Biotechnology Journal International
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Production of Soft Bloomy Rind Cheese with Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Cameroon’s Cow Milk
No full textThe changing of the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from one locality and another is one of the main reasons of the organoleptic and physicochemical differences encountered in the same class of cheese. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of LAB isolated from cow\u27s milk produced locally in Cameroon on the organoleptic and physicochemical quality of soft cheese with bloomy rind. To this effect, 05 LAB (IS1, IS2, IS3, IS4 and IS5) were isolated to fresh milk and selected after macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical characterizations. After tests of acidification, fermentation type, compatibility between LAB and LAB concentration on milk coagulation, the combined IS1-IS4-IS5 and IS2-IS3-IS5 were retained to produce 02 soft cheeses with bloomy rind namely respectively FROCAM 145 and FROCAM 235. When used at concentrations of 3×107 CFU/mL, these combined LAB coagulate fresh renneted milk after 3 hours at 26°C. During the production of FROCAM 145, the combined IS1-IS4-IS5 resulted in a firm, moist curd and a pH reduction of 14 and 15% respectively after the milk maturation and ripening of FROCAM 145. This cheese recorded 100% mould recovery, with protein, lipid and calcium content of 6.7, 62.2 and 0.1% respectively. On the other hand, during the production of FROCAM 235, the combined IS2-IS3-IS5 resulted in a dry and crumbly curd. The pH recorded with this combined LAB after maturation of the milk and ripening of FROCAM 235 is 12 and 17% respectively. The FROCAM 235 recorded a low mould recovery estimated at 20% and a protein, lipid and calcium content of 7.8, 65.1 and 0.3% respectively. From a microbiological point of view, FROCAM 145 and FROCAM 235 did not record any contamination by Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and Staphylococci. The sensory analysis shows that FROCAM 145 was more appreciated than FROCAM 235 with scores of 0.74 and 0.24 respectively. In view of these results, the IS1-IS4-IS5 combinations isolated from Cameroonian milks present a certain technological interest in the transformation of milk into cheese
Influence of Spent Lubricating Oil Spiked Compost on Microbial Counts and Hydrocarbon Degradation Rate in Soils
No full textThis study evaluated the influence of organic fertilizers produced from spent lubricating oil (SLO) spiked aerobic composting technique on hydrocarbon degradation rate in soils. The compost windrows (Ft2 and Ft4), consisting of kitchen and agricultural wastes, were spiked with varying concentrations (2% and 4%) of SLO. The resultant organic fertilizers were employed as amendment in pollution simulated potted soils laid out in a complete randomized block design with three replications for 90 days. Results revealed higher counts of hydrocarbon utilizing microbes (HUB: 4.2±0.02×104cfu/g in Ft2, 3.0±0.02×104cfu/g in Ft4; HUF: 3.9±0.2×104cfu/g in Ft2, 2.5±0.02×104cfu/g in Ft4) in spiked compost compared to the control, Ft0 (HUB: 7.9±0.02×103cfu/g; HUF: 6.0±0.2×103cfu/g). Mean count in amended soils reflected a dose-dependent increase which followed the trend: Ft2 ˃ Ft0 ˃ Ft4 for the 5% (3.7×108 cfu/g), 10% (9.2×107 cfu/g) and 15% (6.9×107 cfu/g) levels of fertilizer treatments respectively. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the TPH content of soils after 90days treatment with organic fertilizers. Generally, remediation efficiency followed the order: Ft2 ˃ Ft0 ˃ Ft4, with the highest (11.51%) achieved at 5% Ft2 application. Spiking technique was responsible for the higher counts of hydrocarbon utilizing microbes and enhanced bioremediation associated with the use of fertilizers Ft2
Growth, Yield and Nutritional Quality of Pleurotus pulmonarius and Pleurotus ostreatus, Grown on Different Substrates Amended with Wheat Bran
No full textPleurotus species (oyster mushroom) cultivation is receiving global attention owing to their cheap labour requirements and nutritional/health benefits. In this study, 10 g of Pleurotus pulmonarius and Pleurotus ostreatus each were cultivated on 400 g of sugarcane bagasse and cotton waste individually. Each substrate was supplemented with wheat bran separately at varying compositions (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% w/w) in triplicate and incubated at 28 ± 2°C for 35 days. After incubation, the mushroom growth parameters and qualities (yields, minerals, and proximate composition) were evaluated. Overall, P. pulmonarius cultivated on sugarcane bagasse with wheat bran additives, irrespective of percentage concentration, had better mushroom quality/size, yields, biological efficiency, mineral content, and proximate composition than P. ostreatus. P. ostreatus cultivated on cotton waste performed best compared to P. pulmonarius at flush 1 (P ≤ 0.05). Also, relative low calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus contents were observed on both substrates but were significantly rich in potassium (1.32 – 6.817%) and protein (26.60 – 30.46%) contents. Thus, this study will guide farmers in selecting mushroom strains, substrates and percentage additives for a healthy and vigorous mushroom
Effects of Aloe Vera Biodiesel Blends with TiO2 on the Emission and Performance Characteristics of a DI Diesel Engine
No full textConcerns about the effect of activities that need the use of alternative fuels, as well as a growth in demand for clean energy, have made biofuels research more well-known, and so began the search for oilseed plants that can be used to make biodiesel. Present research was carried out the aloe vera oil is used as a biodiesel in diesel engine. Because aloe vera oil having higher calorific value compare to other sources. Potassium hydroxide catalyst was used for transesterification process, which has lesser cost and more availability. And also, in this work conducted diesel engine experiments using four different biodiesel blends (B20, B40, B60, B100) and diesel fuel. Additionally, to reduce the emission nano particles (TiO2) was blended with optimal biodiesel blend (B20). The performance and emission characteristics were conducted with different biodiesel blends. In this blends, B20+ TiO2 blend gives good performance and reduction in emissions compared to other biodiesel blends
Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamase and Metallo-beta-lactamase Production among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains from Urine of Pregnant Women in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
No full textAim: The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from pregnant women attending Mater Misericordia Hospital Afikpo, Ebonyi state, Nigeria.
Study Design: This is a laboratory based prospective study carried out on pregnant women suspected of having urinary tract infection and was requested to undergo diagnosis at microbiology laboratory of the hospital.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria from October, 2022 to January, 2023.
Methodology: Clean-catch midstream urine samples were collected from 206 pregnant women suspected of having urinary tract infection and were requested to undergo medical diagnosis at microbiology laboratory of the hospital. The urine samples were processed following standard microbiological procedure. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined using the disc diffusion method, while ESBL phenotypes were determine by the Double-Disc Synergy Test (DDST). Disc potentiation test was performed to check for MBL production.
Results: Out of the 206 urine samples processed, 24 (11.7 %) E. coli and 12 (5.8 %) K. pneumoniae were isolated. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates recorded a 100 % resistance with Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid and Cotrimoxazole. The Gram-negative isolates showed a high sensitivity of 100 % to Netilmicin, Meropenem and Ofloxacin. Overall, 35 (97.2 %) multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed of the bacteria isolates. A total of 9 (37.5 %) E. coli and 4 (33.3 %) K. pneumoniae was found positive for ESBL production whereas, 5 (20.8 %) E. coli and 2 (16.7 %) K. pneumoniae were MBL positive.
Conclusion: The level of drug resistance in this study underscores the need for regular surveillance for effective management of urinary tract infection in pregnancy
Estimation of the Electrical Energy Potential of Rice Husk Biomass Generated within Ebonyi State, South Eastern Nigeria
No full textNigeria’s energy sector has been ailing for the past two decades due to its excessive dependency on petroleum and lack of diversity in energy sources in the energy supply mix. To address this huge energy gap, biomass conversion power plant (BCPP) is considered as a “bridging solution”- allowing waste product to be used to generate power as an alternative to the high-emitting fossil fuels. Thus, this study was conducted to estimate the electrical energy potential of rice husk (RH) generated biomass within Ebonyi State, South East, Nigeria. RH accounts for approximately 20-23% of the total paddy rice weight with about 10 – 12% moisture. Presently, Ebonyi State produces about 300,000 metric tons (300,000,000Kg) of RH annually. The average percentage mass of the RH sample was calculated to be 21.33%. The BCPP analyzed result yields an average moisture and energy content (HHV) of 2.6% and 14.80MJ/Kg with a corresponding electricity output of 70.39KWh while the estimated result for the electrical energy potential of RH currently generated within the state was estimated to be 214.29MW per annum. This is a clear indication of the huge prospects that lie in the use of RH as feed stock for power generation within the State
Virulence and Molecular Detection of Cassava Mosaic and Brown Streak Virus Genes on Elite Mutant Cassava Lines
No full textUnavailability of germplasm with Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) tolerance genes remains the main bottleneck towards management of the two diseases in tropic and sub-tropic regions in Africa. We assessed the pathogenicity of two viruses and established the presence of genes linked to CBSD and CMD among some elite cassava lines using field techniques and PCR methods. The screen-house experiment was arranged in split plot in completely randomized block design replicated thrice. Severity data was done on a scale of 1 - 5 at an interval of 14 days post inoculation. Symptomatic fresh leaves were used in the extraction of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid and amplification done using markers linked to African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), separated bands scored as present (+) or absent (-) and visualized under UV trans-illuminator. Virulence and pathogenicity results showed higher tolerance to CBSD and CMD under single inoculation. In contrast, dual inoculation synergistically increased severity expression leading defoliation at early stages of growth. DNA amplification found no CBSD and CMD alleles in CAS1. However, some traces of the alleles were amplified on CAS2, CAS3, KME3 and KME4. Mutant cassava lines exhibited low severity compared to parental lines which were genetically different in terms of viral genes detected by the ACMV linked markers
Effects of Different Temperature Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Rorippa sylvestris
No full textTemperature is one of the important conditions for plant growth, and an important factor affecting the establishment and spread of invasive plants. In this study, the northern perennial invasive plant (Rorippa sylvestris) was taken as an example. By comparing the seed germination rate, germination potential, germination index and vigor index, the total number of leaves, root length, root length, vigor index, leaves of seedings, seedling biomass and root- shoot ratio under different temperature treatments (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40℃), the subordinate function was used to compare the temperature tolerance of R. sylvestris in seed germination. sylvestris in seed germination and seedling growth. To study the response and tolerance of seed germination and seedling growth of invasive R. sylvestris to different temperatures, the subordinate function was used to compare the temperature tolerance of R. sylvestris in seed germination and seedling growth. The results showed that high temperature promoted seed germination of R. sylvestris and limited radicle growth, and it had the most tolerance at different temperatures. The results showed that high temperature promoted seed germination of R. sylvestris and limited radicle growth, and it had the strongest tolerance at 35℃. Lower temperature was more beneficial to material accumulation of seedlings, and the tolerance of R. sylvestris was more favorable. The results provide theoretical basis for revealing the diffusion and invasion mechanism of R. sylvestris
A Consortium of Soil Bacteria Mediates the Partial Replacement of Mineral Fertilizer for Sustainable Grapevine Cultivation in Sandy Soil
No full textThe demand for chemical fertilizers in agriculture has increased to deal with the present global population increase. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by applying biofertilizers as an eco-friendly tool. Plant growth-promoting rizobacteria (PGPR) has an essential need in terms of fertilizer savings and promoting plant yield. Here, we study the effect of using three (PGPR) bacterial strains “Bacillus nakamurai MSRH1, Bacillus pacificus MSRH3, Paenibacillus polymyxa MSRH5”, integrated with chemical fertilizers (40, 60, 80, 100% need based NPK) on vegetative growth, yield production, and quality of table grapes ‘Flam Seedless’ grown in sand soil during two successive seasons of 2020 and 2021, with a preliminary trial season in 2019. Our results show that amending grapes with NPK in combination with the consortium of three strains led to significant improvement in colonized vines compared to a single application of 100% NPK. Results showed that bacterial consortium combined with 80% and 60% NPK mineral fertilizer had more positive effects than un-inoculated vines in growth parameters, cluster characteristics, yield/vine and berry quality in the two growing seasons. Besides, N, P and K concentrations of leaf petiole, total leaf chlorophyll content, and carbohydrates in canes were significantly enhanced by bacteria consortium with 80% and 60% PK chemical fertilizers. PGPR significantly increased total bacterial count, N2-fixing, P- solubilizing and K-solubilizing bacteria in soil treated with the three strains of bacteria plus mineral fertilizer. In addition, dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil were also increased in treatments inoculated with strains plus mineral fertilizer. The field study results showed that PGPR approach has potential and can be considered as a crop management strategy to increase the yield and quality of grapes, reduce chemical fertilization and subsequent environmental pollution, and could be useful in terms of sustainable production
Control Efficacy of Jingdusha against Corynespora cassiicola (Hyphomycetales: Dematiaceae) on Cucumber
No full textAims: The paper aimed to clarify the effect of cucumber target leaf spot (TLS) under the Jingdusha (JDS) treatment.
Study Design: We applied the method of artificial inoculation in the pot, and analyzed the changes in growth indexes and physiological characteristics.
Place and Duration of Study: In 2018, these experiments were conducted in College of Bioscience and Biotechnology of Shenyang Agricultural University (Lab 240).
Methodology: The seedlings in the two-leaf period were induced by the best application scheme of JDS, then inoculated Corynespora cassiicola for 24 h. Cucumber seedlings of each treatment group were randomly selected for photographing and growth index determination after inoculation for 5 d. The leaves of cucumber seedlings in each treatment group were randomly collected at 1 d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, and 9 d after inoculation for the determination of physiological and biochemical indicators.
Results: When C. cassiicola infects cucumber, JDS can effectively improve the growth and photosynthetic pigment content of cucumber, reduce the degradation of chlorophyll (Chl) under the stress of C. cassiicola, strengthen the variety of metabolic responses in the plant, repair the enzyme protection system of cucumber leaves, reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, shorten the process of membrane lipid peroxidation in blades.
Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that JDS can improve the resistance of cucumber seedlings to C. cassiicola by regulating growth indexes and physiological characteristics. This work will provide a theoretical basis for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of JDS in cucumber defense against C. cassiicola