Biotechnology Journal International
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Prediction of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Desaturase in Tomato
No full textAims: The jasmonic acid (JA) pathway plays a core role in the plant defense response, and the omega-3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD7 protein) is closely related to the synthesis and signal transduction of JA by regulating fatty acid metabolism. However, the regulation differences of FAD7 in different plants and the correlation between the regulation of fatty acid metabolism and the dynamic balance of JA signaling remain unclear. Therefore, it has great significance to clarify the properties, structure and protein interaction network of the FAD7 protein for the study of the plant defense response mechanism.
Study Design: In order to explore the properties, structure and protein interaction network of the FAD7 protein for the study of the plant defense response mechanism, we conducted systematic bioinformatics analyses to predict and characterize the tomato ω-3 fatty acid desaturase. The results of this study laid a solid foundation for further in-depth exploration of the regulatory mechanisms of ω-3 fatty acid desaturases and the stress response mechanisms of tomato plants to various environmental stresses.
Place and Duration of Study: College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, between March 2024 and April 2025.
Methodology: In this study, we used bioinformatics methods to analyze the open reading frame, physical and chemical properties, secondary structure, subcellular localization, signal peptide, transmembrane structure, conserved domain, 3D structure and protein-protein interaction of the omega-3 fatty acid desaturase.
Results: The results showed that the omega-3 fatty acid desaturase in tomato had 435 amino acids, among which the numbers of acidic and alkaline amino acids were similar. It contained 10 open reading frames, had no signal peptide but possessed 2 transmembrane domains. The subcellular localization analysis indicated that it was localized in the chloroplasts and endoplasmic reticulum. It belonged to the PLN02498 superfamily. The proteins that interacted with the omega-3 fatty acid desaturase included the DNAJ heat shock N-terminal domain protein, arginine decarboxylase, polyamine oxidase 1, acyl-CoA N-acyltransferase, fatty acid desaturase 6 and acyl carrier protein. In the secondary structure, α-helices and random coils accounted for the highest proportion. The results of this experiment laid a foundation for the further functional study of omega-3 fatty acid desaturase in tomato.
Conclusion: The results of this study provided a reference basis for further in-depth research on the functions and metabolic pathways of omega-3 fatty acid desaturase in tomato. They also offered new targets for molecular breeding aimed at enhancing the resistance, yield and quality of tomato in agricultural production
Micropropagation Via Embryogenesis Techniques under Commercial Scale of Vulnerable Agarwood (Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte)
No full textIntroduction: Agarwood is an important tree having valuable in medicine, pharmaceutical and cosmetic. Completely exploited by humans and driven to extinction. Reforestation of this precious tree species is necessary via seedlings production and supply to enlarge growing regions.
Aim: Micropropagation via somatic embryogenesis of Golden Teak sourced from Myanma for regeneration and develoment of valuable tree species
Methods: Using method cultivation of somatic embryos technique
Results: Leaf and root explants were the well samples for somatic embryogenesis cultivation. MS medium is suitable for the process of culturing agarwood somatic embryos. Culturing young leaves to create embryogenic callus. Embryogenic callus is multiplied in liquid medium. The embryogenic callus cell suspension is spread on semi-solid medium; to regenerate the embryogenic callus with increased biomass differentiated into embryogenic cells. Embryogenic cells are cultured on regeneration medium after 120 days of shoot formation. Single shoots are used as raw materials for conservation and micropropagation.
Conclusion: Conservation as this species is highly exploited for industrial uses. The report on agarwood regeneration for far micropropagation was set up
Effects and Evaluation of the Physicochemical, Biochemical and Microbiological Quality of Powder Obtained from Stored Cashew Nuts in Bondoukou, Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textCashew kernel (Anacardium occidentale L.) food and their microbiological quality depends heavily on nut quality, which itself is linked to storage conditions. Aiming at producing high-quality food from these kernels, their physical, chemical, and microbiological properties were studied based on nuts from different storage storerooms in Bondoukou (Côte d\u27Ivoire). Nut samples, collected from five storerooms (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 and ST5) were air-dried, manually shelled and then ground. Powders obtained from these composite samples (CS) were physicochemically and microbiologically analyzed. Six physicochemical parameters were analyzed: kernel dry matter (92.48–94.52%), moisture content (3.6–3.9%), pH (6.06–6.33), titratable acidity (0.77–0.84%), ash (2.29–2.50%), sugar content (13.16–13.23%), and lipids (38.86–41.66%). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between the storerooms in terms of dry matter, moisture, and sugar content. Microbiological analysis revealed fungal flora (531.32 to 909.09 cfu/g) and mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) loads of up to 2181.81 cfu/g. Only samples CS1 and CS2 contained enterobacteria (2.00 and 5.08 cfu/g, respectively). No traces of fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, Escherichia coli, or Staphylococcus aureus were detected. Bacillus cereus loads, both vegetative and sporulated forms, remained within current standards. In conclusion, the cashew nut powders analyzed are of good physicochemical quality and satisfactory microbiological safety, confirming their potential for safe food use
Spatio-temporal Expression Analysis of HaDH and HaDHR in Helicoverpa armigera
No full textThe cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is a major agricultural pest in the world, belonging to the family Noctuidae within the order Lepidoptera, and undergoes diapause in the pupal stage. During the pupal stage, HaDH acts on the prothoracic gland to stimulate the synthesis of ecdysteroids, playing a crucial role in diapause termination. The functional activation of DH requires binding to its receptor, the diapause hormone receptor (DHR), and the tissue-specific expression of DHR varies across insect species. The regulatory mechanism of HaDH during H. armigera development remains to be elucidated. This study focuses on the spatio-temporal expression analysis of diapause hormone (HaDH) and diapause hormone receptor (HaDHR) in H. armigera, covering their expression patterns in the egg, larval, pupal and adult stages.The expression trends of HaDH and HaDHR were generally consistent. HaDH was expressed throughout the entire life cycle of H. armigera, with expression mainly localized to the head; its expression levels followed the pattern: lowest in eggs, low in larvae, highest in pupae, and high in adults. HaDHR was also expressed throughout the life cycle (from egg to adult); its overall expression trend was consistent with that of HaDH: lowest in eggs, low in larvae, high in pupae, and highest in adults. The continuous expression of both molecules throughout the H. armigera life cycle indicates that HaDH is likely involved in regulating basic metabolic processes essential for insect development. The spatio-temporal expression characteristics and potential regulatory functions of HaDH and HaDHR revealed in this study provide an important basis for further elucidating the physiological roles for HaDHR in growth and development. Collectively, these studies illustrate that HaDHR not only universally participates in insect diapause regulation but also extends its functional roles to multiple developmental stages, including embryonic development, larval growth, development of pupae and moth
Antibacterial Potential of Termitomyces letestui : An Edible Higher Fungus Harvested in the Haut Sassandra Region (Central-Western Ivory Coast)
No full textWild mushrooms are an important source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, used in many countries as dietary supplements and therapeutic agents. In Côte d\u27Ivoire, their integration into traditional medicine remains marginal, despite their pharmacological potential. In this context, a study was conducted in the Haut Sassandra region (central-western Ivory Coast) to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of Termitomyces letestui, an edible higher fungus. To do this, aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts were prepared from the dry carpophore and then tested in vitro on four bacterial strains responsible for urinary tract infections : Staphylococcus aureus 864, Escherichia coli 739, Salmonella enterica 189 and Shigella flexneri 117. The evaluation was then carried out using the Mueller-Hinton dilution method, with determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) and MBC/MIC ratio. The results revealed marked antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract, with MICs of 6.25 mg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus 864, Escherichia coli 739, Shigella flexneri 117 and 3.125 mg/ml for Salmonella enterica 189. A complete bactericidal effect (100%) was observed on all four isolates. The hydro-ethanolic extract showed partial efficacy, with a bactericidal effect on 75% of the strains tested, while S. aureus showed relative resistance, reflected in an MIC of 25 mg/ml and an MBC of 200 mg/ml, indicating a bacteriostatic effect. The results of our study broaden the spectrum of use of Termitomyces letestui, giving it pharmacological properties that may inhibit bacterial growth
Exploring the Functional Properties of Organ Powders from Corchorus olitorius and Abelmoschus esculentus in Chronic Disease Management
No full textAims: To determine the functional properties of Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) and Corchorus olitorius (CO) leaf and fruit powders and their relationship with antioxidant activity and essential nutrients.
Methodology: Fresh leaves and fruits of these plants were harvested and processed into powders. Functional properties such as oil absorption capacity (OAC), water absorption capacity (WAC), solubility index (WSI), and porosity were evaluated. Data on nutritional composition and antioxidant activities were obtained from previous studies.
Results: It was found that the fruit powders of CO and the leaf powders of AE exhibited the highest mean OAC values of 413.42 ± 2.47 and 342.60 ± 3.04%, respectively. The fruit powders of CO and AE presented high true WAC values of 84.38 ± 0.25 and 81.87 ± 0.31%, high water solubility index (WSI) values of 75.71 ± 1.04 and 66.23 ± 3.76%, and high porosity values of 0.33 ± 0.01 and 0.49 ± 0.01%, respectively. These functional properties of the powders were associated with their antioxidant activity and essential nutrient content. Three distinct powder groups emerged: fruit powders of CO and leaf powders of AE; leaf powders of CO; and fruit powders of AE. These powders exhibited low, moderate, and high antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), respectively. The powders in the first group, rich in energy and crude fiber but low in polyphenols, were associated with high OAC values. Those in the second group, rich in essential nutrients and polyphenols, were associated with high WAC and WSI values, while the powders in the third group, rich in minerals and flavonoids, were associated with high WAC, WSI, and porosity values.
Conclusion: The fruit powder of AE, followed by the leaf powder of CO, with significant antioxidant activity, appears to be the most suitable for use as dietary supplement powders in the management of chronic diseases
Ethnobotanical Survey on Plants Used in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease in the Poro Region (Northern Ivory Coast)
No full textIn Ivory Coast, the population turns to traditional healers for care using recipes or medicinal plants. Following an ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants used in the treatment of sickle cell disease in traditional settings in the Poro region. After an ethnobotanical survey using direct questioning, we were able to record Rhynchospora corymbosa, Olax subscorpioidea, Citrus limon, Carapa procera, Ficus sur, Ceiba pentandra, Kigelia africana, Viscum album, Vitellaria paradoxa, Guiera senegalensis, Pericopsis laxiflora, Securidaca longipedunculata, Xylopia eathiopica and Monodora mystica as plants used by traditional medicine practitioners to combat sickle cell disease. These species are mainly trees. In the study of plant parts used in decoctions, it was found that bark is the most frequently used component. In addition, it was observed that the decoction is ingested orally. The relative importance of each plant species is determined by the part of the plant used. An in-depth analysis of the taxonomy of plant species reveals that the majority of the specimens studied are local plants, with the notable exception of Citrus limon, an exotic and cultivated species native to Asia. In the treatment of sickle cell disease, Rhynchospora corymbosa is the most widely used plant, while Olax subscorpioidea is mainly used to treat other conditions. This study aims to contribute to the preservation of ancestral knowledge and to provide scientific value to traditional recipes used in the treatment of sickle cell disease
Effects of Roasting and Frying on the Proximate Composition, Mineral Content and Health Risks Due to Heavy Metals in Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bowdich, 1825)
No full textAims: Effects of roasting and frying on the proximate composition, mineral content, and health risks due to heavy metals in Ethmalosa fimbriata were assessed.
Place and duration of study: Food Science Laboratory of the University of Douala and Douala Foodstuffs Laboratory (Cameroon) between February and June 2025.
Methodology: Fresh fish were purchased at the fishing port market of Douala and transported to the laboratory. After several washes, the fish were separated into three batches. One batch was analyzed fresh and the other two batches after frying and roasting. Proximate composition, mineral contents and heavy metals were analyzed by AOAC methods. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) were assessed to estimate human health risk.
Results: Roasting and frying increased proteins, ashes, energy values and some minerals such as Ca, P, K and Na levels in fish. A significant (p<0.05) drop in lipid contents was noted with roasting compared to fresh and fried fish samples. Moisture, carbohydrates and minerals such as Zn, Cu and Mn decreased with roasting and frying. Both methods increased significantly Cd, Pb, Hg, As, EDI, HI and CR compared to fresh samples. Roasting increased significantly heavy metals and health risk compared to frying. EDI values of all heavy metals studied were below acceptable limits while THQ of mercury in roasted and fried samples were above acceptable limits for human consumption. HI from roasted and fried samples suggested a non-potential carcinogenic effect while CR for cadmium suggested a carcinogenic risk.
Conclusion: This study shows that E. fimbriata has good nutritional quality, but is subjected to the increase of metal residues during roasting and frying, leading to consumer’s health risks. Frying presents the lowest risk for consumption compared to roasting. It is therefore important to continuously monitor toxicological quality of fish from the Cameroonian coast
Combined Effects of Fertilizer Type and Irrigation Method on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
No full textOkra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is an exceptional and unique crop, as all of its parts are valued for food, medicinal and even industrial purposes. However, despite these advantages, its production remains low, mainly due to soil infertility resulting from land overexploitation. In view of improving okra yield, effects of fertilizers type and irrigation method was studied, aiming at identifying the most suitable practice to optimize growth and yield. For this purpose, Okra plants received rabbit manure, wood ash, or NPK as fertilizers, with unfertilized plants used as the control. Water was supplied using two methods: drip irrigation and can watering. Plants were regularly monitored, and growth (plant height and diameter, leaves number and size) and yield parameters (fruits size and weight) were assessed using the analysis of variance test (ANOVA 2). The results revealed that fertilizers (rabbit manure and NPK) promoted plant growth and higher yields, compared to wood ash fertilisation, which itself performed better than the control (unfertilized). The heaviest fruits (40.05 g) were harvested from plants fertilized with rabbit droppings, followed by those from NPK (29.79 g) and wood ash (23.35 g), heavier than those obtained with control (19.34 g). About watering, the best agronomic performances were recorded under the drip irrigation method. The positive interaction indicates that fertilization with rabbit manure combined with drip irrigation promoted the best growth and the highest fruit yield in okra
Impact of Local Aromatic Plant Marinades and Cooking Regimes on Color Kinetics and Quality of Borgou Cattle Meat in Benin
No full textMeat production in Benin is primarily supplied by the national cattle herd, which comprises a genetic diversity predominated by Borgou breed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of marination and cooking duration and temperature on the technological properties and sensory profile of Borgou beef. To this end, 10 composites samples of Longissimus thoracis muscles of Borgou cattle were sampled and used for the analyses according the recommended AOAC and ISO standards. The study showed that the values of the ration L1*/L0* and a/a₀ differ significantly between meat cooked at 99°C and 66°C. The various stages of heating are visually reflected by the change in color from red to white-gray, then brown, and finally black. At 66°C and 99°C, samples whiten and do not change color until the end of cooking, except for some brown traces. Meat blanching accelerates with increasing temperature, while the a*₁/a*₀ ratio of red decreases with temperature. Marination affects the technological properties of both raw and cooked meat. The luminance of marinated meat is significantly higher than that of control (non-marinated) samples (p<0.01). Conversely, the red index of marinated meat is significantly lower than that of control samples (p<0.05). Regarding the yellow index, the highest value was recorded in meat marinated with Curcuma longa (p<0.05). The most intense hue was observed in the control lot. Only the chroma of the meat was unaffected by marination. The pH of marinated meats is significantly more acidic than that of the control lot. Turmeric marination significantly reduces cooking loss, whereas bay leaves promote higher water release during cooking (p<0.001)