Chemical Engineering Students Publish in Food and Bioproducts Processing
2025-05-08The Research and Postgraduate Centre congratulates Chew Zhi Ling, Fun Chi Loke, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Kua Yin Leng from the Department of Chemical Engineering on their recent publication in the SCIE-Q2 journal Food and Bioproducts Processing.
Chew Zhi Ling, the first author, is currently a PhD student, while Fun Chi Loke, the second author, is an undergraduate student in Chemical Engineering. Asst. Prof. Dr. Kua Yin Leng is the corresponding author of the article. This research was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Gan Suyin from the University of Nottingham Malaysia and Dr. Harrison Lau Lik Nang from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
The study focuses on the extraction and functional optimization of durian seed gum and oil palm leaf extract for eutectogel formulation, showcasing their potential as sustainable, plant-based materials for food preservation. By fine-tuning the extraction processes, the resulting eutectogel exhibited strong stability, protective functionality, and promising applications in extending food shelf life. The findings offer new insights into the development of natural, biodegradable food coatings, contributing to safer and more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
The study also embodies the “trash-to-treasure” concept, aiming to reduce waste and alleviate environmental burdens.
This work was financially supported by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) [grant number FRGS/1/2021/TK0/XMU/02/2], the Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund (XMUMRF) [XMUMRF/2019-C3/IENG/0010 and XMUMRF/2023-C12/IENG/0058], and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Education for Nature Program [EF16984]. The durian seeds and oil palm leaves used in the study were provided by Lian Feng Frozen Durian Sdn. Bhd. (Johor, Malaysia) and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (Selangor, Malaysia), respectively.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbp.2025.04.005
Free Access until 13 Jun 2025
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1k%7ESK3QML0WUVn
Chew Zhi Ling (PCE2407002) | I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Kua Yin Leng for her support and guidance throughout the project execution. It marks the culmination of a FRGS project. I am also pleased to have collaborated with the undergraduate students to make this publication possible. This study shed light on the potential of the underutilized Malaysian agricultural biomass wastes (durian seed and oil palm leaf) in developing fortified eutectogel as a novel coating material in food preservation. |
Fun Chi Loke (CME2104037) | I really appreciate having had the opportunity to be part of Dr. Kua Yin Leng’s project during my final year. It was a truly valuable experience that taught me how to stay patient and think critically. I am honoured to be one of the co-authors of this article, which explores the potential application of underutilized oil palm leaves as a natural food coating material. |
Assist. Prof. Dr. Kua Yin Leng | Dr. Kua Yin Leng received her Master degree (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Nottingham Malaysia in 2011, then worked as an Engineer at Shin-Etsu Chemical company in the electroplating & inorganic coating industry. In 2017, she obtained her PhD degree in Chemical Engineering from the same university. Dr. Kua is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia. She is now working on palm phytonutrients, natural deep eutectic solvents, food waste valorization, hydrocolloids, oils and fats technology. |
