditions.
Experimental data for the extraction would be reviewed and compared with
the theoretical data calculated from the equation of states in this project.
Determining dry rubber content (DRC) using micro-sensor technology
Student
Synopsis
Natural rubber is obtained from latex, an aqueous medium containing rubber
particles, which is produced by rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). At the
farmgate, the latex collected, is either sold as liquid latex or as coagulated cup
lumps. The farmer is paid for the latex based on DRC which, ideally, has to be
rapidly determined at the farm. In reality, this is not the case. The dealers or
processors pay the farmer on a subjective assessment of the latex produced
in the form of cup lumps. It is a raw deal for the rubber producers at the
farmgate level.
Current DRC determination is laboratory-based involving drying the rubber
samples and weighing wet and dry weight. The process can take a couple of
days. With microwave drying the process has been somewhat shortened to
hours only. Applying the sensor technology may simplify the process of DRC
determination in situ at the farmgate and its application to produce a portable
instrument or DRC kit a possibility. The farmer will get a reliable and fair deal
as payment for his farm produce.
There is a possibility that the sensor-based technology can be harnessed for
the production of a prototype portable DRC kit. The innovation is much
awaited by the natural rubber industry of the region and the world.
Title 28
Optimization study for the photocatalytic degradation of azo dye utilizing solgel derived TiO2 photocatalyst supported on montmorillonite
Student
Synopsis
Optimization study of photocatalytic degradation of azo dye is studied using
Design of Experiment approach. The study will employ Stat-Ease Design
Expert software as a tool to facilitate this study. TiO2 in the form of nano
particle (Degussa P25) is used as the photocatalyst and montmorillonite as
the support. The supported photocatalyst is subjected to SEM, EDX
characterization. Optimization of significant process parameters will be studied
to maximize the degradation percentage of azo dye.
Title 29
Computational Modelling of acetic acid and water separation through
pervaporation using polydimethylsiloxane membrane.
Student
Synopsis
Title 30
Pervaporation (PV) is a membrane separation process that can be applied to
a wide range of uses such as solvent dehydration and separation of organic
mixture [1]. It is characterized by performance parameters such as flux and
selectivity. These are indicators of the ability to separate a feed mixture into a
permeate and a retentate fraction. The total fluxes, partial fluxes and
permeance are to be defined using computational modelling; the activity
coefficients are calculated using UNIFAC equation while the vapor pressure is
calculated using Clausius-Clayperon equation [2].
Changes in content of herbal bio-active compounds at different growth and
development stages of misai kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus) leaves, roots,
stems, branches/twigs.
Student
Synopsis
Orthosiphon stamineus Benth (misai kucing) leaves contain phenolic
compounds and antioxidants which are of interest to the dietary supplement,
herbal medicine and pharmaceutical industry. Research results indicated that
sinensetin, one of the flavones isolated from the misai kucing plant exhibited
diuretic activity. The polyphenols, such as rosmarinic acid and 2, 3dicaffeoyltartaric acid had been shown to have therapeutic effects, while
eupatorin was reported to exhibit anti cancer effects.
The quality of all medicinal herbs, including misai kucing is mainly determined
by the concentration of bio-active compounds that impart a health benefit.
From the works on other established herbal species (e.g. ginseng), it is known
that there many internal and external factors that affecting the bio-active
compound content. These include i. types of fertilizer used, ii. harvesting
parts, iii. stage of harvest iv. drying techniques, and v. storage conditions.
However, information related to these factors, particularly for misai kucing
plant is lacking. Therefore, it is very pertinent for us to initiate a series of
experiments with the ultimate aim of establishing relationship between these
factors and the content of herbal bio-active compounds (such as sinensetin,
rosmarinic acid and eupatorin) in the leaves of misai kucing plants. Infomation
generated from these research experiments would become an important
inputs in developing good agricultural practice (GAP) protocol, in this case for
misai kucing species, in line with the guidelines provided by the World Health
Organization(WHO).
Title 31
Probing metal rubber production, properties and applications
Student
Synopsis
Natural rubber is a biopolymer. Its properties can be manipulated by
engineering principles. One such material is metal rubber, a substance that
has the elasticity of rubber and ability of steel to conduct electricity (Use the
internet for knowledge and further understanding).
Biological systems, as well as several inorganic physical systems, exhibit selfassembling or self-ordering behavior all the time. To make metal rubber,
chemists and engineers use a process called self-assembly. The material is
repeatedly dipped into positively charged and negatively charged solutions.
The positive and negative charges bond, forming layers that conduct
electricity. The self-assembly process coats almost anything -- even fabric can
be made to carry electrical power.
There is a need to explore the positive attributes of metal rubber and its
potential uses. The inclusion of metal rubber in bio-based composites may
open up new dimensions in R&D and commercial applications.
Title 32
Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye utilizing sol-gel derived TiO2
photocatalyst supported on montmorillonite
Student
Synopsis
Title 33
Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye is studied in a simplified bench-scale
batch reactor. TiO2 derived from sol-gel method is used as the photocatalyst
and montmorillonite as the support. The supported photocatalyst is subjected
to SEM, EDX characterization. Effect of certain process parameters will be
studied such as effect of azo dye concentration, pH and etc.
Preparation of diesel-blended fuel by using oil from micro-algae grown in
leachate water
Student
Synopsis
Micro-algae have been suggested as good candidates for fuel production
because of their advantages of higher photosynthetic efficiency, higher
biomass production and faster growth compared to other energy crop. The big
challenges nowadays regarding algal bio diesel production are how to
increase the extraction efficiency of oil from algal biomass, and how to grow
the biomass of interest in uneconomical land/ water. The present proposal
deals with the mentioned challenges by growing microalgae in waste dumping
–site leachate water , coupled with an improved extraction method of algal-oil,
and subsequently blends the oil with diesel-oil.
Title 34
Student
Synopsis
Title 35
In vitro antidiabetic of sirih merah leaves extract
This project is intended to study the antidiabetic effects of sirih merah (piper
crocatum) leaves extract. The antidiabetic capability of the extract is studied
by mimicking glucose diffusion in small intestine. This is done by measuring
the inhibiting activity of the extract on glucose diffusion across dialysis
membrane into external solution. Glucose concentrations were analyzed
spectrophotometrically. Alternatively, the glucose can be determined by
enzymatic method using glucose analyzer.
Bioethanol from fermentable residues of Artocarpus spp.
Student
Synopsis
Title 36
The world starches are dominated by those from corn, potato, wheat, tapioca
and sago. The compositions of starch from these sources vary from 20 – 60%
by dry weight. Due to historical reasons and technological advantages, some of
the starches are more popularly used, though some are more abundantly
available. Different sources of starch are still being reported in the literatures
elsewhere. However, more importantly novel and innovative applications of the
starches are still lacking. The industries that exploit the full potential of the
starches would be able to withstand future global challenges. Source of starch
from fruits of Artocarpus spp. has never been fully exploited. The mature, fruit is
considered as one of the good source of starch though, they are typically
consumed as fried starch-based snacks produced by the cottage industries.
Other applications of the Artocarpus spp. biomass would be considered in the
project. It would be prudent for a more useful application, with the compeling
energy crisis, and that would be the production of bioethanol. Fractionation of
the fruit biomass into fermentable components would be the main feature of the
project which would then be followed by the fermentation per se. The project
would be conducted in two – three phases: phase 1: involves the fractionation
of the fermentable components; phase II: involves the runing of the
fermentation process; phase III: hydrolysis and liquefaction of recalcitrant
components into fermentable residues.
Characterization and optimization of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) array
sensor for coffee classification
Student
Synopsis
This project will help the student to develop the thin film on the sensor (QCM)
using different coating method. The student will learn theories behind the
chemical vapour sensing. Finally the student will learn the statistical methods
of multisensor data processing.
Title 37
Isolation, characterization and production of glucan of local strain of S.
commune
Student
Synopsis
Title 38
Beta 1,3-d/1,6-d-glucan is the sole, active and potent compound of the glucan
groups. It is known for its phenomenal immune enhancing properties[1, 2, 4 &
6]. It is responsible for fully activating macrophages in the human body. The
macrophages are the primary defenses of the human immune system.
However, the extraction and purification of beta 1,3-d-glucan derived from the
cell wall of baker’s yeast is a challenging task considering allergic response to
yeast proteins contaminating the formulation is a risk not to be taken likely.
Alternative source of the functional beta 1,3-d-glucan would be an excellent
option, and one such source has been identified[3]. K-GlucanTM is the
developed product. A basidiomycete fungus able to produce beta 1,3-d-glucan
is attractive source. Moreover, due to its simplicity in extraction and
purification, the production is economically viable.
It is a potent non-ionic, hydrophilic homopolysaccharide. It is released during
the growth of a basidiomycete fungus locally isolated. The glucan consist of βD-(13) glucopyranosyl and β-D-(16) glucopyranosyl groups. It amazingly
promote significant immunomodulatory, neoplastic and antiviral activities. It
even has applications in enhanced oil recovery and cosmetics.
Molecular Design and Synthesis of Bioactive Sensors based on Molecular
Imprinted Polymer for Coffee flavour
Student
Synopsis
Title 39
Molecular imprinting can be defined as process of template-induced formation
of specific recognition sites in a material where the template directs the
positioning and orientation of the material’s structural components by a selfassembling mechanism. In principle, movements of molecules are frozen in
polymeric structures so that they are immobilized in a desired fashion. With
the maturity of molecular imprinting technology, more active components have
been successfully imprinted for applications in sensing and solid phase
extraction. In this study Caffeine is taken as an example for the sensing of
Coffee flavour. The caffeine imprinted polymer will be coated on the sensor
and used for the detection and classification of coffee flavour.
Designing a drying chamber for herbs.
Student
Synopsis
This project will introduce student in identifying parameters that helps storing
herbal products without losing its bio-active compound due to decomposition
or evaporation/sublimation. Students will test those parameters deemed
possible to provide the best result in maintaining the freshness of the studied
herbs.
Title 40
Comparing energy of combustion of green leaves.
Student
Synopsis
Title 41
Student
Synopsis
Identifying possible feature of certain plants that helps in combustion. Certain
green plants burns easily in nature, so the students will learn to identify the
quantities of these materials required for best combustion
Formulation of natural preservative for Nipah palm nector ( Nira)
This project will introduce student to problems analysis, designing a
procedure to over come it and propose a possible method for economic
production purpose. Students will do an extensive literature review of natural
preservatives, and study nira production with the aim to add value for better
economic return. Students will determines a few suitable preservatives and
test it performance on nira quality. Students will determine the degradation of
nira using specific biochemical parameters as a basis for comparison . As
control students may wants to study the the degradation of nira as affected by
temperature control. Amount of sugar content, alcohol, and acid verses time
during the various phase of degradation would be the major data to be
collected.