Research of Scientia Naturalis

Pattern Formation and Synchronization in Nonlinear Systems: Application to Cellular Communication Models

Moh. Hafizni — 2025-09-04

The emergence of complex, coordinated behavior from local interactions is a fundamental principle in biology, with pattern formation and synchronization being critical to processes like morphogenesis and intercellular signaling. Understanding the underlying nonlinear dynamics that govern this self-organization remains a central challenge in systems biology. This study aimed to develop a unified theoretical framework to investigate the conditions that drive pattern formation versus synchronization in generalized models of cellular communication. We employed a hybrid approach combining analytical methods with extensive numerical simulations of coupled reaction-diffusion and phase-oscillator models. The models incorporated key biological motifs such as activator-inhibitor signaling and time-delayed feedback loops. The results revealed that the interplay between the diffusion rate of signaling molecules and the time delay in the intracellular response is a critical bifurcation parameter. Slow diffusion and short delays favored robust Turing-like pattern formation, while rapid diffusion and longer delays promoted widespread phase synchronizationThis research concludes that cellular collectives can leverage fundamental principles of nonlinear dynamics, specifically the tuning of interaction range and response time, to select between distinct modes of self-organization.

Real-Time Sensing of Airborne Pollutants Using IoT-Integrated Electrochemical Sensors

Ardi Azhar Nampira — 2025-09-04

Air pollution poses a significant threat to public health, demanding effective real-time monitoring solutions. Traditional monitoring systems are often costly and sparsely located, limiting their spatial-temporal resolution. This study aimed to develop and validate a low-cost, IoT-integrated electrochemical sensor system for the real-time detection of key airborne pollutants. We fabricated electrochemical sensors for nitrogen dioxide (NO?), sulfur dioxide (SO?), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which were then integrated with a microcontroller and a wireless communication module. The system was calibrated and validated against reference instruments in both laboratory and field conditions. The developed sensors exhibited high sensitivity, good selectivity, and rapid response times (<60s). Field data demonstrated a strong correlation (R² > 0.92) with co-located reference-grade analyzers, and the IoT platform successfully provided continuous data visualization via a cloud dashboard. This study confirms that IoT-integrated electrochemical sensors provide a scalable and cost-effective solution for building dense, real-time air quality monitoring networks, offering significant potential for urban environmental management.

Synthetic Biology-Driven Bioplastics: A Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Impact Study

Ardi Azhar Azhar — 2025-09-04

The pervasive environmental pollution caused by petroleum-based plastics has catalyzed the search for sustainable alternatives. Bioplastics, derived from renewable biomass, offer a promising solution, yet their production can be inefficient and compete with food resources. Synthetic biology provides powerful tools to engineer microorganisms for the high-yield production of bioplastics like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from non-food feedstocks. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify and compare the environmental impacts of PHA produced via a synthetically engineered microbial platform against conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A "cradle-to-grave" LCA methodology was employed, encompassing feedstock cultivation, fermentation, polymer extraction, and end-of-life scenarios including landfilling and industrial composting. The results revealed that the synthetic biology-driven PHA exhibited a 65% lower global warming potential and a 70% reduction in non-renewable energy use compared to PET. However, it showed higher impacts in eutrophication and land use, linked to its lignocellulosic feedstock origins. The end-of-life analysis confirmed the significant advantage of PHA’s biodegradability. This study concludes that while synthetic biology-driven bioplastics offer substantial benefits in carbon footprint and fossil fuel dependency, a holistic view is crucial.