schedule of scientific research ......analysis of omega-3-fatty acids and heavy metals in eucheuma...

De La Salle University Science Foundation, Inc.

SCHEDULE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES

For the Period June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015

Ongoing Projects Assessment of Airborne Bacterial Flora in the Intensive Care Unit, Operation Room, Emergency Room and

Nursery of the Ospital ng Muntinlupa: A Multidisciplinary Approach

03 IR U/S 1TAY12-1TAY13

Dr. Esperanza Cabrera, Dr. Edgar Vallar, and Dr. Oscar Torres

Project Direct Expense: Php 150,580.00

Abstract: Bacterial pathogens are the most recognized nosocomial-associated (healthcare-associated

infections, HAI) pathogens (Singh et al., 2006). Airborne bacterial transmission occurs through aerosol

droplets from coughing and sneezing, which can remain suspended for some time in the air and can travel

over considerable distances. The predisposition of patients to HAI depends on the nature of their diseases

and their management (Mayon-White et al., 1988). The proposed study aims to determine the microbial

load and identities of the bacteria that might be present in the intensive care unit, operating room,

emergency room, and nursery of the Ospital ng Muntinlupa using phenotypic and genotypic methods along

with proteomics and fluoroscopic studies.

Figure 1. The tertiary government hospital in Alabang,

Muntinlupa where air sampling was conducted

Air Sampler

Figure 2. Operating room unit where air sampling was conducted.

The air sampler was placed at the same height as the operating table

Figure 3. Nursery room. The air sampler was placed on

a table that was of the same height as the cribs for the

babies.

Assisted Direct 2'-Fluorination of Nucleosides

14 F U S 1TAY13-1TAY14

Dr. Gladys Cherisse Completo


Abstract: 2’-(Fluoroarabinofuranosyl)uridine was synthesized using a series of protection and deprotection

at 2’-, 3’-, and 5’- hydroxyl groups of ribose moiety and N-3 position of pyrimidine group of a preformed

nucleoside uridine. A cyclic protecting group was introduced at the 3'- and 5'-position of the ribose sugar to

lock the ring in a rigid conformation where the uridine base is not sterically hindering and to permit the

topside attack of fluoride. An electron withdrawing protecting group was placed at 2’-OH position followed

by the protection at N-3 position. Late stage fluorination using KF is employed via SN2 mechanism.

Analysis of Omega-3-Fatty Acids and Heavy Metals in

Eucheuma denticulatum (Guso) and Caulerpa lentillifera (Lato)

32 F U/S 1TAY14-3TAY14

Dr. Nancy Llanos


Abstract: Popular seaweeds used in salads and other delicacies Eucheuma denticulatum (Guso) and

Caulerpa lentillifera (Lato) will be analyzed for their omega-3 fatty acid content as well as heavy metals.

Samples will be collected from wet markets in selected locations. The lipid will be extracted according to a

modified version by Folch and the fatty acids will be analyzed using gas chromatography as fatty acid

methyl esters using known standards. The amount of selected heavy metals will be analyzed using atomic

absorption spectroscopy. Data will be treated using applicable statistical tool.

This study will guide consumers on the possible benefits and risks of seaweed consumption. Also, the data

generated in this project can be used for policy makers for the protection of our marine resources.

Furthermore, it can be used by appropriate government agencies who are tasked to ensure that food sold in

the market is safe for consumption.

Morphological and Thickness Analyses of Spin-Coated Nafion Films


Dr. Shirley Tiong-Palisoc, Dr. Michelle Natividad, and Mr. Frumencio Co


PUBLISHED PAPER:

Shirley Palisoc, Michelle Natividad, Frumencio Co, Kevin Kaw

Morphological, thickness and electrochemical analyses of spin-coated [Ru(NH3)6]3+/Nafion films

OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS – RAPID COMMUNICATIONS Vol. 9, No. 7-

8, July – August 2015, p. 1010 – 1013

Abstract: Nafion thin films were fabricated using the spin coating method. Hexaammineruthenium(III)

[Ru(NH3)6]3+ was used as the redox mediator and was incorporated in the film. The amount of

[Ru(NH3)6]3+ was varied and three different solvents were used. The morphology of the films was

investigated and the film thickness was measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects

of varying the amount of the redox mediator and the solvent type on the viscosity of the coating solution,

film thickness and morphology were investigated. The electrochemical properties of the fabricated films

were studied using cyclic voltammetry.

Fig. 1. Viscosity of the coating solutions.

Fig. 2 SEM images showing the thickness of the

films with (a) 10wt% YSZ, (b) 30wt% YSZ, (c)

50wt% YSZ fabricated on Silica.

Theoretical Studies on Quantum Transport Properties of Boron Nitride Nanotubes


Dr. Melanie David, Dr. Nelson Arboleda, Dr. Emmanuel Rodulfo, Dr. Al Rey Villagracia, and

Mr. John Vincent Morales

Project Direct Expense: Php 811.00

Abstract: The team reports the effects of defects on the quantum transport properties of boron nitride

nanotubes. The formation energies and band gap of 115 BNNT systems were calculated using density

functional theory corresponding to its pristine form, single boron/nitrogen vacancies and carbon

substitution, and two atom vacancies and substitutions at defect/doping concentrations from 0.83% to

1.67%. Results showed that single nitrogen vacancy, single boron vacancy, single carbon-nitrogen

substitution, and single carbon-boron substitution are the most favorable systems based on formation

energy following that order among the defects. These favorable systems have a band gap ranging from

0.493 eV to 3.777 eV which were significantly smaller than the pristine BNNT’s band gap of 4.268 eV.

The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of pristine and the four favorable vacancy and doping systems

were calculated using Keldysh formalism or non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism (NEGF). Results

demonstrated a diode-like I-V characteristics which is in good agreement with experimental results.

Figure 1. Pristine Boron Nitride Nanotube (BNNT)

(a) (b) Figure 2. Single (a) carbon-boron/nitrogen substitution and (b) boron vacancy. The circles indicate the locations for substitution and vacancy.

Figure 3. The BNNT structure for B-vacancy and carbon substitution. A, B, C and D are for the different rings, the number 1

at the right is for the reference atom, and the rest are next vacancy or substitution. For example, the yellow mark at the left figure

corresponds to 1A.

Figure 4. The BNNT structure for N vacancy and carbon substitution. A, B, C and D are for the different rings, the number 1 at the right is for the reference atom, and the rest are next vacancy or substitution. For example, the yellow mark at the left

figure corresponds to 1A.

Figure 5. The BNNT structure for NB vacancy and carbon substitution. A, B, C, D and Z are for the different rings, the yellow mark (nitrogen) at the left is for the reference atom, and the numbered atoms are for vacancy or substitution. For example,

the yellow mark (nitrogen) of ring A at the left figure paired with number 1 boron corresponds to 1A.

Left semi-infinite electrode Central scattering region Right semi-infinite electrode

Figure 6. Schematic illustration of a two-probe system for a pristine BNNT

Isolation, Structure Elucidation and Cytotoxicity Studies on Six Plants from DLSU-STC


Dr. Mariquit Delos Reyes, Dr. Consolacion Ragasa, and Mr. Glenn Oyong

Project Direct Expense: Php 174,195.00 PUBLISHED PAPERS:

Consolacion Y. Ragasa, Virgilio Ebajo Jr., Mariquit M. De Los Reyes, Emelina H. Mandia, Robert

Brkljača and Sylvia

Triterpenes from Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. International Journal of Pharmacognosy and

Phytochemical Research 2015; 7(4); Galley Proof ISSN: 0975-4873

Abstract: Chemical investigation of the dichloromethane extracts of Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.

afforded friedelin (1), squalene (2), canophyllic acid (3), and a mixture of canophyllalic acid (4a) and

canophyllol (4b) from the leaves; and 1 and taraxasterol (5) from the twigs. The structures of 3-5 were

elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while those of 1 and 2 were identified by

comparison of their NMR data with those reported in the literature.

Consolacion Y. Ragasa, Vincent Antonio S. Ng , Mariquit M. De Los Reyes, Emelina H. Mandia , Glenn

G. Oyong and Chien-Chang Shen

Chemical constituents and cytotoxicity of the leaves of Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum (A. Juss.) Miq. Der

Pharma Chemica, 6(5), 2014

Abstract: The crude dicloromethane leaf extract of Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum (A. Juss.) Miq. was tested

for cytotoxicity against breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer (HT-29) cells and exhibited IC50 values of

7.35 and 13.19 µg/mL, respectively. Chemical investigation of the dichloromethane leaf extract afforded

squalene (1), β-sitosterol (2), polyprenols (3) and triglyceride (4). The structures of 1-4 were identified by

comparison of their 1H NMR data with those reported in the literature. These compounds are known

cytotoxic and anticancer compounds.

Consolacion Y. Ragasa, Vincent Antonio S. Ng, Mariquit M. Delos Reyes, Emelina H. Mandia and Chien-

Chang Shen

Triterpenes and a coumarin derivative from Kibatalia gitingensis (Elm.) Woodson. Der Pharma Chemica,

2014, 6(5):360-364

Abstract: Chemical investigations of the dichloromethane extracts of Kibatalia gitingensis (Elm.)

Woodson afforded ursolic acid (1), squalene (2), α-amyrin acetate (3) and lupeol acetate (4) from the

leaves, while the twigs yielded 1-4 and 6-hydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin or isoscopoletin (5). The structures

of 1 and 5 were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while 2-4 were identified by

comparison of their 13C NMR data with those reported in the literature.

Mariquit M. De Los Reyes, Glenn G. Oyong, Virgilio D. Ebajo Jr., Vincent Antonio S. Ng, Chien-Chang

Shen, Consolacion Y. Ragasa

Cytotoxic Triterpenes and Sterols from Pipturus arborescens (Link) C.B. Rob. Journal of Applied

Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 5 (11), pp. 023-030, November, 2015

Abstract: The triterpenes, squalene (1), friedelin (2) and a mixture of ursolic acid (3a) and oleanolic acid

(3b) in a 2:3 ratio, and a mixture of β-sitosterol (4a) and stigmasterol (4b) in a 2:1 ratio, obtained from the

dichloromethane extract of Pipturus arborescens (Link) C.B. Rob., were evaluated for their anti-

proliferative activities against three human cancer cell lines, breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29 and HCT-

116), and a normal cell line, human dermal fibroblast- neonatal (HDFn) using the in vitro PrestoBlue® cell

viability assay. The HCT-116 cell line was most susceptible to the compounds and mixtures tested.

Triterpene 1 was most cytotoxic against HCT-116 and MCF-7 with IC50 values of 4.21 and 5.92 μg/mL,

respectively. Triterpene 2 and the mixture of 3a and 3b were highly anti-proliferative against HCT-116

cells (IC50 of 1.22 and 1.66 μg/mL, respectively) and moderately inhibitory against MCF-7 cells (IC50 of

16.51 and 23.97 μg/mL, respectively). The mixture of 4a and 4b exhibited high cytotoxicity against HCT-

116 cells (IC50 of 1.14 μg/mL). Compounds 1-4b showed the least activity against HT-29 cells (IC50 of

11.97 to 52.52 μg/mL). Cytotoxic effect was not observed against HDFn cells (>100 μg/mL). Comparing

the effects of 1-4b on the two colon cancer cell lines, the IC50 values of 1-4b against HCT-116 were lower

than those of HT-29.

Consolacion Y. Ragasa, Vincent Antonio S. Ng, Mariquit M. De Los Reyes, Emelina H. Mandia and

Chien-Chang Shen

Chemical constituents of Wrightia pubescens (R.Br.). Der Pharmacia Lettre, 2014, 6 (6):14-19

Abstract: Chemical investigation of the dichloromethane extracts of Wrightia pubescens (R.Br.) led to the

isolation of ursolic acid (1), oleanolic acid (2), squalene (3), β-sitosterol (4) and chlorophyll a (5) from the

leaves; and 1, 2 and α-amyrin acetate (6) from the twigs. The structures of 1-6 were identified by

comparison of their 1HNMR and/or 13CNMR data with those reported in the literature.

Consolacion Y. Ragasa, Virgilio Ebajo Jr., Mariquit M. De Los Reyes, Emelina H.Mandia, Robert Brkljača

and Sylvia Urban

Triterpenes from Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. International Journal of Pharmacognosy and

Phytochemical Research 2015; 7(4); 718-722 ISSN: 0975-4873

Abstract: Chemical investigation of the dichloromethane extracts of Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.

afforded friedelin (1), squalene (2), canophyllic acid (3), and a mixture of canophyllalic acid (4a) and

canophyllol (4b) from the leaves; and 1 and taraxasterol (5) from the twigs. The structures of 3-5 were

elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while those of 1 and 2 were identified by

comparison of their NMR data with those reported in the literature.

Development of a Controller Board with On-board Sensors for Unmanned Rotor-Based Aerial

Vehicles

25 F U/S 1TAY14-1TAY15

Mr. Elmer Magsino


Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) research has grown immensely over the past decades due to its

maneuverability and vast applications such as agriculture, photography, disaster monitoring, rescue and

operation and surveillance. A UAV in stable flight is always dependent on its controller board and on-

board sensors. The researchers aim to develop a controller board equipped with various sensors necessary

to achieve a stable flight for a rotor-based unmanned aerial vehicle with no more than eight rotors. Such

controller board must be able to control at most eight motors independently while simultaneously

acquiring, correlating, and logging data from various sensors. The raw data are processed in real-time and

produces the correct PWM duty cycle to obtain stable flight in terms of attitude and altitude

Completed Projects

Examining Cultural and Media Rituals in Advertising: A Semiotic Analysis of Television

Commercials on Mobile Services

35 F S 2TAY14-1TAY15

Dr. Cheryll Ruth Soriano

Project Direct Expense: Php 15,000.00 PUBLISHED PAPER:

Sun Sun Lim, Cheryll Soriano

Ritual and communal connection in mobile phone communication: Representation of kapwa, bayanihan

and People Power in the Philippines. Asian Perspective on Digital Culture: Emerging Phenomena,

Enduring Concepts by Routledge

Abstract (Description): In Asia, amidst its varied levels of economic development and diverse cultural

traditions and political regimes, the Internet and mobile communications are increasingly used in every

aspect of life. Yet the analytical frames used to understand the impact of digital media on Asia

predominantly originate from the Global North, neither rooted in Asia’s rich philosophical traditions, nor

reflective of the sociocultural practices of this dynamic region. This volume examines digital phenomena

and its impact on Asia by drawing on specifically Asian perspectives. Contributors apply a variety of Asian

theoretical frameworks including guanxi, face, qing, dharma and karma. With chapters focusing on

emerging digital trends in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan, the

book presents compelling and diverse research on identity and selfhood, spirituality, social networking,

corporate image, and national identity as shaped by and articulated through digital communication

platforms.

Bioactivities of the Crude Dichloromethane and Aqueous Extracts and a New Triterpene from

Glinus oppositifolius


Dr. Consolacion Ragasa, Dr. Esperanza Cabrera, and Dr. Oscar Torres

Project Direct Expense: Php 73,059.34 PUBLISHED PAPER:

Ragasa CY, Cabrera EC, Torres OB, Buluran AI, Espineli DL, Raga DD, Shen

Chemical constituents and bioactivities of Glinus oppositifolius. Pharmacognosy Res. 2015 Apr-

Jun;7(2):138-47

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To isolate the secondary metabolites from the dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of Glinus oppositifolius; to

test for the cytotoxicity of a new triterpene, oppositifolone (1); and to test for the hypoglycemic, analgesic,

and antimicrobial potentials of 1, DCM and aqueous leaf extracts of G. oppositifolius.

METHODS:

The compounds were isolated by silica gel chromatography and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance

spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity potential of 1 was tested using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-

diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Triterpene 1, DCM, and aqueous leaf extracts were tested for

hypoglycemic potential using the oral glucose tolerance test; analgesic potential using the tail-flick assay,

and antimicrobial potential using the disc diffusion method.

RESULTS:

The DCM extracts of G. oppositifolius afforded 1, squalene, spinasterol, oleanolic acid, phytol, and lutein

from the leaves; squalene and spergulagenin A from the stems; and spinasterol from the roots. Triterpene 1

was cytotoxic against human colon carcinoma 116 with an IC50 value of 28.7 but did not exhibit

cytotoxicity against A549. The aqueous leaf extract at 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) exhibited

hypoglycemic activity with a pronounced % blood glucose reduction of 70.76% ±17.4% within 0.5 h after

introduction. The DCM leaf extract showed a lower % blood glucose reduction of 18.52% ±13.5% at 200

mg/kg BW within 1.5 h after introduction, while 1 did not exhibit hypoglycemic activity. The samples did

not exhibit analgesic property and were inactive against multiple drug resistant bacterial pathogens.

CONCLUSION:

The compounds responsible for the hypoglycemic activity of G. oppositifolius which are fast acting (0.5 h)

are found in the aqueous leaf extract.

Electrocoagulation of Quick Service Restaurant Wastewater in an Upflow Semi-batch Reactor

08 F U S 1TAY13-1TAY14

Dr. Pag-asa Gaspillo

Project Direct Expense: Php 2,730.00 Abstract: Quick service restaurants (QSR) in the Philippines utilize grease traps in the pre-treatment of their

wastewater that heavily contains soluble organics, animal fats and vegetable oils. Grease traps, however, are

inefficient to bring down pollutant levels to the criteria set by the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources Administrative order no. 35. Conventional activated sludge processes and chemical coagulation treatment

have very low removal efficiency in oily wastewater. Furthermore, both require large space and high initial

investment which most QSRs cannot afford or sustain. This study investigated on electrocoagulation as a treatment

method for simulated QSR wastewater using vertically oriented aluminum-iron plate electrodes in an upflow semi-

batch compact reactor. The simulated QSR wastewater has a COD range of 1500 to 2000 mg/L, FOGs of 1000 to

2300 mg/L and TSS of 380-490 mg/L. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids

(TSS) and fats, oil and grease (FOGs) were investigated using Response Surface Method Central Composite Design

under various operating parameters such as current density (19.2 – 38.4 A/m2), inter-electrode distance (16-34 mm)

and recirculation flow rates (0.4 – 2 L/min). Based from the findings of this study, the highest removal of COD,

FOG and TSS achieved was 92.97%, 85.72% and 96.36%, respectively, at a 38.4 A/m2 current density, 16 mm

inner-electrode distance and 2 L/min flow rate for 60 minutes electrolysis times using Al-Fe electrode assembly and

initial pH of 6.

Synthesis of Functionalized Metal Phthalocyanine -TiO2 as Photocatalytic Paint Additive for

Degradation of Organic Pollutants


Dr. Derrick Ethelbhert C. Yu, Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla, and Dr. Gil Nonato Santos


Abstract: Axial ligation of cobalt (II) phthalocyanine (CoPc) was done to enhance the photocatalytic

activity of Titanium oxide by degrading benzene (used as a representative volatile organic compound)

under indoor fluorescent lighting. The isonicotinic acid (IsA) ligand attached to the axial position of CoPc

served as covalent anchor to Titanium oxide forming nanostructures when synthesized using horizontal

vapor phase crystal growth technique. Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), differential

thermal analysis, and geometry optimization calculations proves the existence of IsA occupying the axial

positions of CoPc. Photodegradation analysis showed improvement in the CoPc(IsA)-titanium oxide

system on the degradation of benzene with the increase of the reaction rate constant as compared with the

Titanium oxide or with the CoPc-Titanium oxide composite under ambient indoor lighting. GC-MS

analysis showed that the oxidation (degradation) products of benzene adsorbed on CoPc(IsA)-Titanium

oxide surface are hydrocarbon clusters that resulted from a series of free radical reactions.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT GRANTS (URCO) P1,059,337

BR. GABRIEL CONNON FSC RESEARCH GRANTS 91,361

DLSU MEDICAL CENTER FUND FOR INDIGENOUS MEDICINES 107,897

schedule of scientific research ......analysis of omega-3-fatty acids and heavy metals in eucheuma...

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