This study aimed to resolve the taxonomic status of a morphologically undetermined sea cucumber species of order Apodida from Malaysia (GenBank accession no.: FJ223867) using partial 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene sequences and subsequently to determine the validity of morphological taxonomy of Holothuria species into its current subgenera. The undetermined species clustered with all taxa of Holothuria in previous study. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods suggest that the undetermined species was genetically closer to Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis and Holothuria (Acanthotrapeza) coluber; and its position in both phylogenetic trees further suggests its status as a Holothuria taxon. Subgenera of Holothuria, Merthensiothuria and Metriatyla are monophyletic with strong bootstrap supports and posterior probabilities of clades, thus strengthening their morphological taxonomies. Nonetheless, the non-monophyly of subgenera of Halodeima, Microthele and Platyperona suggests a requirement for their taxonomic revisions using integrative taxonomy. The status of Holothuria (Halodeima) edulis subgroups in the maximum parsimony and Bayesian trees is indistinct and further taxonomic revisions are necessary. In terms of sister relationship, both phylogenetic trees suggest that subgenus Holothuria is a sister taxon of subgenus Roweothuria while the other sister relationships were unclear due to the undetermined species, paraphyly and polyphyly of a number of subgenera. Further studies with more specimens of genus Holothuria from broader geographical locations and various mtDNA genes along with morphological approaches may facilitate to provide better insights into the molecular phylogeny of subgenera of Holothuria.

Kojic acid is an organic acid that widely used in cosmetic, health care, food and chemical industries. However, kojic acid is not stable at high temperature, for long storage and it has low lipophilic properties. To overcome this problem, a study was conducted to improve its properties by enzymatic reaction. This study was focused on the synthesis of kojic acid monooleate from kojic acid and oleic acid using enzymatic catalysts at optimized conditions. This study was divided into three parts starting from enzymatic synthesis of kojic ester or specifically kojic acid monooleate (KAMO) by using a dual enzymes system that consisted of Novozym 435 and Lipozyme RM IM. Then, optimization of four variables such as screening of dual enzymes ratio, temperature, substrate molar ratio and the reaction time via conventional method of one parameter at-a-time approach and lastly verification of the product using Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The optimum conditions for the enzymatic synthesis of KAMO were at the dual enzymes ratio (1: 1) of Novozym 435 and Lipozyme RMIM, temperature at 50 degrees C, the molar ratio of kojic acid and oleic acid were 4: 1 respectively and 24 hours of reaction time. The highest percentage conversion of KAMO achieved at the most optimum conditions was 13.22 %. Finally, kojic ester produced was verified by using FTIR proved the presence of ester bond (C=O) at 1743 cm(-1).