Biotechnology Journal International
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Modeling of the Thermal Behaviour of Acid Phosphatase from Breadfruit (Artocarpus communis) Seeds: Equilibrium Model Approach
No full textStabilization of enzymes is crucial to improve their durability and efficiency in various industrial applications. Thus, the search for new thermostable enzymes is a booming field. The seeds of Artocarpus communis are rich in acid phosphatases. Study of these enzymes could also be of interest in different biotechnological applications. Acid phosphatases are the enzymes that catalyze transphosphorylation reactions and promotes the hydrolysis of numerous orthophosphate esters in acidic media, as a crucial element for the metabolism of phosphate in tissues. The catalytic activity of Acid phosphatase from Artocarpus communis (ACP) seeds has been investigated using p-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) as substrate. Using the Equilibrium Model (EQM), the thermal inactivation data were analyzed. ΔG*act, ΔG*inact, ΔHeq and Teq were found to be (83.37 ± 0.02 kJ mol-1), (101.9 ± 0.2 kJ mol-1), (185 ± 2 kJ mol-1) and (326.90 ± 0.16 K) respectively. These results indicate that the enzyme is relatively stable in its native state, with the inactivation energy exceeding the catalytic energy
Apoptosis Mechanisms: Role of Anti-apoptotic Proteins, Cancer Hallmarks and Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Cell Survival
No full textApoptosis, or programmed cell death, is the result of signaling pathways being activated when cells experience irreversible alterations due to internal or external stress. To stop cancer from developing, this procedure is crucial for getting rid of potentially dangerous cells that have accumulated genetic damage. Nevertheless, a lot of cancer cells create defenses against death, which aids in the growth of tumors and treatment resistance. Certain intracellular proteins play a key role in blocking apoptosis by interfering with specific stages of the cell death process. Among these, members of the Bcl-2 family such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL help maintain the integrity of cellular membranes, including those of the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Additionally, Bcl-2 is believed to exhibit inherent antioxidant properties. The transition from normal cells to malignant tumors involves the acquisition of distinct functional traits, often referred to as the hallmarks of cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in this transformation, facilitating tumor growth by providing essential nutrients and interacting dynamically with cancer cells. This paper focuses on the role of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) and anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2, both of which contribute to cancer progression by preventing cell death. Their ability to enhance cell survival promotes tumor growth and resistance to treatment. Additionally, the review underscores the TME\u27s significance, including the microbiome\u27s influence in modulating apoptosis and shaping tumor behavior. Targeting elements of the TME could improve therapeutic strategies and enhance treatment efficacy
Spore as a Survival Strategy in Cryptogams: Emerging Applications in Biotechnology and Beyond
No full textSpore biology is a fascinating field with immense potential for fundamental research and its applications. Spores are highly resistant dormant cells with reduced metabolic activity. The spores are found naturally in soil. Spores have unique features such as haploid nature, asexual reproductive units, extremely resistant cell wall and ability to survive in extreme conditions. Due to this spores have promising future prospects in research in fields of biosensing, biocontrol, biofertilizers, biomedicine biological warfare, probiotics and crop improvement. Because of resistance in changes in pH, temperature, and other environmental factors, they are used as efficient vaccine vehicles. Certain bacteria have been genetically manipulated to express antigens on the surface of their spores. Further bacterial spores can be used to selectively deliver drugs to tumor sites. This offers huge potential of spores in field of medicine
Effect of Spacing on the Yield and Yield Attributing Parameters of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)
No full textIntroduction: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp) is a vital legume crop in semi-arid regions due to its adaptability to low soil fertility and limited water availability. Despite its considerable potential, cowpea yields in sub-Saharan Africa remain substantially low, which is partially attributed to the implementation of suboptimal agronomic practices.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inter- and intra-row spacing regimes on the growth and yield of two cowpea varieties- Padi-tuya and Songotra- at the University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus.
Methodology: A factorial experiment was implemented utilising three distinct planting distances (60cm x 20cm, 75cm x 25cm and 90cm x 30cm) arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Growth, phenological and yield parameters were measured and subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
Results and Discussion: The results indicated that the applied planting distance had no significant effects on the majority of the measured growth and yield parameters. However, variety was found to significantly influence critical traits including plant height, dry matter weight and number of pods per plant. Padi-tuya demonstrated superior plant height and greater dry matter accumulation, while Songotra produced a significantly higher number of pods per plant. Phenological traits such as days to 50% flowering and maturity were not significantly affected by either spacing or variety.
Conclusion: The findings collectively suggest that while planting spacing may not critically impact cowpea performance, varietal selection is paramount for optimising growth and maximising overall yield potential. Further research is recommended by focusing on cowpea varieties with diverse growth habits to comprehensively validate these results across broader agricultural systems
Preliminary Report on Safety Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) and Symbiotic Bacteria on Silkworm
No full textBackground: Entopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their symbiotic bacteria are widely used as a natural pest enemy in agriculture and forestry pest control. The mulberry silkworm was fed by mulberry, and some mulberry was planted together with the farmland. In the process of using chemical pesticides to prevent and control field crop diseases and insect pests, mulberry leaf were polluted and the silkworms were poisoned.
Aims: This research evaluated the safety of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their symbiotic bacteria, which may be used to control the mulberry pests.
Study Design: Five Steinernema species and Xenorhabdus sp. SY5 were used to evaluate the safety to mulberry silkworm.
Place and Duration of Study: College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, between May 2021 and September 2024.
Methodology: Mulberry silkworm was exposed /fed with five Steinernema species / Xenorhabdus sp. SY5. The larval duration, mortality, cocoon shell ratio and pupation rate were record.
Results: The results indicated that the larval duration, the mortality, the pupation rate and cocoon produce were different by exposing in different Steinernema species, but Xenorhabdus sp. SY5 was not affected on mulberry silkworm.
Conclusions: The tested entomopathogenic nematodes and symbiotic bacteria had no significant effect on mulberry silkworm. Further evaluation will be expected to apply in mulberry pest control
Enhancing Soybean Physiology Through Artificial Polyploidy Induction
No full textAims: The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro induction of polyploidy in Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean) using colchicine, and to evaluate the subsequent effects on various morphological, physiological, and cytological characteristics, ultimately assessing its potential for crop improvement.
Study Design: Germinating soybean seeds were treated in vitro with varying concentrations of colchicine (0.03, 0.05, 0.08, 0.1%) for different durations (24 and 48 hours). Polyploidy induction was identified via applying different analyses including; morphological measurements, stomatal parameters, epidermal cell count, pollen grain size, chromosomal changes during metaphase and anaphase and genomic DNA optical density. The plant improvement was assessed by measuring the concentration of photosynthetic pigment, protein content, potassium and sodium ions ratio.
Results: Treatment with 0.05% or 0.1% colchicine for 48 hours effectively induced polyploidy in soybean. Polyploid plants exhibited several desirable phenotypic changes, including darker and thicker leaves, increased plant height, and larger seeds with greater weights. Significant alterations were observed in stomata number, width, length, and index, as well as in epidermal cell count, although trichome numbers were unaffected. Cytological examination revealed increased cell size during metaphase and anaphase, larger pollen grains, higher genomic DNA optical density, and elevated concentrations of chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids, along with increased protein content compared to diploid controls.
Conclusion: Colchicine treatment can successfully induce polyploidy in Glycine max, leading to distinct morphological, physiological, and cytological alterations. The observed improvements in seed size, photosynthetic pigments, and protein content suggest that induced polyploidy holds significant promise for enhancing soybean characteristics
Genetic Tools for Sustainable Management and Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources: Opportunities and Challenges
No full textThe management of forest trees has long been a critical challenge in the field of forestry, as these essential natural resources face numerous threats, from climate change and pests to deforestation and unsustainable harvesting practices. Maintaining the resilience and adaptability of forest ecosystems to global changes has become a crucial challenge for forest management. The application of genetic tools can play a pivotal role in enhancing the adaptive capacity of forest tree species and ensuring their long-term sustainability. The study aims to investigate the application of genetic tools for the management of forest genetic resources. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the application of genetic tools to address these challenges and enhance the resilience and sustainability of forest ecosystems. One of the key strategies in this regard is the use of genetic data to inform forest management decisions. Powerful forward-genetic techniques, such as DNA/RNA sequencing technologies, marker-based trait selection, quantitative trait locus mapping, genome-wide association studies, and nested association mapping, have been instrumental in pinpointing the genomic regions and underlying causative mutations responsible for traits like yield, stress resistance, and metabolic profiles. The analysis of genetic markers can help identify trees with desirable traits, such as resistance to pests or adaptations to changing climatic conditions. This information can then be used to selectively breed or propagate these high-performing individuals, thereby enhancing the overall genetic diversity and resilience of the forest. Furthermore, genetic tools can also be leveraged to monitor and respond to emerging threats, such as the spread of invasive species or the onset of disease outbreaks. By tracking the genetic profiles of these pests and pathogens, forest managers can develop early warning systems and deploy targeted management strategies to mitigate their impact. As the challenges facing forest ecosystems continue to grow, the application of genetic tools presents a promising approach to enhance the long-term sustainability and resilience of these vital natural resources. In this review, we have highlighted the application of genetic tools in the management of forest genetic resources. The application of genetic tools in forest management has the potential to significantly enhance the resilience and adaptability of forest ecosystems to the challenges posed by global change. By providing insights into the genetic diversity, adaptation mechanisms, and ecosystem function of forests, these tools can enable forest managers to make more informed decisions and develop strategies that balance the various objectives of forest management
Numerical Estimation of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Yield in Côte d\u27Ivoire Using Integrated Image Analysis and Predictive Modeling
No full textAims: The present work aims to use a Faster R-CNN network combined with a predictive model to estimate the yield of the mango tree.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the Poro region of northern Côte d\u27Ivoire on a mango production campaign. This tropical context, marked by high environmental variability, offers a relevant framework for testing the robustness of the system.
Methodology: This study uses an innovative mixed approach based on image analysis by a convolutional neural network (Faster R-CNN) and a predictive model to automate fruit detection and estimate mango yield. Digital images were captured on two opposite sides of each tree and then analyzed by the neural network. Three linear regression models were developed to correct for biases related to partial fruit visibility.
Results: The results showed an overall efficiency of the network with an F1-score of 0.88 and a detection accuracy of 91 %. The optimal regression model achieved a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.96 and a normalized error (NRMSE) of 5.9 %. The combination of the network and the corrective model allowed a reliable estimate of the production per tree.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence technologies to improve the monitoring of fruit crop yields, and highlight the value of digital solutions adapted to the West African context to strengthen agricultural decision-making and enhance local value chains
Utilizing Plant Tissue Culture Protocol for Propagation of Jatropha curcas- A Semi-arid Tree Species in Maiduguri, Nigeria
No full textThis study examines the in vitro propagation of Jatropha curcas, a drought resistant tree species valued for its medicinal uses, biofuel production, and soil rehabilitation in arid regions. The research addresses the challenges of natural regeneration by employing micropropagation, as an alternative method for large-scale propagation. The explants were obtained from a healthy tree, sterilized and cultured in full strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, at different concentrations of Benzyle adenine (BA) and Indole-3-buteric acid (IBA). The data on shoot proliferation, leaf number, and shoot length were recorded after four weeks. The parameters recorded were statistically analyzed and means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (P<0.05). Best response was observed in a MS medium (full Strength) supplemented with low level of BA (0.5mg/l) and IBA (0.2mg/l) showing shoot height of 1.567cm. The study reveals that high phenolic exuded by explants leading to hyperhydricity, and low moisture condition, hinders explant growth and development. None of the explant rooted when cultured on the rooting media (half MS media supplemented with Plant Growth Regulators IBA and NAA) but rather produces some substance appearing to be callus at the base of the plantlets which necessitated for histological analysis. The histological studies show, no any irregularities in the tissues structures and organization that might prevent the plantlet from rooting. From the result of this study, it can be concluded that the use of full-strength MS media supplemented with a very low Cytokinin and Auxin could be suitable for propagating Jatropha curcas in vitro. It is recommended that further research be undertaken to improve proliferation and rooting efficiency, for possibilities of substituting the conventional method of propagating of these tree species
Genotypic Identification of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Salmonella spp. Associated with Meat and Lettuce and Sales Practices that Contribute to Contamination of These Foods in Bobo Dioulasso
No full textBackground and Aims: Food contamination is often linked to diverse factors such as poor food preservation, culinary techniques, and the handling of products during marketing. These factors could facilitate the spread of bacteria which are among the primary causes of food borne infections in both developing and industrialized countries adding to public health burden. This study aims to highlight the epidemiology of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Salmonella strains in lettuce and charcuterie as well as to investigate sales practice that could aid food contamination.
Methods: The study was conducted at Bobo-Dioulasso from April to December 2021. A survey was carried out among 30 randomly selected lettuce sellers in 5 markets and 30 randomly selected charcuterie workers in 3 selected supermarkets. A total of 162 samples (90 lettuce and 72 charcuterie) were collected and screened for the presence of Salmonella using standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on the obtained Salmonella isolates using the Kirby – Bauer disk diffusion technique. Specific primers were used for the detection of the class 1 integrons, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes by PCR.
Results: The quality of water used for keeping the lettuce fresh (wetting) and sellers’ hygiene were significantly associated with lettuce contamination (=14.21, P<0.001). For charcuteries, 66.7% and 33.3% of the structures surveyed use refrigerated trucks and vans for transportation, respectively. Salmonella was isolated from 12.35% (20/162) of the samples, i.e., 13.33% (12/90) of the lettuce samples and 11.11% (8/72) of the charcuterie samples (χ2 = 9.485; p < 0.005). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that all the isolates were resistant to colistin while 70% (14/20) and 60% (12/20) were resistant to cephalothin and ampicillin, respectively. The int1, parE, parC, blaCTX-M, and blaTEM genes were detected among 70%, 65%, 60%, 45% and 40% of the isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: This study revealed that seller’s practice including handling and quality of water for wetting could significantly increase the risk of contamination on ready to eat vegetables including the presence of enteric pathogens such as Salmonella sp carrying various antibiotic resistance determinants which could pose public health risk. There is a need of sensitization and training for these sellers as the issue is a national public health problem