Coffee is a critical agricultural commodity to be used to produce a premium beverage to serve people worldwide. Coffee microbiome turned to be an essential tool to improve the bean quality through the natural fermentation. Therefore, understanding the microbial diversities could create the final product's better quality. This study investigated the natural microbial consortium during the wet process fermentation of coffee onsite in Thailand to characterize the microorganisms involved in correlation toward the biochemical characteristics and metabolic attributes. Roasting is another important step in developing the complex flavor/ aroma that make coffee to be enjoyable. During the roasting process, the beans undergo many complex and alternatively change in the physicochemical properties from the gained substances in the fermentation process. The changing in the formation of the substances responsible for the sensory qualities, physicochemical/ aroma attributes as well as the health benefits of the final product. Using the starter culture could also develop the distinguished characteristics of coffee (Research collaboration with Van Hart company)
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คณะเทคโนโลยีการเกษตร
This study aimed to investigate the effects of different salinity levels on survival rate and growth performance of golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata). The experiment was conducted at salinity levels of 0, 5, 10, and 15 ppt, with four replicates each, over an 8-week period. The results showed that golden apple snails reared at 5-10 ppt exhibited survival rates and growth performance not significantly different (p>0.05) from those in the freshwater control group (0 ppt). These findings suggest the potential for developing golden apple snail culture in brackish water systems and the possibility of integration with other brackish water species in polyculture systems.
คณะวิศวกรรมศาสตร์
This project aims to develop a conceptual prototype of a weapon aiming system that simulates an anti-aircraft gun. Utilizing an optical camera, the system detects moving objects and calculates their trajectories in real time. The results are then used to control a motorized laser pointer with two degrees of freedom (DoF) of rotation, enabling it to aim at the predicted position of the target. Our system is built on the Raspberry Pi platform, employing machine vision software. The object motion tracking functionality was developed using the OpenCV library, based on color detection algorithms. Experimental results indicate that the system successfully detects the movement of a tennis ball at a rate of 30 frames per second (fps). The current phase involves designing and integratively testing the mechanical system for precise laser pointer position control. This project exemplifies the integration of knowledge in electronics (computer programming) and mechanical engineering (motor control).
คณะทันตแพทยศาสตร์
Objective or Background: Dental caries is still one of the most significant dental problems worldwide, with prevalence rates up to 90% among children and adults. Cariogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, is the primary microorganism involved in the pathogenesis through carbohydrate metabolism and biofilm formation, which are challenging to eradicate. Histatin-5 (HST-5), a human salivary antimicrobial peptide, has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against various fungal and bacterial pathogens. Phytosphingosine (PHS), an endogenous bioactive sphingolipid found in fungi, plants, and humans, also shows antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the killing activity of HST-5 alone and in combination with PHS against S. mutans under biofilm-stimulating conditions. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity against a planktonic culture of S. mutans was evaluated using a time-kill assay, and biofilm-forming capacity was confirmed by crystal violet staining assay. The killing ability against 24h pre-formed biofilm was determined using Transferable Solid Phase (TSP) pin lid model. Synergistic activity between HST-5 and PHS was evaluated using the checkerboard technique. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the tested agent on human gingival fibroblast cells (hGFs) was assessed after 1 h of incubation using an MTT assay. Results: A time-kill assay revealed that both HST-5 and PHS exhibit time- and concentration-dependent activity against the planktonic form of S. mutans. PHS achieved over 90% killing activity within 15 min at 5 μg/ml, whereas HST-5 required 30 min to reach 90% killing at 20 μM. The biofilm formation capacity of S. mutans was confirmed. The inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of HST-5 and PHS against S. mutans biofilm were 25 μM and 13.5 μg/ml, respectively. A synergistic interaction between HST-5 and PHS, with IC50 values reduced by 8-fold and 16-fold, respectively. No cytotoxic effects were observed in hGFs cells at the concentration of the synergistic interaction. Conclusions: Therefore, the combination of HST-5 and PHS may enhance the effectiveness of anti-infective agents against S. mutans biofilm, potentially preventing the development of dental caries.