The evaluation of chilli hotness using amperometric capsaicin biosensor-based enzyme that was immobilized covalently to the surface of modified acrylic microspheres is the first of its kind presented in this work. The immobilization of enzyme covalently to the surface of microspheres via succinimide groups prevented the leaching ofthe enzyme. The enzymatic reaction between horseradish peroxidase-capsaicin in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, which was mediated by vinyl ferrocene, enabled the current measurement at a low potential (0.22V). Besides, the pungency level of the chilli that was proportional to the capsaicin concentration was measured using this method. This biosensor gave a linear response range towards capsaicin from 0.75–24.94 M (R2 = 0.992) with a detection limit at 0.39 M. Moreover, the relative standard deviation (RSD) for reproducibility study was 8.2% (n = 7). Therefore, this biosensor was successfully applied for evaluation of chilli hotness in chilli sample, as well as in comparison with a standard method that employed the HPLC method.

Activated carbon derived from desiccated coconut residue was treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and analyzed for its supercapacitor performance. The sample was then characterized by N2 adsorption at -196°C, Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in order to investigate its surface area, porosity and microcrystalline properties. Specific surface area (SSA) was found to be 1394.79 m2/g with high microporosity of 76.92 %. Electrochemical double-layer capacitance was studied by cyclic voltammetry with potential window of 1V. The presence of high microporosity properties affects the supercapacitor performance due to lack of accessibility of the electrolyte into the activated carbon pores. The calculated specific capacitance was found to be 42 F/g.

A new electrochemical DNA biosensor based on mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped ZnS quantum dots (MPA-ZnS QDs) immobilization matrix for covalent binding with 20-base aminated oligonucleotide has been successfully developed. Prior to the modification, screen-printed carbon paste electrode (SPE) was self-assembled with multilayer gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cysteamine (Cys). The inclusion of MPA-ZnS QDs semiconducting material in modified electrodes has enhanced the electron transfer between the SPE transducer and DNA leading to improved bioanalytical assay of target biomolecules. Electrochemical studies performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulsed voltammetry (DPV) demonstrated that the MPA-ZnS QDs modified AuNPs electrode was able to produce a lower charge transfer resistance response and hence higher electrical current response. Under optimal conditions, the immobilized synthetic DNA probe exhibited high selectivity towards synthetic target DNA. Based on the DPV response of the reduction of anthraquinone monosulphonic acid (AQMS) redox probe, the MPA-ZnS QDs-based electrochemical DNA biosensor responded to target DNA concentration from 1 × 10−9 μM to 1 × 10−3 μM with a sensitivity 1.2884 ± 0.12 µA, linear correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9848 and limit of detection (LOD) of 1 × 10−11 μM target DNA. The DNA biosensor exhibited satisfactory reproducibility with an average relative standard deviation (RSD) of 7.4%. The proposed electrochemical transducer substrate has been employed to immobilize the aminated Arowana fish (Scleropages formosus) DNA probe. The DNA biosensor showed linearity to target DNA from 1 × 10−11 to 1 × 10−6 µM (R2 = 0.9785) with sensitivity 1.1251 ± 0.243 µA and LOD of 1 × 10−11 µM. The biosensor has been successfully used to determine the gender of Arowana fish without incorporating toxic raw materials previously employed in the hazardous processing conditions of polypyrrole chemical conducting polymer, whereby the cleaning step becomes difficult with thicker films due to high levels of toxic residues from the decrease in polymerization efficacy as films grew.

L-glutamate is widely used as a flavour enhancer in various foodstuffs and seasoning in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG has been linked to neurotoxic effects, metabolic disorders, headache, numbness and palpitation. In this work, an amperometric L-glutamate biosensor based on photocurable poly(2-hydroxylethyl methacrylate)-containing ferrocene film for the determination of L-glutamate in food samples is described. The sensor is fabricated based on simultaneous immobilization of both L-glutamate oxidase and ferrocene as a mediator during the deposition of poly(2-hydroxylethyl methacrylate) film via photocuring. Ferrocene was used to shuttle the electrons directly between the reduced enzyme and the electrode. From electrochemical studies, a linear response towards L-glutamate in the concentration range of 10-30 mM was obtained at applied potential of +0.25 V with the detection limit of 7.7 mM. The storage stability of the biosensor is up to 4 months under storage condition of 4 oC in refrigerator. The performance of the biosensor was applied to the determination of L-glutamate in food stocks from local supermarkets. Results from amperometric L-glutamate biosensor were further validated with HPLC method.

Mikrosensor pendarfluor optik untuk kuantifikasi asid borik dalam sampel makanan telah dibangunkan berdasarkan filem mikrosfera poli(n-butil akrilat) [poli(nBA)]. Pencirian optik reagen alizarin merah S (ARS) terpegun pada filem mikrosfera poliakrilat dengan asid borik telah dilakukan melalui pendekatan transduksi pendarfluor. Reagen ARS telah dijerap secara fizikal pada filem mikrosfera akrilik hidrofobik untuk membentuk mikropolimer kelat dengan sokongan matriks sol-gel untuk mengelakkan larut lesap molekul ARS yang bersifat larut air. Pengkelat ARS yang terpegun pada filem mikrosfera poli(nBA) memberikan tindak balas pengesanan optik yang cepat dalam masa 1 minit. Julat rangsangan linear dinamik yang berguna bagi mikrosensor pendarfluor optik asid borik telah diperoleh antara 1.6 μM dan 32.0 μM asid borik dengan had pengesanan (LOD) pada 1 μM. Mikrosensor pendarfluor optik asid borik berasaskan mikropolimer akrilik menghasilkan prestasi kebolehulangan yang baik dengan nilai sisihan piawai relatif (RSD) yang dicapai dalam julat 3.3-3.6%. Mikrosensor optik yang dibangunkan telah digunakan untuk pengukuran pendarfluor asid borik dalam sampel mi kuning dan mi beras leper (‘hor fun’/’kway teow’) dan tidak menunjukkan perbezaan yang ketara berbanding dengan kaedah rujukan tradisional spektrometri pemancaran plasma-optik berganding secara induktif (ICP-OES).

Over the last decade, researchers have paid more attention to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) due to their unique optical properties that can be used for a nanosensor platform based on colorimetry and fluorescence detection. AuNPs are developed via functionalization as a sensing element based on colorimetric or fluorimetric detection for the target analyte, such as metal ions in water samples. In this chapter, we have focused on novelties of the functionalized AuNPs as sensors for Al3 + ion detection. The novel sensing approaches were discussed using functionalized AuNPs to enhance the possibility of developing nanosensors for detection of Al3 + ions that exhibit desirable characteristics, such as high sensitivity, selectivity, rapid, and simple. The recent advantages of functionalized AuNPs that highlight the reliability of their applications for detection of trace Al3 + ions in water samples are evaluated.

USIM hopes to produce graduates that are not only able to function effectively as professionals in their respective disciplines, but, at the same time, are ready to contribute and make a difference to society. The basic principle is that integrating religious sciences with social and physical sciences will not only provide a more comprehensive understanding of current global challenges, but also offer a fresh alternative in solving them. USIM believes that Islamic values are universal, and history has proven that these values can be shared by people of all faiths; living together harmoniously with mutual respect and tolerance. It is also an effort towards reviving the scientific and technological feats of Muslim scholars in the past and moving it forward.

Senduduk atau nama saintifiknya, Melastoma malabathricum merupakan herba di kalangan masyarakat Melayu dan memainkan peranan penting dalam perubatan tradisi Melayu. Senduduk dikatakan mempunyai nilai perubatan yang tinggi dan telah digunakan oleh masyarakat Melayu untuk merawat luka, rawatan selepas bersalin dan pencegahan pembentukan parut kerana jangkitan cacar. Sehingga hari ini, terdapat lebih 700 kertas jurnal yang telah diterbitkan yang membincangkan hasil penemuan kajian saintifik ke atas senduduk. Kebanyakan dapatan kajian adalah menyokong dan seiring dengan amalan perubatan Melayu tradisi menggunakan senduduk. Antara dapatan saintifik menunjukkan pelbagai bahagian pokok senduduk mengandungi antioksida, antibakteria, anti-radang dan imunomodulator. Secara umum, boleh disimpulkan bahawa senduduk adalah tumbuhan yang aktif secara biologi dan ini menjawab mengapa senduduk popular dalam perubatan Melayu tradisi sebagai penawar kepada pelbagai jenis penyakit. Selain itu, ekstrak senduduk boleh juga digunakan sebagai pewarna semulajadi untuk kegunaan dalam industri makanan dan tekstil.

A novel colorimetric method based on polyaniline (PANI) film for the development of smart packaging, as a chemical sensor for real-time monitoring of the microbial breakdown products in the headspace of packaged fish is described. This on-package indicator contains PANI film, that responds through visible color change to a variety of basic volatile amines (specifically known as total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN)) released during fish spoilage period. The PANI film characteristics and its response to TVBN were studied. A kinetic approach was used to correlate the ammonia response of the PANI film to that of the fish spoilage. Color changes, in terms of total color difference of PANI, correlated well with TVBN levels of fish. Apart from TVBN, trials on milkfish sample (Chanos chanos) have verified that the PANI film response also correlates well with microbial growth patterns in fish samples, especially the changing microbial populations (total viable count (TVC) and Pseudomonas spp.). These responses enabled the real-time monitoring of fish spoilage either at various constant temperatures or with temperature fluctuations. The PANI film can be recycled several times using an acid solution to regenerate the PANI surface. Thus, PANI film can be considered as a low-cost sensor suitable for smart packaging applications.

Halal concepts are now being put into practice, across multilayers of trade and industrial services worldwide. Syariah compliant certifications championed by NGOs, independent bodies and government agencies, allow acceptance of Halal certifications and recognition of products, as fit and Halal for Muslim consumption, for domestic uses, and exports. Today’s global market are now trending towards capturing the lucrative Halal trade, profitably, with common household items such as Halal meat, food and beverages, becoming more accessible globally. Other range of services, such as Halal hospitality, tourism, and Syariah compliant banking systems; and tangible non-food products, like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and toiletries, are expanding to cater for the Muslims’ worldwide needs across the continents. This article focuses on the training that had been conducted by the Institute of Halal and Research Management (IHRAM) in the year of 2014 and 2015 on the Halal meat business international industry players, focusing on Pakistani meat produces, traders, importers and government authorities. Does the training provide opportunities in allowing negotiable terms and conditions, thus aligning strategies that will mutually benefit developing markets of halal meat in Malaysia, and Pakistan? Can the training become a platform for smart partnerships and mutual recognition of bilateral trade negotiations, in halal meat production within differing nations? Can training negotiate linkages with halal meat importers from other countries and work actively in increasing the export level of Halal meat into Malaysia? This article, therefore, explain the complexity of negotiation outcomes and the challenges faced by the Halal meat traders of different countries to agree on common areas and establish sustainable relationships of future trade and bilateral communications to build the Halal industry linkages internationally.

Pandemik Covid-19 diketahui telah melanda seluruh dunia dengan jumlah kematian melampaui sejuta orang! Langkah proaktif oleh kerajaan Malaysia yang seiring dengan pendekatan Maqasid Syariah dan seerah Rasulullah saw telah berjaya memutuskan rangkaian Covid19 sehingga ke tahap 1 digit. Proses penyahkuman yang berkesan menggunakan sabun dan hand sanitizer dilihat sebagai satu sumbangan bidang sains kimia dalam isu pandemik ini yang secara tak langsung telah menjunjung inisiatif ‘memelihara nyawa’ dalam Maqasid Syariah. Pembentangan ini menghubungkaitkan tiga dimensi iaitu ‘Pandemik Covid19-Sains Kimia-Maqasid Syariah’ yang menghasilkan satu sinergi baru untuk mengekang pemerebakan virus ini

The world statistic on infection and death toll due to Covid-19 pandemic already reach 218 million and 4.5 million cases, respectively. In Malaysia alone, the number of death exceeding 16 thousands cases whereas infection case approaching 1.8 million cases. Proactive measures taken by Malaysia government which is inline with Maqasid al-Shariah and seerah of Rasulullah saw has successfully break the infection chain of Covid-19 up to 1 digit during the first phase of the pandemic. The use of soap and hand pensanitasi are very effective in preventing the infection of Covid-19 virus. These disinfection methods are considered as the main contribution of chemical sciences discipline in the implementation of Maqasid al-Shariah during this pandemic through the preservation of life. This presentation is relating the three dimensions ‘Covid 19 Virus-Chemical Sciences-Maqasid al-Shariah’ which producing a new synergy to prevent the spreading of the virus.

Increasing public awareness of food quality and safety has prompted a rapid increase in food authentication of halal food, which covers the production method, technical processing, identification of undeclared components, and species substitution in halal food products. This urges for extensive research into analytical methods to obtain accurate and reliable results for monitoring and controlling the authenticity of halal food. Nonetheless, authentication of halal food is often challenging because of the complex nature of food and the increasing number of food adulterants that cause detection difficulties. This review pro-vides a comprehensive and impartial overview of recent studies on the analytical techniques used in the analysis of halal food authenticity (from 1980 to the present, but there has been no significant trend in the choice of techniques for authentication of halal food during this period). Additionally, this review highlights the classification of different methodologies based on validity measures that provide valuable information for future developments in advanced technology. In addition, methodological developments, and novel emerging techniques as well as their implementations have been explored in the evaluation of halal food authentication. This includes food categories that require halal authentication, illustrating the advantages and disadvantages as well as shortcomings during the use of all approaches in the halal food industry.

Sensor optik bagi pengesanan ion aluminium (Al3+) berasaskan reagen terpegun dalam membran polimer terangkum (PIM) telah dibangunkan dalam kajian ini. Sensor ini menggunakan eriokrom sianin R (ESR) sebagai reagen dan prinsip pengukuran serapan sebagai kaedah pengesanan ion Al3+. Bahan sensor PIM yang digunakan dalam kajian ini mengandungi selulosa triasetat 60% berat (m/m): Aliquat 336 30% berat (m/m): dioktil ftalat 10% berat (m/m) dan ESR dengan kepekatan 5.00 × 10-4 mol L-1. Sensor berasaskan PIM ini menghasilkan rangsangan yang lebih tinggi berbanding sensor tidak berasaskan PIM. Masa optimum rangsangan sensor ialah pada lima minit dengan nilai pH optimum 6.0. Sensor ini memberikan julat rangsangan linear pada julat kepekatan ion Al3+ 7.41 × 10-6 - 4.44 × 10-4 mol L-1, dengan had pengesanan terendah 5.63 × 10-6 mol L-1. Sifat kepilihan yang tinggi kepada ion Al3+ turut ditunjukkan oleh sensor ini kecuali gangguan minima daripada ion Be2+ dan Fe3+. Akhir sekali, sensor ini telah digunakan bagi penentuan ion Al3+ dalam beberapa sampel air semula jadi. Keputusan analisis menunjukkan sensor ini mampu menghasilkan keputusan yang setara dengan spektrofotometer serapan atom konvensional.

A new chain of Schiff base complexes made up of Cu (II), Co (II), Cd (II),Ni (II), and Mn (II) ions derivatives were obtained by the condensation of 4-dimethyl-aminobenzaldehyde, and 4-aminoantipyrin and some amino acids. The structures of all synthesized complexes were established on the basis of their elemental analysis (UV, FTIR, and 1HNMR). The study of X-ray crystallographic shows that the compound (Z)-4-((4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)amino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one (L5) crystallized in monoclinic system with space group of C2/c and the unit cell dimensions are a= 17.7916, b= 6.8610, c= 29.7199, α =90.000 β =101.326 γ = 90.000., Z = 8 and V = 3557.20 Å3.The antibacterial activity of the complexes are tested against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Keywords: Schiff base, 4-dimethyl-aminobenzaldehyde, 4-aminoantipyrin, Schiff base complexes, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis.