Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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Evaluation of Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Charcoal Obtained from Almond Tree Stem
No full textThe emergence of antimicrobial resistance has spurred the search for alternative antimicrobial agents for drug-resistant species. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of charcoal obtained from the almond (Terminalia catappa) tree stem, commonly known as fruit in Nigeria. The charcoal was extracted from Terminalia catappa using the earth pit kiln method of carbonization, and its chemical composition was analyzed using the cold extraction method followed by qualitative phytochemical analysis. Mineral analysis was conducted using the wet acid digestion method, followed by spectrophotometric analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and Flame Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAS). Additionally, the antimicrobial activities of the charcoal were evaluated against ten (10) clinical isolates using the MIC/TTC and mycelial inhibition concentration method. The results revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and flavonoids. Mineral analysis showed that K had the highest concentration in the order of K >Na > Ca, while trace element analysis indicated that Fe had the highest concentration in the order of Fe > Cr > Zn >Cu >Mn >Pb. Charcoal demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a concentration of 200 mg/ml with a minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value of 50%, as well as against Aspergillus terreus with a growth inhibition value of 64% at a concentration of 100 mg/ml. These findings highlight the potential of Terminalia catappa stem charcoal as a natural antimicrobial agent and a promising source of raw materials for pharmaceutical applications
Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Peels of Punica granatum L. by GC-MS analysis
No full textIndia is the second major producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. Fruits form the rich source of bioactive molecules. Phytochemical compounds can provide different health benefits and give protection against various diseases as per the literature. As a result of this, the search for new bioactive molecules with multifunctional properties have been rapidly intensified. Pomegranate known as the ‘Nature’s power fruit\u27 and ‘Fruit of dead\u27 is one of the oldest fruit to be cultivated. Because of high nutritional value, these fruits are consumed at a greater extent. As a result, large amount of peel waste is generated. Disposal of these waste is of major concern. Thus, in the present study, an attempt was made to bring utilization of peels by finding the bioactive compounds present in the peels and further its application in food and cosmetics. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of different compounds from the methanolic extract of Punica granatum L. peel by GC-MS analysis
Fungal Infection Prevalence among Patients with Chronic Wounds in Owerri Metropolis
No full textA total of 120 wound swabs were submitted by patients attending various hospitals in the South East Zone of the Nigerian metropolis of Owerri. The samples were taken from infected wounds that were left untreated for more than a month. The patients were between the ages of 16 and 72. 51 women and 69 men were present. Although none of the subjects got antifungal medication, they all used antibiotics in some capacity. The swabs were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) with Chloramphenicol and Brain Heart Infusion Agar (BHI) and incubated at 25°C for up to 21 days. Negative cultures were removed after 28 days. Positive cultures were identified based on their growth rate, colony morphology, and microscopic morphology. A tease mount was made on each mold isolation to help with identification. A germ tube test was used to identify Candida albicans, and a moist preparation was used to identify yeast isolates.
Of the 11 individuals, 3 (27.3%) had Zygomycetes isolates, of which 2 (18%) were Rhizopus and 1 (9.1%) was Mucor. 7 of the individuals (63.7%), of whom 3 (27.3%) were Candida tropicalis and 4 (36.4%) were Candida albicans, had isolated Candida species. Trichophyton rubrum isolate was found in 1 (9.1%) of the subjects. The statistical analysis showed no statistically significant differences between the male and female groups or the proportion of isolates found. In spite of this, there was a significant difference between the groups with and without isolates (p.001), with the difference favoring the group without isolates. The number of isolates found and the various kinds of wounds showed no discernible difference either. There was no obvious difference between the different age groups and the proportion of isolates found, nor between the different institutions that provide wound dressing and the isolates found. The high rate of fungus-related wound infections found in the study and the absence of antifungal therapy in wound care underscores the need to increase public awareness of fungus-related wound infections and incorporate antifungal therapy into the management of chronic wounds
Characterization of Thermostable Lignolytic Enzymes from Penicillium italicum during Biomineralization of Polyethylene
No full textPenicillium italicum isolated from a local dumpsite in Ilara- mokin, Ondo state, Nigeria was used to bio-transform low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Biodegradation was carried out using surface-sterilized and autoclaved LDPE over 3 months experimental period. Bio-remediation was evaluated by determining the weight loss, and physical structure changes which were revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The result showed P. italicum was able to degrade autoclaved LD-PE (25%) more efficiently than surface-sterilized LD-PE (12%). Screening and characterization of lignolytic enzymes (manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase (Lac)) produced by P. italicum were also investigated using autoclaved LDPE as a carbon source over 3 months degradation period. The result showed that P. italicum produced optimum MnP and Lac activities in the 6th week of cultivation (90 U/mL and 100 U/mL respectively). Study of their physicochemical properties showed that MnP and Lac had optimum activities (100%) at pH 7.0 and pH 5.0 and were stable at the same pH with 74% residual activities each respectively. The enzymes also had optimum activity (100%) at 70oC and were stable over a wide temperature range (40oC–80oC) with 78% residual activities each after 120 min of incubation. These results show the ability of P. italicum to produce thermostable lignolytic enzymes with the potentials to bio-mineralize recalcitrant plastic polymers such as LDPE
Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles and their Role in our Everyday Lives: A Review
No full textNanotechnology is a field of science that works with particles having dimensions of less than 100 nm, mainly the manipulation of individual molecules and atoms, permitting to tailor an extensive range of materials with various traits. In materials science, "green" synthesis has received a great deal of interest as a dependable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly technique for synthesising a wide range of materials/nanoparticles such as metal/metal oxide nanomaterials, hybrid materials, and bioinspired materials. As a result, green synthesis is recognised as a significant technique for reducing the harmful consequences associated with standard methods of synthesis for nanoparticles routinely used in laboratories and industry.
The field of nanotechnology has grown in importance in recent years, with a wide range of applications predicted in many disciplines of Science and Technology, with a significant influence on our everyday life. Nano-based chemicals have found a place in the market as consumer items such as paints, construction materials, cosmetics, medical treatment, the food sector, and so much more as a new development strategy. More helpful products, better treatments for illnesses, and more appropriate building materials can be produced because of nanotechnology. Nanoparticles can be used in a wide range of everyday items, materials, and processes. We detailed the essential processes and mechanisms of "green" synthesis techniques, particularly for metal and metal oxides, in this study. This chapter also explores the most recent nanotechnology applications that have an impact on various aspects of human life
Nutritive and Non-nutritive Bioactive Components of Limonia acidissima Leaves
No full textStudies have clearly shown the medicinal importance of plant products by identifying specific nutrients and phytochemicals and linking them to specific health benefits. Because the leaves of Limonia acidissima are used in herbal medicine, the nutritive and non-nutritive bioactive components of the aqueous extract of these leaves were investigated using standard procedures. The proximate compositions of the dry powdered and fresh leaves samples were found to be 4.20% ash content, 7.05% fibre and 3.30% fat. The moisture, protein content and carbohydrate content were also found to be 58.605%, 7.35% and 19.495% respectively. Qualitative phytochemical analysis on the leaf samples revealed the presence of ten phytochemicals with the following in low concentration; Alkaloid, Saponin, Cardiac glycoside, Phenols, Steroids, Terpenoids and Proteins while Flavonoids were observed to be in high concentration. Limonia acidissima can be used as both a medicinal plant and a food
Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence among Patients Attending at Christ the King Hospital in Ideato South, Imo State
No full textThis study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus among patients attending Christ the king hospital, Ideato south, Imo state. Blood samples from 300 patients (108 female and 192 male) at the Christ the King hospital in Ogueme Ntueke, Ideato South, Imo state, were collected for the purpose of identifying the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using traditional serological methods. Among the 300 patients, 8.3% tested positive for hepatitis B (4.6% female and 10.4% male). [The highest prevalence of the virus was found in the age group (31 - 40), followed by (11 - 20) and (61 - 70) with 0% prevalence, (21- 30) with (5.1%), (41- 50), (51- 60) with (8.5%), and (41-70) with (3.8%). Sharp object use, tattooing, tonsillectomy, circumcision, and other risk factors all contributed to the virus\u27s spread. The study participants at Christ the King Hospital had a significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis as indicated by the p value of 0.005. Thus, it is strongly advised to read health awareness materials and be informed of the risks of getting this infection]
Evaluation of the Relationship among Different Haemoglobin Genotypes, Calcium, and Membrane Potential in Patients with Malaria in FMC, Umuahia
No full textMalaria is still a major contributor to the high rate of global infectious disease-related mortality and morbidity particularly in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between various Hemoglobin Genotypes, Calcium, and Membrane Potential in malaria patients. Retrospective analysis of the results of the distribution of Malaria parasitemia among suspected cases of malaria, various Haemoglobin genotypes, Calcium and Membrane Potential were conducted in Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, Abia State. Two hundred cases were examined by Giemsa staining method using thick film. Haemoglobin genotype determination was performed by Cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Obtained data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA. Results: One hundred and seventy (85.0%) were positive for Malaria parasite. The prevalence was 92(54.1%) and 78(46.0%) for females and males respectively and at p<0.05, the result obtained from the statistics is considered significant. There are high prevalence of parasitemia in AA, 80(40.0%), with genotype SS recording the least with 30(15%). The age group 27-35 years had the highest occurrence of parasitemia with (44.1%) while the least was obtained in the age range 45-53 years with (2.4%). It was observed that the density of Malaria parasitemia was highest in the age group 27-35 years meaning that parasite density decreases with increasing age and the Haemoglobin genotype AA had the highest Malaria density. Also, the serum Calcium and Membrane Potential were significantly reduced in Sickle cell disease (HbSS) when compared to the HbAA and HbAS individuals. This signifies a low energy level in Sickle cell patients that can result in oxidative stress. This may probably indicate that serum Calcium and Membrane Potential are significantly reduced in Sickle cell patients compared with other Haemoglobin genotypes with Malaria
Epidemiological Study on Hepatitis B Virus Infections among Hemodialysis Patients in Taiz City, Yemen
No full textViral hepatitis has a special relationship to renal disease. Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is high among renal failure patients compared to prevalence in the general population. HBV is highly infectious and transmitted from person to person via blood transfusions, sexual, and vertical routes. Recently, this virus is a common nosocomial problem and the cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients because of the complications in the management of patients in the dialysis units.
Hemodialysis patients are at high risk of infection by hepatitis B (HBV), Chronic infections with HBV may lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HBV infections among HD patients at dialysis center in Republic Hospital and Thawrah Hospital in Taiz City, Yemen.
A total of 200 patients were the sample of the study. The following data was collected: name, age, gender, occupation, education, family history of HD and family members. Blood samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. The overall prevalence of HBV infection has been found to be 30%.
Among 200 patients, 113 (56.5%) were males and 87(43.5%) were females, this study showed that male HD patients had slightly higher HBV prevalence than females (30.97%, 28.74%) respectively.
The present work shows the highest HBV seroprevalence was among age group 16-20 years (50%). The results of study showed that single groups of hemodialysis patients have higher HBV seroprevalence, the results of study showed that secondary level of study groups of hemodialysis patients have higher HBV seroprevalence, the current study showed that family relationship groups, have a higher seroprevalence of HBV infection was among the aunts.
This study has concluded that HBV infection among HD patients represents a serious nosocomial health problem in the dialysis units in standard centers. So, strict adherence to infection control is required to prevent the prevalence of hepatitis infections
Production and Characterization of Ta-Sn Alloy Foam for Biomedical Applications
No full textIn this study, Ta-Sn alloy foam was manufactured by using space holder method for biomedical applications. The aim of the study is development of an alloy with suitable mechanical properties, with good medical imaging (digital radiography, computed tomography) properties (radiopacity), with high bioactivity. Powder metallurgy-based space holder method enables manufacturing of open-cell foam with low elastic modulus. Powder mixtures were prepared by mechanical alloying. Carbamide was used as a pore former. Ta has suitable radiopacity, strength, ductility, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. But Ta has high price, high melting temperature, high activity, and high density. Sn addition was lowered the melting temperature, and cost of Ta. Sinterability of Ta, which is a refractory metal, was enhanced by Sn addition. Corrosion behaviour of Ta alloy was examined. Young’s modulus was determined by compression and ultrasonic tests. Increasing Sn content of the alloy increased the Young’s modulus. Increasing porosity decreased the Young’s modulus. Ta alloy has no cytotoxic potential according to neutral red test. Sn addition was lowered the polarization resistance and slightly increased the corrosion rate of Ta-Sn alloy samples