Biotechnology Journal International
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Antimicrobial Potential of Aqueous and Ethanol Extract of Termite and Bee Natural Products on Escherichia coli for Possible Medicinal Purpose
No full textBackground: arthropods have been utilized for their socio-economic value as food and medicine for decades in most part of the world. Many traditional healers use insects in their traditional medicine healing system. The idea of utilizing substances collected from insects as medicinal resources, might have originated from the chemical compounds (such as pheromones, venoms, and toxins) sequestered from plants that have shown medicinal value. The study was targeted at investigating the antimicrobial potential of termite and bee natural products on Escherichia coli for possible medicinal purpose. The insects were collected from farmlands (using different insect traps) within Agulu and Nanka communities, Anambra State, Nigeria. The sample was identified and authenticated at the Zoology Department. The insect were killed using killing jar technique, air dried, pulverized and macerated for further investigation. The zoochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of the extract was investigated.
Results: It was observed that the constituents, carbohydrate and saponins were present in all the extracts. Tannins, Flavonoids and Terpenoids were present in the ethanol extracts of both insects. The other zoochemicals investigated: Anthraquinones. Alkaloids, Cardiac glycoside, and steroids were not observed in all of the extracts. The water extract of both bee and termite exhibited less activity against E. coli. The ethanol extract of both insects showed E. coli growth inhibition. Based on the distinct zones of inhibition observed. The ethanol extract of termite showed higher inhibition activity (8.33 ± 0.60 mm zone of inhibition), this was followed by the ethanol extract of bee (7.08 ± 1.18 mm zone of inhibition). The aqueous (water) extract of termite (1.33 ± 0.67 mm zone of inhibition) showed higher activity than that of the bee extract (1.00 ± 0.58 mm zone of inhibition).
Conclusion: The result of the study showed that ethanol extract of termite and bee contain bioactive constituents with antibacterial effect and lends credence to the entomo-ethno medicinal use of insect in the treatment of bacterial infections
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Physiological Productivity and Seed Quality of Soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merill]
No full textThe current study was carried out on soybean variety JS 20-98 seeds that were treated to varying concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs). These seeds were used in field studies using Randomised Block Design (RBD) with four replications, and the observations were recorded on phenophasic observations, such as days to 50% flowering, days to pod formation, days to seed formation, days to physiological maturity, and days to field maturity.Determination of dry matter production and its partitioning in various plant parts (leaves, branches, main stem, and pod) at 45 DAS, 60 DAS, 75 DAS, and 90 DAS. Physiological obsdervations (Growth analytical parameters), Leaf Area Index (LAI), Leaf Area Duration (LAD), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Specific Leaf Area (SLA), Specific Leaf Weight (SLW), Biomass Duration (BMD), Chlorophyll Content Index (CCI), Relative Water Content (RWC). Yield and yield components included viz; plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, pod length (mm), pod width (mm), pod girth (mm), seed index (g), seed yield (g plant-1and kg ha-1), biological yield (g plant-1 and kg ha-1), harvest index (%). The biochemical estimation includes moisture (%), ash (%), crude fibre (%), total carbohydrate (%), protein (%), and fat (%). However, seed quality traits include germination (%), seedling length (cm), seed vigour index-I, seed vigour index-II, seedling dry weight (g), root length (cm), and shoot length (cm) in soybean. The treatment GA @ 3 ml L-1 (T5) produced the highest seed yield of 2429.93 kg ha-1, biological yield of 6804.47 kg ha-1, and harvest index of 35.71% among the six PGR treatments on soybean. The greatest value for seed quality parameters, especially germination (%), seedling dry weight (g), seedling length (cm), seed vigour index-I, and seed vigour index-II was recorded under the treatment GA @ 3 ml L-1 (T5)
Impact of Different Extraction Processes on the Quality of Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) Produced by Women in the Northern Regions of Côte d’Ivoire
No full textAims: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of different extraction processes on the quality of butter produced in each region.
Study Design: The production of shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) is an activity widely practiced in the North of Côte d’Ivoire using different processes, specific to each region. This leads to the great variability of butters on the market, calling into question the control of the quality of butter and limiting its valorization in the food and even technological fields.
Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Food Biochemistry and Tropical Products Technology, between June 2021 and July 2022.
Methodology: To do this, the physical and chemical properties of butter from four (4) regions of northern Côte d\u27Ivoire (Poro, Bagoué, Tchologo and Hambol) were studied to judge their qualities. These different butters were then subjected to an organoleptic test in order to evaluate their levels of acceptability by a panel trained for this purpose.
Results: The results obtained reflect a significant influence of all the processes on the physical and chemical properties of the butter, particularly on the quality criteria. We observe a high level of oxidation between 10.347±0.01 meq/kg (Poro) and 10.430±0.011 meq/kg (Bagoué), an accentuated acidity where the acid number varied from 10.763±0.01 mg/g (Tchologo) to 11.373±0.01 mg/g (Bagoué), leading to high free fatty acid contents of 5.986±0.02% (Bagoué), 5.891±0.01% (Poro), 5.771±0.010% (Hambol) and 5.665±0.010 (Tchologo) and an impurity phase to monitor ranging from 0.168±0.002 to 0.192±0.001. These impurity indices mostly show non-compliance for direct consumption (category I butter). However, some conformities are recorded when butters are downgraded to category II intended for the food industry with vigilance on these said conformities. Finally, the organoleptic analysis revealed a strong correlation of the general appreciation of butters with the taste but also texture and color which were influenced by the processes.
Conclusion: This study highlighted the impact of all the extraction processes on the shea butter produced in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly on the peroxide indices and free fatty acids; confirmed by sensory testing
Identification and Characterization of Fungi in Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo) Drink Produced and Hawked in Eket Metropolis, Nigeria
No full textZobo drink is an affordable local soft beverage derived from the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa, a herbaceous medicinal plant that thrives in tropical regions. The characterization and identification of fungi present in Zobo drinks produced and sold by vendors in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, was the aim of this study. Hawked Zobo drinks packaged in plastic bottles were purchased from ten different hawkers, two each from five locations. The pH values of the samples were determined and the total fungal count. The pour plate technique, using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was used to determine the total fungal count. Macroscopic and microscopic features were used to characterize the isolates obtained from the samples. The microscopic identification was done by preparing a wet mount of isolated colonies and observing under a microscope. The rate of growth, colony colour, colour changes, colour of reverse colonies, odour and texture of surface were observed and compared with previous work done on fungi. Results showed that the pH of the freshly obtained and stored samples was 3.9 and 2.8 respectively. The average number of colonies for samples stored in the refrigerator ranged from 0.54 x 105 to 0.91 x 105 cfu/ml while that of the freshly obtained samples ranged from 1.26 x 105 to 1.64x105 cfu/ml at 10-3 dilution. A total of 43.6% Aspergillus spp., 29.5% Candida spp. 15.4% Penicillium spp. and 11.5% Rhizopus spp. were identified. With increased acidity in the refrigerated samples, the number reduced to 41.2% Aspergillus spp., 27.4% Candida spp. 15.7% Penicillium spp. and 15.7% Rhizopus spp. The fungi species isolated are known to produce mycotoxins with potential immunosuppressive and cytotoxic effect. These microorganisms could have been introduced to the drinks at various stages of production, during transportation, through the ingredients utilized in the manufacturing process, or even during the cultivation of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant. This issue can be mitigated by implementing effective manufacturing practices throughout the production process
Biogas Potential Assessment of Co-digestion of Various Wastes (Cassava Residues, Poultry Droppings and Household Waste) in the Gbêkê Region, Bouaké, Central Ivory Coast
No full textAssessing the potential for biogas from cassava residues, poultry droppings and household waste in Bouaké will help determine the viability of a sustainable energy project. Cassava is abundant in this region, and its exploitation produces starch-rich residues, a potential source of biogas through anaerobic digestion. Poultry droppings from livestock farming and household waste are respectively sources of biomass rich in nitrogen and various organic materials. Unfortunately, poor management of these wastes leads to environmental problems, including foul odors that encourage disease, and soil and groundwater pollution. It is therefore necessary to quantify this waste with a view to transforming it into renewable energy. To do this, we began by collecting cassava residues and household waste from attiéké production cooperatives and some restaurants, and poultry droppings from city farms. After collection, we sorted and mixed the different types of waste with water, then filled the digesters. And finally, we made different formulations from these wastes for biogas production. During the process, the results obtained from the physico-chemical characteristics of the waste give respectively for pH 6.4 and 7.4, for BOD5 25 442 mg/L and 19 475 mg/L, for COD 74 400 mg/L and 62 100 mg/L, for MES 3 733 mg/L and 2 675 mg/L, for MS 11.6% and 8.1%, for VDM 64.3% and 58.2%. Concerning biogas composition and production, methane is estimated at 56.5% on average, with a standard deviation of 6.1, giving a biogas volume of 3.2 m3. These results provide valuable indications for the planning and development of biogas production facilities in Bouaké. They encourage the adoption of renewable energies, waste reduction and better management of organic residues, thus contributing to the environmental and economic sustainability of the region
Biomolecular Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria (Lactobacilli and Cocci) Isolated from Nonnonkoumou, a Artisanal Milk Curd in Daloa, Côte D’ivoire
No full textNonnonkoumou is an artisanal sour milk consumed in Côte d\u27Ivoire, particularly in the town of Daloa. Its production is carried out under uncontrolled conditions and uses a variety of lactic acid bacteria. The main objective of this study was to characterize the cocci and lactobacilli present in the nonnonkoumou. The cocci had the highest loads going from 8.31 ± 0.14 log CFU / mL to 6.76 ± 0.01 log CFU / mL compared to the lactobacilli which had loads between 6.12 ± 0.30 log CFU / mL and 4.35 ± 0.42 log CFU / ml. This preponderance of cocci in all the nonnonkoumou samples taken in comparison to bacilli have been shown through the cocci / bacilli ratio which varied from 1.9 to 1.22. PCR followed by Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) after enzymatic digestion with Hae III and Hinf I have revealed 4 Hinf I profiles and 3 Hae III for lactobacilli and 2 Hae III profiles and 4 Hinf I profiles for cocci. This technique has revealed 4 species of lactobacilli isolated from nonnonkoumou which are Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum and Fructobacillus durionis and 6 groups of cocci corresponding to 6 species. The species identified during this study made it possible to understand their technological role and their contribution to the health quality of nonnonkoumou
Probiotic Properties of Lactobacilluscasei and L. plantarum Isolated From Overripe Avocado Pear
No full textProbiotics have been researched for their benefit to gut health. Research for sources of probiotic bacteria has moved from milk to plants, as they have been found to be an inexhaustible source of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Over ripe Avocado pear on selected bacterial species were assessed. Fifty Unripe Avocado pears were purchased from different markets and allowed to ferment. Enumeration of the microorganisms and pure culture isolation were done on MRS agar supplemented with1.0% CaCO3 at 37 oC for 48 hours; using the pour plate and streak plate methods respectively. The isolates were identified based on their microscopic, macroscopic, biochemical and molecular characteristics. They include Lactobacillus casei and L. plantarum. LAB isolates were tested for their phenol tolerance, bile salt tolerance, acid tolerance and antimicrobial activity. All the isolates were tolerant to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Growth of the isolates was observed at different temperature between 15 oC to 60 oC. They exhibited tolerance to phenol ranging from 0.085±0.01% to 2.40±0.02%. Tolerance to bile salt ranged from 1.06x101± 0.96x101 to 3.04x103±1.15x102. The acid tolerance level of the LAB obtained ranged from 2.98x102±1.30x102 to 8.78x102±2.22x102. Agar-well diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacterial species. The test showed that the isolates were susceptible to the LAB isolates as zones of inhibition were observed. The inhibition zones diameter obtained ranged from 8.35±1.34mm to 13.77±2.21mm. Avocado pear, asides from their high nutritional content, also have the potential to serve as source of probiotic bacteria
Hybrid Sunscreen for Albinistic Skin Types Augmented by Terminalia Sericea Mediated Silver Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Efficacy and Safety Investigation
No full textAlbinism is a congenital hypopigmentation disorder characterized by errors in melanisation leading to the partial or complete absence of melanin, the skin’s primary defense against actinic damage. Actinic damage in albinism summarizes all solar induced consequences from freckles to fatal skin cancers. Of the 16 sunscreens approved by regulators, 14 chemical sunscreens were stripped of GRASE (Generally Recognizable as Safe and Effective) status in 2020 by the FDA though Over-the-Counter Monograph M020, the remaining 2 physical sunscreens (ZnO and TiO2) are unaesthetic, leaving unpleasant persistent white casts. The hunt for new, effective and safe sunscreen agents is on and photoprotective polyphenolics from tropical plants including Terminalia sericea, maybe the solution. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel sunscreen for albinistic skin, utilizing Terminalia sericea-mediated silver-doped ZnO nanoparticles, so as to leverage the novel sun protection efficacy of aesthetic ZnO-NPs with the antibacterial effects of Ag-NPs as well as the photoprotective effects from T. Sericea polyphenolics. Our observations from the study confirm that T. Sericea possesses abundant polyphenolic compounds capable of mediating bio-reducing and capping of metallic nanoparticles. UV-Vis identified the nanostructures as Ag-ZnONPs, TEM confirmed their cubic and oblong agglomerated morphology. DLS estimated the nanostructures to be between 30 and 40nm. The sunscreen achieved a high SPF of 30, showed significant photoprotective properties, and demonstrated negligible skin sensitization in safety tests following OECD guidelines. It was therefore concluded that the biosynthesis of multifunctional Ag doped ZnONPs mediated by T. Sericea, was feasible and that the resultant safe multifunctional emulsion was efficacious in retarding biomarkers of actinic damage and is a potential pioneering albinistic skin type actinic damage retarding sunscreen
Interval Analysis of Volatile Solid (VS) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Batch Anaerobic Fermentation of Selected Agrowaste
No full textThis study investigated the degradation of volatile solids (VS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) during the anaerobic digestion of selected agro-waste, specifically cassava peels, maize husks, pig slurry, and the composite. The objective was to evaluate the biodegradability of these feedstocks, in line with their potential for biogas production. The Research was conducted at the National Centre for Energy Research and Development (NCERD) laboratory, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). Batch reactors were used to conduct experiments over a period of 45 days. The digesters were operated under controlled conditions, and samples were analyzed at three (3) different points: 24 hours, peak of gas production (day 30), and at the end of the digestion (day 45). The results demonstrated that all the substrates exhibited a reduction in VS and BOD in the course of digestion. However, the most significant reduction in VS and BOD occurred around the peak of gas production. This entails that this period is critical for microbial activity and biogas yield. Corn husks had high initial VS and BOD values of 4.73±0.22 % and 92.80±3.26 mg/L respectively. However, that did not translate to higher biogas production compared with the composite that had initial values of 4.34±0.19 % and 88.00±5.50 mg/L respectively. By the end of the digestion, an average VS reduction of 65% and a BOD reduction of 70% were observed across all substrates, indicating a substantial degradation of organic material. Biogas production was better in the composite (72.580±4.53 %), an indication that higher VS and BOD do not automatically translate to higher gas yield. Thus, factors like multiple substrate interaction affect gas yield and process efficiency
Synergetic Influence of Some Tropical Leaf Meals and Garlic on the Haemato-biochemical Parameters and Antioxidant Activities of Weaner Pigs
No full textAim: This experiment was designed to study the effects of using garlic-composite leaf meals produced from four (4) different leaves and garlic: bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), scent leaf (Ocimum gatissimum), Neem leaf (Azadirachta indica), Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera) and Garlic (Allium sativum) as a premix in the diets of growing pigs. The leaves and garlic were air dried, milled and sieved separately. Thereafter the leaves and garlic were mixed in the ratio of 4 (Vernonia amygdalina): 3 (Moringa oleifera): 1 (Ocimum gatissimum): 1 (Azadirachta indica) and 1 (Allium sativum) to produce the garlic-composite tropical leaf meals. Individual leaves and their composite mix were analyzed for proximate, mineral, antioxidant and the phytochemical components of the leaves were determined using GCMS and other standard methods.
Methodology: Eighteen large white weaner-pigs of eight weeks were allocated in a completely randomized design for this experiment comprising three treatments and three replicates with two pigs per replicate. The average weight of the pigs were 13 kg. Basal diet were formulated and subdivided into three portions in which garlic-composite leaf meals were fed at 0g/kg, 10g/kg, and 20g/kg were used as an additives to the diets of weaner pigs and the diets were designated as I, II and III respectively. The pigs were then assigned to these 3 dietary treatments which were fed to the pigs at 5% of their body weight for 12 weeks experimental period. Water was supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period. All data were subjected to analysis of variance.
Results: Dietary inclusion of GCLM on haematology, serum biochemistry indices and antioxidants significantly (P<0.05) affected the Packed Cell Volume (%), Mean Corpuscular Volume (fl) Lymphocytes (%), Granulocytes (%), Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L), Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L), Total Protein (g/l) and catalase (Ku) of the experimental pigs.
Conclusions: It could be concluded within the limit of this study, that garlic-composite leaf meals had high nutrient potentials for pigs and could completely help growing pigs to improve in body weight as the composite leaf meals increases in pig diets