Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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Isolation and Screening of Ethanol-tolerant Yeast from Palm Wine for Potential Use as a Starter Culture in Ethanol Production
No full textThis study conducted to the isolate and screen ethanol-tolerant yeast from traditional palm wine for potential starter culture in ethanol production. Palm wine, also known as emu, is a widely consumed and popular beverage in rural communities in Nigeria and other parts of the world. In this study, two different samples of palm wine were collected from Ilora, Afijio Local government, Oyo State. Eighteen (18) yeast were isolated from palm wine using Yeast Extract Peptone Dextrose Agar (YEPDA) medium comprising of peptone (2%, w/v), yeast extract (1%, w/v), dextrose (2%, w/v) and agar (2%, w/v). Cryptococcus luteolu had the highest percentage of occurrence of 33.3 % followed by Candida guillieromondi (27.8%), Torulopsis glabrata (22.2%). Saccharomyce cerevisiae had the least percentage (16.7%). The isolated yeast was screened for ethanol tolerance. All the isolates were able to tolerates 10% ethanol medium, some of the isolates tolerates and also grow at 15% ethanol, while some struggled. The results confirmed that yeast isolated from palm wine has high degree of ethanol tolerance. Three (3) of the isolates (Candida glabrata08, Candida guillieromondii11 and Candida glabrata15) showed unique characteristics as were able to tolerate and grow well in 20% ethanol medium. The ethanol tolerance of the three isolates was further assessed using an ethanol assay and they were found to have ethanol tolerance up to 30% (v/v). The results of this study suggest that yeast from traditional palm wine could be used as a potential starter culture for ethanol production
The Rhizosphere Microbiome Revolution: Leveraging Microbial Potential for Climate Resilience in Agriculture Systems and Modulating Positive Plant-soil Feedback
No full textThe living soil system plays a crucial role in sustainable agricultural production, with soil quality serving as a key indicator of environmental stability, food security, and economic viability. However, in recent years, soil health has been abruptly decreases due to unstable management practices and climatic challenges such as drought, salinity, and unpredictable weather patterns. To restore and maintain soil fertility for future food security, the use of natural soil organisms, particularly microbes, is essential. Soil microorganisms significantly contribute to nutrient mobilization, solubilization, and improved nutrient availability for plants. The rhizosphere, a dynamic zone around plant roots, is the hotspot of intense biological and biochemical interactions among microbes and plants, influencing soil biodiversity, disease suppression, and soil physicochemical properties. Microbes act as sensitive indicators of soil health due to their rapid response to environmental changes and their integral role in soil processes. Beneficial microorganisms like plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) not only enhance crop productivity but also improve plant tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. Additionally, microbial communities contribute to soil structural stability by forming aggregates, enhancing water retention, and facilitating organic matter dynamics. These plant-microbe interactions are vital for promoting crop growth, managing diseases, and achieving sustainable agriculture without harming ecosystem functions. Future research should focus on identifying effective microbial strains and understanding microbial metabolites that influence plant-soil interactions. This review highlights the crucial role of microorganisms in improving soil health and supports their potential application in advancing sustainable agricultural practices
Aerobic Enteric Bacteria Associated with Retail Boiled Egg, Consumed by Students of Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
No full textEggs are one of the most nutritious and convenient foods to eat. They contain high amounts of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as high-quality protein. However, foodborne diseases are a major public health issue as they are the main cause of diarrhoea that affect people in both developed and developing countries. In this investigation a total of eight (8) table shell eggs were examined for bacterial contamination. Results showed that all egg samples were contaminated with varying percentage of bacteria. The total number of bacterial cells identified were eighteen (18) isolates, which include Staphylococcus aureus, (11%), Escherichia coli (22), Salmonella gallinarum (11%), Salmonella schlerasius (17%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (17%) and Bacillus spp (22%). The antibiotic resistant and susceptibility pattern of isolates to antibiotics demonstrated the bacteria isolated were multidrug resistant to antibiotics. levofloxacin (LEV) and Rifampicin (RD) was the antibiotics that Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to, while Salmonella spp, it was only Levofloxacin (LEV) and Gentamycin (CN) that the cell was susceptible, Streptococcus pneumonia was susceptible to Levofloxacin (LEV) and Gentamycin (CN), and Bacillus spp was susceptible Levofloxacin (LEV) only. This reveals that table egg harbours potential pathogens some of which are even life threatening. Therefore, in order to minimize the number of bacteria present in commercial chicken eggs produced in Bayelsa State, poultry farms must adhere to the highest level of hygiene
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion of Galvanised Steel by Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria in Marine Environments
No full textCorrosion is a pervasive phenomenon on offshore metallic structures, driven by chemical, physical, and biological processes. The pivotal role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in accelerating microbiologically influenced corrosion of galvanized steel in marine environments, thereby enhancing the scientific community’s understanding of biocorrosion mechanisms. The findings also contribute to the development of predictive models and practical preventive strategies, opening interdisciplinary research avenues in materials science, engineering, and microbiology. This study investigated the isolation and identification of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) associated with MIC of galvanized steel in seawater environments, with implications for seafood-processing infrastructure. Seawater samples were obtained from the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), and galvanized steel bars from the Industrial Microbiology Department, University of Lagos. Steel bars were submerged in seawater for 180 days, with sampling every 90 days to monitor bacterial load and physicochemical parameters (pH, TDS, TSS, DO). Corrosion rates were quantified by weight-loss and thickness-reduction analyses, enabling correlation with microbiological activity and aqueous chemistry. SRB strains were isolated using Baar’s medium and characterised via biochemical methods. Results showed that increased bacterial activity corresponded with reduced pH, elevated TDS/TSS, and higher corrosion rates. Identified SRB included Aeromonas and Mycobacterium, capable of biofilm formation on food-contact surfaces and accelerating galvanic and pitting corrosion through sulphur reduction. Corrosion rates in seawater were 2% higher than in sterile distilled water controls, with microstructural zinc layer degradation most pronounced after 180 days. From a materials science and engineering perspective, these findings emphasize the importance of integrating microbial risk analysis into alloy design, protective coating optimization, and electrochemical corrosion modeling
Investigating the Role of Household Water Storage Practices in Shaping Microbial Contamination and Diarrheal Disease Burden in South East Nigeria
No full textIn many developing countries like Nigeria, access to safe drinking water remains a major health challenge especially in Enugu state, because tap water is unavailable or unreliable. The majority of households store water for their daily use. However, this practice can lead to microbial contamination of the water, mostly when containers are not clean or covered properly. This study investigates how household water storage practices connect with water contamination and the spread of diarrhea cases in the South East region of Nigeria.
A cross-sectional study was conducted across 268 households in both urban and peri-urban communities in Enugu State. Structured questionnaires were used to assess and collect data on reported diarrhea cases and storage habits, while membrane filtration techniques were used to analyze sample water to check for total Coliforms and E. coli.
Out of the 268 households that were surveyed, 88% use stored water for drinking purposes, 58% relied on public taps, 62% used wide-mouthed plastic buckets, and 25% used containers with spigots. 36% clean their containers regularly, 27% covered their containers with tight-fitting lids. 46% reported at least one case of diarrhea in the past two weeks. 77% had E. coli, 29% reported no illness. 72% of water samples tested positive for total coliforms, and 48% were contaminated with E. coli. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 15% of the samples, and Shigella spp. from 8%.
This research highlights the importance of how household water is handled; it showed that even water from a good source can be contaminated if not managed well. It contributes to public health by drawing attention to how household water storage, including improved infrastructure, helps in keeping water safe. Our findings, despite its limitation by Cross-sectional design and the use of self-reported health data, offer insight that can guide improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) strategies and public health campaigns focused on reducing diarrhea cases through safer water storage
Investigating Phytochemicals to Enhance Soybean Seed Health: A Critical Evaluation of Antifungal Activity, Seed Germination and Vigour
No full textSoybean (Glycine max) is a vital crop globally, providing oil and protein. However, it\u27s susceptible to various fungal pathogens during development, harvest and storage. This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of aqueous extracts from seven native plants (Eucalyptus sp., Melia azedarach, Lantana camara, Eupatorium adenophorum, Albizia chinensis, Vitex negundo and Ageratum conyzoides) against three seed-borne fungal pathogens (Aspergillus niger, Colletotrichum truncatum and Alternaria alternata). The plant extracts were assessed at concentrations of 10-50% using the poisoned food technique. Eupatorium adenophorum exhibited the highest inhibition (64.97% against A. niger, 51.90% against C. truncatum and 59.72% against A. alternata) at 50% concentration. Lantana camara and Eucalyptus sp. also demonstrated significant antifungal activity. The seed treatment with E. adenophorum also increased seed germination (87.00, 92.67 and 90.00 %), root length (6.86, 7.02 and 6.93 cm), shoot length (1.40, 1.88 and 1.45 cm) and seedling vigour index (719, 825 and 754) against A. niger, C. truncatum and A. alternata, respectively. This study suggests that native plants can serve as potential sources of eco-friendly and effective antifungal agents for managing seed-borne fungal diseases in soybean. The use of plant extracts as an alternative to chemical treatments can promote sustainable agriculture and reduce environmental pollution
Growth and Production of Solanum lycopersicum L. Bio Fertilized with Rhizophagus intraradices, Azospirillum brasilense and Foliar Application of Homobrassinolide in Nursery
No full textSolanum lycopersicum L. is a vegetable of daily consumption in our national population. It is native to America and has been widely adopted and cultivated in many regions of the world under various production systems. Currently, it is preferred when it is grown without agrochemicals and for this purpose, sustainable production processes that favor productivity are required. An alternative is to use soil microorganisms that establish symbiosis in the roots of the crops and favor their nutrition. In this study, the effect of the application of two beneficial microorganisms, Rhizophagus intraradices and Azospirillum brasilense, and a homobrassinolide compared with chemical fertilization (17N+17P+17K) was evaluated. Morphological and physiological yield components were recorded 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 days after transplanting. Data were analyzed statistically and differences between treatments were compared according to Tukey (P≤ 0.05). The results indicate that the morphological yield components of S. lycopersicum L. exhibit differential response with R. intraradices and synthetic fertilization favored its growth. In contrast, foliar application of homobrasinolide (Hbr) stimulated flowering, rather than biomass accumulation or yield. Root dry matter allocation and leaf area increased with R. intraradices and with synthetic fertilization increased stem thickness, leaf dry weight and yield
Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Borehole Water Near Dumpsites in Student Hostels, Uli Campus, Nigeria
No full textWater quality generally means the component of water which must be present for optimum functioning of life. It is made up of physical, chemical and biological factors which influence the use of water. Safe drinking water is essential to ensure public health, hence the study was conducted to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of borehole water near dumpsites in student hostels within the University environment of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus, Nigeria. Three boreholes situated within student lodges were sampled. The physicochemical analysis was carried out using standard analytical techniques and bacteriological analysis was determined by dilution and membrane filtration method. From the result, the total bacteria count ranged from 1.42 x 104 to 3.70 x 104cfu/100mL, whereas the total coliform count ranged from 25 to 107 cfu/100mL. The isolates were identified as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella pnuemoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From the result of the physicochemical evaluation, the pH value ranges from 5.41-5.94, conductivity from 16.19 μS/cm -59.60 μS/cm, TDS from 8.10 mg/L- 29.80 mg/L, salinity from 0.02 - 0.03 PCU, chlorides from 4.999 mg/L - 9.997 mg/L, sulphate from 32.928 - 53.508 mg/L, nitrate from 6.99 mg/L - 8.62 mg/L. High concentrations of arsenic and Lead were detected in the borehole water samples, with values above WHO permissible limit. Other heavy metals such as zinc, chromium, copper, manganese and selenium were not detected in the three water samples analyzed. Although the values of the physicochemical properties were in low concentrations, the presence of the identified bacteria calls for improved sanitary conditions of the student lodges, especially as regards to waste disposal and management. The students and locals should be educated on the importance of safe drinking water and proper management of wastes
Development and Characterization of a Kombucha-based Gel Enriched with Strawberry (Fragariavesca) and Ashoka Flower (Ixora coccinea L.): Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis
No full textKombucha is a fermented drink made from tea leaves and sugar involving symbiosis between yeast and acetic acid bacteria. Ashoka flowers (Ixora coccinea L.) are rich in antioxidants. Strawberries contain flavonoids that can inhibit bacterial growth due to disruption of the DNA process, damage to cell membranes and protein denaturation in bacteria. Examples of pathogenic bacteria include S. aureus and S. epidermidis which usually attack the skin. Researchers are interested in conducting research by making a gel preparation that actively inhibits bacterial growth. The study was conducted by making fermented kombucha tea with a combination of Strawberries and Ashoka Flowers, making a gel preparation, testing activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis bacteria, and testing antioxidant activity using the FRAP method. The results showed that the Fermented Tea Gel (Kombucha) Combination of Strawberries and Ashoka Flowers has antibacterial activity against S. aureus bacteria in the strong category in Formula F3 (MIC 10.9 mm), and has antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis bacteria in the moderate category in Formula F3 (MIC 9.06 mm). And Formulation F3 has antioxidant activity in the very strong category. Conclusion on this research is Kombucha contains Phenol and Acid content that can destroy bacterial cell walls. And with the addition of Strawberries and Ashoka flowers that contain phenolic and flavonoid compounds add to the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the gel
Molecular Recognition and Signaling Cascades in Plant Immunity: PTI, ETI and beyond
No full textPlants are constantly exposed to broad spectrum of pathogens, ranging from bacteria and fungi to viruses and nematodes. Unlike animals, plants lack an adaptive immune system and instead depend on a complex, multilayered innate defense framework to counteract pathogenic attacks. This review delves into the intricate biological processes by which plants sense invading pathogens and transduce those signals to mount appropriate immune responses. The frontline of this inducible defense, termed Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI), is initiated when pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) located on the cell surface detect conserved molecular patterns unique to pathogens, known as PAMPs. Well-characterized receptors like FLS2 and CERK1 recognize microbial cues such as bacterial flagellin and fungal chitin, respectively. Once triggered, this recognition sets off a cascade of early immune responses marked by calcium ion fluxes, bursts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) which collectively drive large-scale transcriptional changes aimed at fortifying plant defense. However, many pathogens have evolved mechanisms to overcome PTI by secreting specialized effector molecules into the host, thereby promoting Effector-Triggered Susceptibility (ETS). To combat this, plants possess intracellular immune receptors, notably nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins, which detect these effectors directly or indirectly and activate a secondary, often more potent response known as Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). ETI frequently involves localized cell death at the infection site, termed the hypersensitive response (HR), which restricts pathogen spread. Additionally, immune activation often culminates in Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) a long-lasting, broad-spectrum defense response that primes distal, uninfected tissues against future infections. Central to the regulation and fine-tuning of these immune layers are hormonal pathways involving salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene, which help determine the specificity, strength, and duration of immune responses