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A Study of Ocean-Source Biosurfactant-Producing and Petroleum Hydrocarbon Degrading Bacterial Resource of The Atlantic Ocean, Araromi Sea-Side, Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textBioavailability of hydrocarbons to microorganisms is a serious threat to the efficiency of biodegradation process for the decontamination of polluted environments. The objective of this research is to characterize ocean-source biosurfactant-producing bacterial resource with potential to degrade hydrocarbons. The oceanwater sample was collected from the Atlantic Ocean on latitude 6.3250338 and Longitude 4.4834361 in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. The Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis was used for the determination of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs). Quantification and identification of bacterial isolates were carried out by standard morphological, biochemical and molecular methods based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Four autochthonous marine-source bacteria were evaluated for their petroleum hydrocarbon utilization potentials by spectrophotometry method at 600 nm wavelength of culture in Bushnell Haas medium fortified with 1% petroleum hydrocarbon and then assayed for biosurfactant activity by oil collapse, foaming activity, emulsification and oil drop tests. The population of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria was 9.80×104 - 3.00×105 (CFU/mL) constituting 2.09 – 6.38% of the total heterotrophic bacterial population. Lysinibacillus fusiformis (OM179766.1) Citrobacter werkmanii (CP019986.1), Lysinibacillus sphaericus (CP015224.1) and Pseudomonas putida (MT604992.1) with 94.07-99.40% percentage homology were identified from the sample and exhibited varying responses to petroleum derivatives. The isolates exhibited positive responses to biosurfactant activity except Citrobacter werkmanii which showed negative response to drop collapse test. The isolates exhibited 44-83% and 26-66% emulsification (E24) and foaming activities respectively. The results of this study conclude that there exist in the marine ecosystem diversity of biosurfactant-producing bacteria that can be exploited to enhance pollutant bioavailability for the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated ecosystem
Mitigate Environmental Stress and Enhance Crop Productivity
No full textA field experiment was conducted during the wheat-growing season on a clay-loam soil to investigate the interaction between irrigation management, sowing dates, and winter wheat productivity. A split-plot design tested three planting dates (PD₁: 15 November, PD₂: 30 November, PD₃: 15 December) and three irrigation levels (Irr₁: five irrigations, Irr₂: four, Irr₃: three irrigations). Results revealed that early sowing (PD₁) under full irrigation (Irr₁) maximized grain yield (6.8 tons/ha) and 1000-grain weight (49.3 g) but required the highest water applied (5,608 m³/ha). Conversely, PD₃ with reduced irrigation (Irr₃) conserved water (3,282 m³/ha) but incurred yield penalties (4.6 t/ha grain). Critically, PD₂ under Irr₂ achieved 94% of PD₁’s yield with 18% less water, highlighting its viability for balancing productivity and sustainability. Water productivity (WP) improved under water-saving strategies, with PD₃Irr₃ yielding the highest WP (1.41 kg/m³). The findings underscore that planting date (mid-November) is more suitable for yield than maximal irrigation, offering actionable strategies for farmers in water-scarce regions to enhance climate resilience while safeguarding food security
Comparative Sensory Evaluation of Various Dishes (Pounded, Fried and Boiled Yam) Made from Two Varieties of Yellow-fleshed Yam ("Kangba" and "Kounougbé") and Three Commonly Consumed Varieties of Yam ("Bètè-bètè", "Krenglè" and "Kponan")
No full textThis study evaluated the sensory qualities of dishes made from boiled, fried, and pounded yam, derived from two yellow-fleshed yam varieties ("Kounougbé" and "Kangba") and three cultivars ("Bètè-bètè", "Krenglè", and "Kponan"). The analysis revealed significant differences in the sensory characteristics of boiled yams. On the one hand, the "Kounougbé" variety received the highest scores for color (6.85 ± 0.81), firmness (7.15 ± 0.81 in mouthfeel), and fibrosity (7.15 ± 0.93), indicating its overall quality in these attributes. On the other hand, "Kangba" exhibited the best taste acceptability (9.7 ± 0.47), suggesting a strong preference among consumers for its flavor. However, "Kponan" was the least favored variety, receiving the lowest ratings for fibrosity (5.00 ± 0.92) and fork firmness (5.80 ± 0.77), which may indicate a less desirable texture. For hedonic values, "Kangba" emerged as the most appreciated, with an overall acceptability of 8.57 ± 0.10, and obtained the highest scores for appearance (8.52 ± 0.30), aroma (8.73 ± 0.15), and overall texture (8.53 ± 0.30), emphasizing its attractiveness to consumers. "Kounougbé" followed closely with an overall acceptability of 8.15 ± 0.21. Compared to that, the cultivars "Bètè-bètè," "Krenglè," and "Kponan" performed moderately, with acceptability scores below 8. The sensory analyses revealed marked varietal effects, with "Kangba" and "Kounougbé" being the most preferred by consumers, particularly for boiling, frying, and preparing pounded yam. These results highlight the importance of these varieties in promoting local yam valorization in Côte d\u27Ivoire, suggesting their potential for broader market adoption and use in culinary applications
Antioxidant Potential of Four Wild Edible Fruits from Ivorian Flora: Adansonia digitata L., Parkia biglobosa (Jacq. Benth.), Tamarindus indica L. and Aframomum melegueta (K. Schum.)
No full textThis study investigated the polyphenolic composition of Adansonia digitata (baobab), Parkia biglobosa (locust bean), Tamarindus indica (tamarind), and Aframomum meleguetta (alligator pepper), species widely consumed by rural populations in Côte d\u27Ivoire. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, along with antioxidant capacity, were assessed in aqueous, acidified and ethanolic extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites polyphenols (notably flavonoids), sterols, terpenes, and alkaloids in varying proportions across species. The highest polyphenol concentration was observed in baobab leaf extracts obtained with acidified water, followed by tamarind pulp, baobab pulp, alligator pepper, and locust bean pulp. Polyphenols in baobab and locust bean seeds were detected only in trace amounts. A similar trend was observed for flavonoids, with baobab leaves containing the highest levels. Antioxidant capacity, measured as Trolox equivalents, was likewise greatest in baobab leaf extracts. These findings highlight the nutritional and therapeutic value of baobab, locust bean, tamarind, and alligator pepper, supporting their traditional applications in food and medicine, while also reinforcing their potential as functional ingredients for health-promoting interventions
Qualitative Study of Sugar Factory Effluents at Sucrivoire, Cote D\u27ivoire
No full textSugar cane effluents, liquid waste from sugar production, require a qualitative study to ensure optimum energy recovery. The aim of this research is to determine the physicochemical (pH and Brix level) and biochemical (total sugars, reducing sugars, sucrose, glucose, trace metals and minerals) parameters of these effluents. Four types of effluent were sampled: rich sewage (effluent Ar), poor sewage (effluent Ap), molasses and washing water (effluent C). The effluents were also mixed, designated as mixed effluent (Ar + Ap + C). The pH and Brix values obtained for each of the effluents were as follows: Ar effluent: 6.75 and 65%; Ap effluent: 6.65 and 57%; C effluent: 7.13 and 2%; Ap + Ar + C effluent: 6.79 and 42%; and molasses: 6.65 and 72.5%. Total sugar, reducing sugar, sucrose and glucose in each sample are respectively: 25%, 0.08 g/L, 1.46 g/L, 0.026 g/L for Ap; 14%, 0.046, 0.83 g/L, 0.023 g/L for Ar; 2%, 0. 02 g/L, 0.10 g/L, 0.013 g/L for C; 21%, 0.04 g/L, 1.236 g/L, 0.03 g/L for molasses and 38%, 0.15g/L, 2.246 g/L, 0.053 g/L for Ar + Ap + C. Minerals present included potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) at varying levels, with no heavy metals detected. These results indicate a significant potential for energy recovery from the effluent analysed
Phytochemical Evaluation and Antibiogram of Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Mormodica charantia against Clinical Bacterial Isolates
No full textThe ever-increasing incidence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic agents, particularly those sourced from medicinal plants. Among the numerous medicinal plants under investigation, Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, stands out due to its rich ethnomedicinal heritage and diverse phytochemical profile. M. charantia has been used traditionally to treat a range of ailments, including diabetes, malaria, skin diseases, and infections. This study presents a comparative evaluation of the phytochemical composition and antibacterial efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Momordica charantia against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of M. charantia were prepared as cold macerations. Phytochemical analyses revealed the prominent presence of flavonoids, saponins, and steroids, with the ethanolic extract exhibiting markedly higher concentrations: flavonoids (52.92%), saponins (17.11%), and steroids (12.64%). Antibacterial activity, assessed using the agar well diffusion method, indicated that the ethanolic extract demonstrated broader and more potent inhibition, with K. pneumoniae showing the greatest susceptibility (16 mm zone of inhibition at 100 mg/mL). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays corroborated these findings, revealing bactericidal effects of the ethanolic extract against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, and inhibitory activity against E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Conversely, the aqueous extract exhibited only inhibitory effects and limited efficacy at lower concentrations. These results validate the ethnopharmacological relevance of M. charantia and emphasise the critical role of solvent polarity in optimising bioactive compound extraction. The findings support the potential of M. charantia as a source of novel antimicrobial agents and warrant further investigation through in vivo models and clinical studies
Partial Purification, Biochemical Characterization and Biotechnological Application of Cellulase Isolated from Aspergillus niger for Juice Clarification
No full textCellulase enzymes are key biocatalysts with wide industrial relevance, particularly in food and beverage processing. Despite its significance, efficient production and purification methods are still needed to meet industrial demands. Recent studies have explored the cellulose-degrading potential of bacteria and fungi associated with Long-horned beetles, highlighting their promising role as a novel source of cellulases. Aspergillus niger, isolated from the gut of Long-horned beetles, presents a promising new source of cellulase with potential for enhanced stability and activity. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the purification, characterization, and biotechnological application of cellulase produced by Aspergillus niger isolated from the gut of the Long-horned beetle (Cerambycidae latreille). The fungus was cultivated under optimized submerged fermentation conditions, and the crude cellulase extract was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion-exchange chromatography. The purification process resulted in a significant increase in specific activity and enzyme yield. Characterization of the partially purified enzyme was performed to assess the effects of various inhibitors, including sodium nitrate, SDS, Tween 20, β-mercaptoethanol, cysteine, urea, Triton X, and EDTA, on enzymatic activity. Kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) were determined using cellulose as substrate at varying concentrations, demonstrating high substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency. The enzyme’s potential for industrial application was evaluated through juice clarification tests using apple, pineapple, orange and watermelon juices. The findings revealed that cellulase treatment markedly improved juice clarity, reduced viscosity, and enhanced filterability without compromising nutritional quality. Overall, cellulase from A. niger isolated from Cerambycidae latreille represents an eco-friendly and efficient biocatalyst suitable for large-scale juice clarification and other biotechnological processes
PfDHFR Resistance Mutations in Mali: Impact on Protein Structure and Identification of Novel Natural Inhibitors
No full textMalaria drug resistance remains one of the greatest challenges to the malaria control program in Mali. Mutation in the Plasmodium falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase (PfDHFR), a key enzyme in the folate biosynthesis pathway and primary target of antifolate drugs, are knows to induces resistance to pyrimethamine and Proguanil. Four-point mutations: N51I, C59R, S108N, and I164L are particularly associated with antifolate resistance. This study aims to characterize resistance-associated PfDHFR mutations circulating in three sentinel sites in Mali (Dioro, Missira, and Sélingué) and identify potential inhibitors effective against mutant PfDHFR variants through virtual screening of African natural compound libraries.
A total of 47 Pfdhfr were analyzed to identify Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) using Geneious Prime. Homology-based 3D protein structures of mutant PfDHFR using PRIMO server, and structural visualization as well as molecular analyses were performed using UCSF Chimera and AutoDock vina.
Among the 47 PfDHFR sequences analyzed, 22 exhibited the triple mutations N51I, C59R, and S108N, will the I164L mutation was absent in all samples across the three sentinel sites. Structural modeling of these mutants revealed restricted access and crowding in the PfDHFR active site, consistent with known antifolate resistance mechanisms. Virtual screening identified several promising inhibitors, among which compound SANC00747 exhibiting exceptional binding affinity (-14.046 kcal/mol), highlighting the potential of African natural products as resistance-breaking candidates.
This study demonstrates the prevalence of key antifolate-resistance mutations in Mali and reveals promising natural compounds capable of effectively targeting mutant PfDHFR. These findings underscore the value of African natural products as a rich reservoir for developing next-generation antimalarial therapies
Hygiene Practices and Microbial Contamination of Liquid Gapal Sold in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
No full textAims: Liquid gapal is a fermented food prepared mainly from millet paste and milk, and is increasingly consumed in Burkina Faso\u27s major cities. This study aims to contribute to knowledge of the microbiological quality of liquid gapal marketed in Ouagadougou.
Methodology: To achieve this objective, we surveyed eleven (11) gapal producers located in ten (10) different districts of the city. Thirty-three (33) samples of liquid gapal randomly collected at a rate of three (3) samples per producer were then analyzed using standard microbiological analyzes methods.
Results: The results showed that some producers had poor control over good hygiene and production practices. The use of public mills to grind millet and lack of backup power systems that can contribute to promote microbial contamination. Microbiological analyzes showed that the level of microbiological contamination varied from one gapal producer to another. Microbial loads varied from 4.9 to 8.1log10 CFU/mL for total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, 4.3 to 5.7 log10 CFU/mL for yeasts and moulds, 4.6 to 8.8 log10 CFU/mL for lactic acid bacteria, 1.4 to 4.6 log10 CFU/mL for enterobacteria, 0.8 to 4.6 log10 CFU/mL for thermotolerant coliforms, ˂1.0 UFC/mL to 3.7 log10 CFU/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and 0.6 to 3.0 log10 CFU/mL for Bacillus cereus.
Conclusion: These results underline the need to strengthen the capacities of these gapal producers in order to improve the quality of the products they marketed
Morphological and Physiological Responses of Sorghum to Drought: Implications for Development of Climate-resilient Cultivars
No full textDrought is a significant environmental stress affecting crop productivity, particularly, in semi-arid regions where sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] serves as an essential crop for food and fodder. Therefore, it is paramount to evaluate such crop varieties with potential for use in the development of climate-resilient ones through breeding and selection. A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out at Teaching and Research Farm of the School of Agriculture (A. G. Carlson Technology area), University of Cape Coast (UCC), to determine the morpho-physiological responses of seven sorghum varieties, focusing on the stay-green trait under drought-stressed (DS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. Parameters measured included green leaf area (GLA), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, and grain yield. The results showed that the Dorado and Kapaala varieties exhibited greater drought resilience, maintaining higher GLA, RWC, chlorophyll levels and grain yield under drought stress conditions. Strong positive correlations between RWC, GLA, chlorophyll level, and grain yield parameters under DS highlighted these metrics as potential indicators for selecting drought-tolerant sorghum varieties. Thus, sorghum varieties such as Dorado and Kapaala could be employed in breeding programs for the development of climate-resilient varieties. The strong positive correlations between some morphological and physiological characters could be used to indirectly select for improved grain yields. This study underscores the importance of genetic diversity in crop resilience and provides valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing drought tolerance in sorghum