• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.365-371
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• 2020

In this study, in order to recycle the stems of opuntia cactus discarded after harvesting the fruit, the cactus stems were powdered and applied as a cement-based admixture. The powder of cactus stem was mixed into the mortar, and its effect on the fresh properties and strength of the mortar was studied. The results were compared with the properties of mortars produced by mixing with a retarder sugar and a viscosity agent methyl-cellulose, which are conventional saccharide-based admixtures. Based on the test results, the cactus stem powder did not clearly show the effect as a retarding agent, whereas the flow and the air content were similar to those of the mortar mixed with methyl-cellulose. This indicated that the cactus stem powder can be used as a viscosity agent. It was found that the strength of the mortar tended to increase when the mixing ratio of the cactus stem powder was lower than 0.3%.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2021

Purpose: To verify the anti-microbiotic activity and to develop eco-friendly surface disinfectants using the Opuntia ficus-indica extract. Methods: The stem and fruits of the Opuntia cultivated in Jeju Island were extracted with hot water, 70% EtOH and 100% MeOH, respectively. To examine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts, gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium), yeast (Candida albicans), mold (Aspergillus flavus) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) were measured to form a clear zone. Results: The antibacterial activity of the fruit extract was higher than that of the stem extract, and the antibacterial activity of the 100% MeOH (FM) extract and the 70% EtOH (FE) extract of the palm cactus fruit was suitable for the surface disinfectant overall, and clear-zone formed even at relatively low concentrations (250 mg/mL). The FM and FE have antibacterial activity against various bacteria, therefore they can be used as disinfectants. Conclusion: The antimicrobial activity of Opuntia ficus-indica extract from Jeju Island by stem and fruit was determined at relatively low concentrations (250 mg/mL). The Opuntia ficus-indica extract will be useful for surface disinfectants dissolving the patients' bath, oral gargling, and powdered powder in water or ethanol in appropriate concentrations.