BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

Center Leader

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sheri-Ann Tan Shu Wei

Bioscience Research Group (Biosc@TAR)

Research Group Members

AP Dr. Tan Hui Yin, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ong Yien Yien, Ms. Selvi A/P Chellappan, Asst. Prof. Dr. Lim Lee Chang, AP Dr. Tang Pei Ling, AP Dr. Koo Hui Chin, AP Dr. Loh Khye Er, AP Dr. Ng Siou Pei, Ms. Chia Meow Lin, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thed Swee Tee, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chong Cheong Yew, Asst. Prof. Dr. Tiang Choon Lin, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hew Hoi Chin, Asst. Prof. Dr. Low Ying Chiang, Asst. Prof. Dr. Won Hui Loo, Asst. Prof. Dr. Tan Phui Yee, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kek Siok Peng, Asst. Prof. Dr. Zunura’in Binti Zahali, Asst. Prof. Dr Alvin Dickson Anak Paul Joko.

This list is non-exhaustive, FOAS and TAR UMT researchers are welcome to join the (Biosc@TAR)  should their area of interest align to the Centre’s objectives, vision and rationale.

Location: FOAS Bioscience and Chemistry laboratories at West and East campuses

Objectives:

The Bioscience Research Group (Biosc@TAR) brings together researchers working in different fields of Bioscience such as Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and the Environmental Science with the following aims:

Vision

An industrial-focused group for research, collaboration, consultancy, training and knowledge exchange in Bioscience between researchers, academicians and stakeholders.

Rationale and Research Plan

a) Research and Development - to explore funding opportunities and to seek potential research and development opportunities from the industrial and external organizations.

b) Collaboration - to strengthen collaboration in multi-disciplinary projects in terms of leveraging on the team expertise and facility availability.

c) Consultancy - to work with small medium-sized enterprises and industrial players in Bioscience research.

d) Training and Knowledge Exchange - to organize conferences, seminars and road shows for upskilling and reskilling of researchers to adapt in the ever dynamic scientific environment.


Innovative Food Science and Nutrition Research Group  (Food@TAR)

Research Group Members


Asst. Prof. Dr. Ong Yien Yien, Asst. Prof. Dr. Lim Lee Chang, AP Dr. Tang Pei Ling, AP Dr. Koo Hui Chin, AP Dr. Ng Siou Pei, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thed Swee Tee, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chong Cheong Yew, Asst. Prof. Dr. Won Hui Loo, Asst. Prof. Dr. Tan Phui Yee, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kek Siok Peng, Asst. Prof. Dr. Zunura’in Binti Zahali.

This list is non-exhaustive, FOAS and TAR UMT researchers are welcome to join the Innovative Food Science and Nutrition Research Group should their area of interest align to the Group’s objectives, vision and rationale.

Location: FOAS Food Science laboratories at West and East campuses

Objectives:

The Innovative Food Science and Nutrition Research Group (Food@TAR) brings together food scientists working in the fields of Food Science and its sub-disciplines addressing issues related to food sustainability, functional food, fats and oils, nutrition, environmental protection, etc. with the following aims:

Vision

An industrial-focused group for research, collaboration, consultancy, training and knowledge exchange in Food Science and Nutrition between researchers, academicians and stakeholders.

Rationale and Research Plan

a) Research and Development - to explore funding opportunities and to seek potential research and development opportunities from the industrial and external organizations.

b) Collaboration - to strengthen collaboration in multi-disciplinary projects in terms of leveraging on the team’s expertise and facility availability.

c) Consultancy - to work with the small medium-sized enterprises and industrial players in Food Science and Nutrition.

d) Training and Knowledge Exchange - to organize conferences, seminars and road shows for upskilling and reskilling of researchers to adapt in the ever dynamic scientific environment.

Agriculture Research Group (AGRI@ TAR)

Research Group Members


AP Dr. Tan Hui Yin, Ms. Selvi A/P Chellappan, AP Dr. Loh Khye Er, AP Dr. Ng Siou Pei, Ms. Chia Meow Lin, Asst. Prof. Dr. Tiang Choon Lin, Asst. Prof.  Dr. Hew Hoi Chin, Asst. Prof.  Dr. Low Ying Chiang.

This list is non-exhaustive, FOAS and TAR UMT researchers are welcome to join the Innovative Food Science and Nutrition Research Group should their area of interest align to the Group’s objectives, vision and rationale.

Location: FOAS Bioscience and Chemistry laboratories at West and East campuses

Objectives:

The Agriculture Research Group (AGRI@TAR) aims to spearhead Malaysia’s Agriculture 4.0 innovation and adaptation through collaboration with stakeholders in overcoming industrial problems with the following aims: 


Vision:

An industrial-focused group for research, collaboration, consultancy, training and knowledge exchange in Agriculture between researchers, academicians and stakeholders.

 

The AGRI@TARC core expertise are in these areas:

●       Precision farming

●       Crop scouting

●       Supply chain integration

●       Industrial 4.0 integration in downstream processing

 

Rationale and Research Plan:

a) Research and Development - to explore funding opportunities and to seek for potential research and development opportunities from the industrial and external organizations. 

b) Collaboration - to strengthen collaboration in multi-disciplinary projects in terms of leveraging with the team expertise and facility availability.

c) Consultancy - to work with small medium-sized enterprises and industrial players in Agriculture research.

d) Training and Knowledge Exchange - to organize conferences, seminars and road shows for upskilling and reskilling of researchers to adapt in the ever dynamic scientific environment.


Publications

TITLE: A Review on the Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Properties of Xanthones from Cratoxylum cochinchinense

SOURCE: Journal of Tropical Life Science

AUTHOR: SU YING LEE (Main Author)

RESEARCH CENTRE: BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

SDG: 15

CITATION: Lee, S. Y., MojulatMBC, Jebarani, G., Surugau, N., Sheri Ann Tan, S. W. (2023) A Review on the Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Properties of Xanthones from Cratoxylum. Journal of Tropical Life Science 13(1): 219–230. https://doi: 10.11594/jtls.13.01.20.

ABSTRACT:

Cratoxylum cochinchinenseis a perennial plant found in Southeast Asia, having di-verse terminologies in various Southeast Asian countries. It has been traditionally used as medicine, tea and food spice until today. Its phytochemical analysis reveals a rich array of bioactive compounds in different parts of the plant, specifically xan-thones, which are scientifically determined to be the most abundant secondary me-tabolites in C. cochinchinense. Xanthones do possess numerous beneficial properties and are actively researched to unlock its vast potential. It could be synthesized both biologically and synthetically, where the latter method is gaining much interest among researchers to improve its biological properties. Due to limited compiled re-sources on the biological benefits of xanthones from C. cochinchinense, this paper aims to review their cytotoxic properties specifically towards cancer cells, as well as their antimalarial and antibacterial effects in order to further support the medicinal use of this plant.

TITLE: Fourier Transform Infrared Studies of Gel Polymer Electrolyte Based on Poly (Acrylamide-Co-Acrylic Acid) - Ethylene Carbonate Incorporated with Water-Soluble Sodium Sulfide

SOURCE: Optical Materials

AUTHOR: YC LEE (Main Author)

RESEARCH CENTRE: BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

SDG: 7

CITATION: Lee, Y. C., Liew, C. W., Buraidah, M. H., Woo, H. J. (2023) Fourier Transform Infrared Studies of Gel Polymer Electrolyte Based on Poly (Acrylamide-Co-Acrylic Acid) - Ethylene Carbonate Incorporated with Water-Soluble Sodium Sulfide. Optical Materials 140(113791): 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2023.113791.

ABSTRACT:

The incorporation of plasticizer to a solid polymer electrolyte have shown high conductivity, good thermal and chemical stabilities, long life and reduced costs. The improved conductivity is mainly contributed by higher ion diffusion coefficient and better ion mobility. However, little is known about the possible molecular interactions between plasticizer, polymer host and salt, particularly in explaining the mechanism pertaining to ion transport in the gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). A flexible GPE based on poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (PAAm-PAA), ethylene carbonate (EC) and water-soluble sodium sulfide (Na2S) was developed. PAAm-PAA and Na2S are incorporated as the polymer backbone and the source of charge carriers, respectively, and EC acts as the plasticizer of the system. When 0.4 wt% of EC was added to PAAm-PAA-Na2S GPE, the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolytes increased from 5.11 × 10−2 S cm−1 to 6.92 × 10−2 S cm−1. The possible molecular interactions between PAAm-PAA, Na2S and EC and their correlation with ionic conductivity were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the intensities of the amide (Cdouble bondO, C–N), carboxylate (COO−) and sulfate (SO42−) bands increased with the addition of EC, and the position of the asymmetric bending (v4) of SO42− band down shifted from 677 cm−1 to 667 cm−1. These findings, the changes in shape, intensity, and position of the PAAm-PAA-Na2S-EC GPE, suggest a dipole-dipole interaction between (i) PAAm-PAA and distilled water, (ii) PAAm-PAA and EC and (iii) EC and distilled water. On the other hand, ion-dipoles interactions may occur between (i) Na+ cation and distilled water, (ii) Na+ cation and PAAm-PAA and (iii) Na+ cation and EC. It can be concluded that EC interacts with both PAAm-PAA and Na2S, and EC-Na+ complexes also appear in PAAm-PAA-Na2S-EC GPE. The increase in the conductivity of GPE is attributed to the high ion diffusion coefficient and mobility, which is attributed to the presence of EC.

TITLE: Saffron Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes

SOURCE: Optical and Quantum Electronics

AUTHOR: MARZIYEH ALINEJAD (Main Author)

RESEARCH CENTRE: BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

SDG: 7

CITATION: Alinejad, M., Buraidah, M. H., Teo, L. P., Arof, A. K. (2023) Saffron Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes. Optical and Quantum Electronics 55: 804. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-023-05078-z.

ABSTRACT:

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) based on polyvinyl alcohol consist of iodide/triiodide ions have been prepared and tested for safron dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The efect of 4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP) on the GPE and DSSC has been investigated. The room tem perature ionic conductivity of GPEs (with and without TBP) lies in the range of~ 10–3 S/ cm and increases with increasing temperature up to~ 10–2 S/cm at 373 K. Current density– voltage (J–V) characteristics of DSSCs shows that the DSSC fabricated with TBP exhib its the highest short circuit current density of (2.80±0.30) mA/cm2 and power conversion efciency of 0.62%. The lowest series resistance was found in the same cell’s electrical impedance spectroscopy, indicating that electrolyte charge transport dominates in DSSCs. Furthermore, intensity-modulated photocurrent and intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopies were used to evaluate the electron transfer time constant (tr) and electron recombination time (trec) of the constructed DSSCs. The most efcient DSSC (with TBP) has the shortest tr of 0.17 s and the fastest trec of 0.50 s.

TITLE: Commercially Available Textiles as a Scaffolding Platform for Large-Scale Cell Culture

SOURCE: International Journal of Biomaterials

AUTHOR: TARUN AGARWAL (Main Author)

RESEARCH CENTRE: BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

SDG: 7

CITATION: Agarwal, T., Sheri-Ann Tan,, Vuppaladadium, S. S. R., Sajja, T., Maiti, T. K. (2023) Commercially Available Textiles as a Scaffolding Platform for Large-Scale Cell Culture. International Journal of Biomaterials 2023: 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/2227509.

ABSTRACT:

The present study outlines the evaluation of textile materials that are currently in the market for cell culture applications. By using normal LaserJet printing techniques, we created the substrates, which were then characterized physicochemically and biologically. In particular, (i) we found that the weave pattern and (ii) the chemical nature of the textiles significantly influenced the behaviour of the cells. Textiles with closely knitted fibers and cell adhesion motifs, exhibited better cell adhesion and proliferation over a period of 7 days. All the substrates supported good viability of cells (>80%). We believe that these aspects make commercially available textiles as a potential candidate for large-scale culture of adherent cells.

TITLE: Electrochemical, Structural and Thermal Studies of Poly (Ethyl Methacrylate) (PEMA) Based Ion Conductor for Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor Applicationing Platform for Large-Scale Cell Culture

SOURCE: Polymer Bulletin

AUTHOR: YEK SIEW CHING (Main Author)

RESEARCH CENTRE: BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

SDG: 7

CITATION: Yek, S. C., Jun, H. K., Liew, C. W.  (2023) Electrochemical, Structural and Thermal Studies of Poly (Ethyl Methacrylate) (PEMA) Based Ion Conductor for Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor Application. Polymer Bulletin 80: 9353–9382. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-023-04752-2.

ABSTRACT:

Solid polymer electrolyte based on poly (ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) was prepared for electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) application. Incorporation of 50 wt% LiTFSI elevated the ionic conductivity by five orders of magnitude from (4.64 ± 0.01) × 10–11 to (1.22 ± 0.01) × 10–6 S cm−1. The doping of LiTFSI also improved the thermal stability of the polymer electrolyte from 331 to 384 ºC. Moreover, structural information from FTIR suggested that Li+ can interact with oxygen of carbonyl and ester groups of PEMA. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) showed that there is an improvement on the electrochemical stability window from 2.2 to 3.2 V upon addition of 40 and 50 wt% of LiTFSI. Transference number analysis affirmed that ion is the major contributor to the ionic conductivity of the PEMA-LiTFSI polymer electrolyte system. The fabricated PEMA-LiTFSI-based EDLC cell exhibited specific capacitance of 358.1 m F g−1. The energy density and power density of the PEMA-LiTFSI-based EDLC cell were 22.2 mWh kg−1 and 14.0 W kg−1, respectively.

TITLE: Synthesis of Poly(Vinyl Acetate)-Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Application in Electric Double Layer Capacitors

SOURCE: Ionics

AUTHOR: AUSTIN YUHANG YAP (Main Author)

RESEARCH CENTRE: BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

SDG: 7

CITATION: Yap, A. Y., Phang, S. W., Liew, C. W.  (2023) Synthesis of Poly(Vinyl Acetate)-Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Application in Electric Double Layer Capacitors. Ionics 29: 3317–3334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-023-05104-w.

ABSTRACT:

In this work, poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) from precursor solutions containing different volume ratios of vinyl acetate monomer and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMIMTFSI) at a fixed concentration of 0.1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) were synthesized via ex-situ polymerization. The GPE with 35% (v/v) of BMIMTFSI exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of (1.90 ± 0.32) × 10–4 S cm−1 at ambient temperature, with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of -28.01 °C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) study confirms the complexation and interaction between the BMIMTFSI, LiTFSI, and PVAc. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows a reduction in degree of crystallinity of the polymer matrix upon addition of LiTFSI and BMIMTFSI. Addition of ionic liquid enhances the potential window of the GPEs as shown in linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) study. The specific capacitance of EDLC increases significantly upon addition of BMIMTFSI, along with relatively stable energy and power densities as proven in Galvanostatic Charge–Discharge (GCD) study.

TITLE: Electrical and Optical Properties of Poly(Acrylamide-Co-Acrylic Acid) Based Polymer Electrolytes Containing Water-Soluble Potassium Iodide Salt

SOURCE: Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals

AUTHOR: YC LEE (Main Author)

RESEARCH CENTRE: BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

SDG: 7

CITATION: Lee, Y. C., Buraidah, M. H., Woo, H. J.,  Teo, L. P. (2023) Electrical and Optical Properties of Poly(Acrylamide-Co-Acrylic Acid) Based Polymer Electrolytes Containing Water-Soluble Potassium Iodide Salt. Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals 760(1): 51-59. https://doi.org/10.1080/15421406.2023.2166135.

ABSTRACT:

Poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (PAAm-PAA) based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) containing potassium iodide (KI) have been prepared. The complexation between PAAm-PAA and KI has been identified through the position changes at the asymmetric NH2 stretching and CH2 stretching; and the intensities changes at the amide (C = O, C-N) and carboxylate (COO-) bands using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. PAAm-PAA film exhibits a room temperature (RT) ionic conductivity of (8.8 ± 0.8) × 10−11 S·cm−1 which increases to maximum at (4.0 ± 0.5) × 10−7 S·cm−1 with 45 wt.% KI addition. The conductivity-temperature dependence studies of all samples followed the Arrhenius rule.

TITLE: Blackberries Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes

SOURCE: Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals

AUTHOR: MARZIYEH ALINEJAD (Main Author)

RESEARCH CENTRE: BioScience & Food Science Research Centre

SDG: 7

CITATION: Alinejad, M., Buraidah, M. H., Teo, L. P., Arof, A. K. (2023) Blackberries Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes. Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals 761(1): 22-32. https://doi.org/10.1080/15421406.2023.2173844.

ABSTRACT:

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been constructed using fluoride tin oxide (FTO) glass deposited with TiO2 and anthocyanin dye extracted from blackberries as the photoanode, platinum coated cathode, and gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) dissolved in two different solvents, viz., dimethyl formamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). GPE employing DMF solvent exhibits the highest ambient conductivity of 14.05 mS cm−1. Charge transport properties of DSSCs were studied via intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS), intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The highest efficiency of 0.54% is recorded for DSSC with GPE containing DMF and TBP.