Date of Publication

8-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Subject Categories

Chemistry

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Chemistry

Thesis Advisor

Joel E. Garcia

Defense Panel Member

Francis M. dela Rosa
Raymond S. Malabed

Abstract (English)

Agarwood, locally known as Bari, is a prized by-product of Aquilaria and Gyrinops species as a defense response to physical wounding and external stressors. To address increasing demand, chemical inducers have been investigated with their capability to produce high-quality agarwood within shorter time frames. However, concerns against environmental toxicity and biocompatibility limit their use. Manganese oxide (Mn3O4) is a promising alternative since manganese is naturally utilized by plants in biochemical processes. This study aimed to synthesize PEGylated Mn3O4 nanoparticles (PMON) and evaluate their potential as chemical inducers of agarwood formation in Aquilaria malaccensis together with manganese(II) chloride (MC). Bare Mn3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via plant extract-mediated co-precipitation and subsequently coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) via reflux. Characterization using UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, TGA, DLS, and F-AAS confirmed successful synthesis with PEG chains adopting brush-like conformation and exhibiting moderate aqueous stability. Four chemical inducers (MC, PMON, NaCl, and distilled H2O) were introduced into the tree using stem transpiration method. Wood samples were collected at induction and after 150 days, followed by GC-MS analysis to identify volatile constituents and HPLC analysis to establish chemical fingerprints. Results showed that varying concentrations of both MC and PMON induced visible wood discoloration, with GC-MS detecting phenolic compounds and defense-related compounds linked to agarwood formation, such as terpenes and sterols. Notably, the chemical fingerprint of PMON induced at 100mL exhibited similarities with that of the positive control, indicating that this dosage was sufficient to elicit agarwood formation. These findings demonstrate that PMON can act as biocompatible chemical inducer, offering potential for sustainable agarwood production.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Manganese oxides; Nanoparticles; Aquilaria malaccensis; Aquilaria

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Embargo Period

8-1-2026

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Available for download on Saturday, August 01, 2026

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