Biotechnology Journal International
Not a member yet
822 research outputs found
Sort by
Genome Editing: A Strategic Tool to Advance Poultry Production in the Tropics
No full textThe output of poultry genetic resources (PGR) can be greatly increased by the use of the very powerful tool known as genome editing. Poultry farming is significant in the tropics because it significantly raises household income and the level of living. Increasing PGR production in the tropics requires overcoming several challenges, such as high rates of disease prevalence and resistance, subpar performance, and adverse environmental conditions. However, the application of genome editing technology presents a promising opportunity to address these problems and maximise poultry output in tropical regions.
In poultry production, selective breeding has resulted in notable improvements in output, effectiveness, and product quality. However, modifying characteristics linked to health becomes more difficult. In the tropics, high temperatures, high humidity, and other challenging conditions are often observed, and they can have a negative impact on the well-being and output of PGR. By using genome editing, it is possible to introduce genetic modifications that increase poultry resistance to these conditions.
Optimising meat yield and quality by genome editing provides a targeted and effective way to introduce disease resistance. Through precise DNA modification, researchers may make specific genetic alterations in organisms through precision genome editing. Benefits including disease resistance, increased welfare and feed conversion efficiency, and better adaption to tropical climates can be inserted into poultry species by scientists through the use of genome editing technology. Particularly in the tropics where infectious diseases can have a major negative influence on flock health and productivity, disease management is an essential component of chicken farming
A Review on Conversion of Agricultural Waste to Bioenergy: Processes and Environmental Impacts
No full textAgricultural waste is a substantial and underutilized resource with the potential to contribute enormously to sustainable bioenergy production. The conversion technologies for these wastes is a significant step in the bioenergy process, therefore analyzing their impacts on the environment is considered valuable. A review of current literature, with an emphasis on studies that examines the relationship between agricultural wastes, different conversion technologies of wastes to bioenergy, and their environmental impacts was carried out. Databases like PubMed, Google scholar and Web of Science were searched using keywords like “Lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis”, “bioenergy”, “Agricultural food wastes”, and “environmental impacts”. This review demonstrates how different conversion methods may alleviate climate change, enhance energy security while fostering sustainable development. We examined biochemical conversion methods such as anaerobic digestion and fermentation to show their advantages over the thermochemical approaches. It was found that these conversion processes are not only circular but also environmentally friendly with respect to biofuel production. Anaerobic digestion was identified as one of the most promising options because of its high energy yields and decentralized character. However, there are still issues in optimizing bioenergy conversion processes and conducting a comprehensive life cycle assessment that explains some of these challenges is required. This review highlights the current and emerging technologies for transformation of agricultural wastes into bioenergy and its environmental impacts, as it is necessary to transition into a bioenergy-driven economy to foster a healthy and robust future
Unlocking Nature’s Secret: Microbiological and Nutrient Profiling of Fermented Apple
No full textAim: This study aimed to investigate the microbiological and nutrient composition of naturally fermented apple cider.
Place and Study Duration: Department of Microbiology, between June and August 2023.
Methodology: The purchased apples were weighed, cut into dice, cleaned, and incorporated into distilled water. Subsequently, they were allowed to ferment spontaneously at room temperature in a 500 mL conical flask. The sample was inoculated onto sterilized glucose yeast carbonate agar and subsequently incubated at 30°C for 48 hours. The colony characteristics of the isolates on glucose yeast carbonate agar were observed. Gram’s staining and other standard biochemical tests were performed to identify the isolates. During the fermentation period, the pH of the sample was determined. The proximate content (moisture, protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate) of the apple cider was also analyzed.
Results: Microscopy revealed the isolates to be Gram-negative bacteria with rod-shaped morphology. The growth characteristics of the isolates on selective media and the results of biochemical tests suggested the presence of Acetobacter sp. The pH of the sample tends towards 4.0, suggesting the production of acidic compound. The apple cider produced had a high moisture content (78.04%), and the protein content was 20.04%. The results showed low concentrations of ash content (0.49%), carbohydrate (0.44%), and lipid (0.99%).
Conclusion: The presence of macro and micronutrients in apple cider has been associated with some positive health effects, which are enhanced through fermentation, making them a valuable option for health-conscious consumers
Starch Hydrolyzing Enzyme Production from Fruit Peels using Aspergillus Niger
No full textAmylase is one of the important industrial enzymes due to its application in detergents, food and textile industries. In the present study, the production of amylase, a starch hydrolysing enzyme, was optimized using Aspergillus niger under various conditions i.e., incubation time, carbon source, pH and temperature. Amylase production by Aspergillus niger using submerged fermentation of mixed fruit peel waste such as sweet lime, banana, cucumber, orange, pomegranate, pineapple, and watermelon was used. The cultural and nutrient requirements of Aspergillus niger for the production of amylase in production media containing different pH, temperature, incubation period, metal ion concentrations, surfactants, carbon sources and nitrogen sources were quantified in the present study. The optimum temperature and incubation period for enzyme production was 37°C and 5th day, respectively. The main objectives of the present study were to use a suitable fungal strain for the production of extracellular alpha-amylase and to determine the time course for the production of alpha-amylase. Thus, this enzyme can be produced cost-effectively using low-cost fruit peel waste and could be utilized in the detergent or textile industry
Relationship between the Orientation of Leaves in Space and the Rice Development Process
No full textThe objective of this study was to evaluate plants of SPU-79-96 forms with a short, dense, non-drooping panicle and SPU78-96 plants with a long, drooping panicle. This characteristic of these forms is the vertical arrangement of the leaves on the stem.
Methodology and Results: Four growth components were measured after sowing in the field: the angle of deviation of the leaf from the main stem, leaf area, plant height, and length of the main panicle. The experimental design was a randomized split-plot with three (3) replicates. The lowest values were observed in plants SPU-78-96(10,3 to 11,00), highest in SPU-79-96 (10,7 to 12,7 0), the leaf deviation angle in the control variety Nerica 4 was 23,7 to 25,50. The ratio of panicle length to plant height was 23,3 to 29%. Plant yield was higher (1082,4 to 1384,5g/m2) in the long panicle and was 59,13% higher than in the control variety.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the vertical arrangement of the leaves plays a role in the production process, plants with a higher PAR efficiency accumulate more biomass, thus increasing yields
Optimization of Plant Growth Regulators in Indirect Plant Regeneration in Rice Variety Nerica 3 Using Mature Seeds as Explant
No full textThe study is the first attempt to highlight about callus induction and plantlet regeneration in rice variety ‘Nerica 3’ using mature seed as explant and using five regeneration media with plant growth regulators (BA, IAA, and 2,4-D) at different concentrations in other to establish the efficient indirect plant regeneration protocol. Among the five regeneration media tested, R3 medium (2 mg/L BA), showed greater percentage of plantlet regeneration (45.31%) followed by R2 medium (0.5 mg/L BA + 0,1 mg/L IAA; 29.68%), whereas, R4 medium showed the lowest (2 mg/L 2,4-D; 0%). These results will be used for genetic improvement programs of the variety ‘Nerica 3’
Principal Component Analysis and Genetic Divergence Studies for Yield and Quality Related Attributes of Hybrid Rice
No full textThis study investigates the genetic divergence and yield and quality-related attributes of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) through principal component analysis (PCA) and genetic divergence studies. Conducted during the Kharif 2022 season at the Seed Breeding Farm, Rice Improvement Project, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, JNKVV, Jabalpur, the research focused on 98 genotypes, evaluating 30 agronomic attributes based on DUS guidelines. Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path coefficient, D2 analysis, and PCA were employed to analyze the data.The findings reveal significant genetic diversity among the genotypes, with traits like stem length, fertile spikelet, and panicle weight contributing notably to genetic divergence. PCA identified eight principal components accounting for 81.97% of the total variability, with the first component alone contributing 22.34%. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding genotypic and phenotypic characteristics for effective selection and breeding of diverse genotypes, ultimately enhancing hybrid rice technology and regional adaptability.The research highlights key traits contributing to genetic divergence and provides insights into the genetic architecture of hybrid rice, aiding in the development of high-yield, quality rice varieties. The comprehensive analysis of yield and quality traits offers a valuable resource for breeders aiming to improve hybrid rice cultivars, ensuring food security and nutritional value for the global population
Knowledge, Perception and Awareness of Dog Related Zoonosis in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria
No full textIntroduction: The interaction of humans and animals especially dogs, has made zoonotic diseases remain a genuine threat to the health and survival of humans.
Aim: The study was aimed at assessing the level of knowledge and risk perception of dog owners regarding canine and their zoonotic potential in Uyo, Akwa, Ibom.
Methodology: Structured questionnaires were employed for the cross sectional study.
Result: A total of 200 respondents were employed for the study and all (100%) were aware that some animal diseases (zoonoses) are transmissible to humans, including those of dogs. A high level of awareness of 100% (200) was recorded for rabies and its route of transmission (bite) and 75% (157) for dermatophytosis while 96.5% (193) were ignorant on dog helminthic zoonosis. Some of the encountered factors that predisposed infectivity included: compromised sanitary conditions of the kennel (50%), inappropriate disposal of dog feces (51.5%), poor veterinary attention (58%), and feeding of dogs with both raw animal products and household leftovers (53%).
Conclusion: This revealed a high potential of zoonotic infectivity among the human population in the area, mostly on zoonotic helminth infections, as they were misperceived. Therefore, there is a need for increased awareness, strategy formulation, and implementation toward the control and eradication of zoonotic diseases
Biophysical Properties of Thermostable Amidase Produced by Aspergillus fumigatus in Submerged Fermentation
No full textAmidases, also known as amidohydrolases (EC 3.5.1.4), are enzymes within the nitrilase superfamily or amidase signature family. They hydrolyze amides and nitriles into their corresponding acids while releasing ammonia. These enzymes are widely used in biotechnology and industry. However, their production is limited to a few organisms, which cannot meet industrial demand. Therefore, exploring new amidase sources is crucial. This study focuses on purifying and characterizing amidase from Aspergillus fumigatus using cold acetone precipitation and column chromatography with Sephadex G-100. The effects of temperature, pH and metal ions, on the enzyme activity were examined for both crude and purified amidase. The thermal and pH stability of the enzyme alongside the enzyme kinetics were also assessed. The purified amidase exhibited optimal activity of 13.1 U/mL at 70°C, with 65% residual activity after 5 hours at this temperature. The pH studies showed optimal activity at pH 5.0 for the purified enzyme (7.8 U/mL) and at pH 4.0 for the crude enzyme (5.5 U/mL). Metal ion effects indicated that Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, and EDTA enhanced, while Cu²⁺ inhibited, the activities of both crude and purified amidase. Kinetic analysis showed that the enzyme followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with Km and Vmax values of 0.104 mM and 1.884 U/mL for crude amidase, and 0.017 mM and 1.872 U/mL for purified amidase. These findings suggest that amidase from Aspergillus fumigatus holds potential for industrial applications where amidases are essential
Acute Toxicity and In vivo Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Ethanol Extract and Fractions of Ipomoea triloba by Model Infection and Protection Tests in Mice against Selected Clinical Diarrhoeagenic Bacterial Isolates
No full textAim: This research work was aimed at investigating the acute toxicity and in vivo antidiarrhoeal activity of the extracts and fractions of Ipomoea triloba, a plant used locally for the treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea in order to investigate its safety profile.
Study Design: 20 diarrhoeaic Clinical stool samples were collected and implicating organisms were isolated.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Uyo AkwaIbom State, South-South Nigeria between May 2021-December, 2022.
Methodology: Antibiogram, Plasmid curing and Intraperitoneal assay of acute toxicity and mouse protection test of the ethanol extract of plant were carried out on the bacterial-diarrhoeaic isolates.
Results: Antibiogram by the agar-diffusion technique indicated a predominant resistance by the isolates. Plasmid curing assessment for antidiarrhoeal activity indicated a predominantly plasmid-borne resistance. Combined antidiarrhoeal activity of the ethanol extract and fractions of Ipomoea triloba with standard antibiotic (tetracycline), assessed by the activity index profile (AIP), showed a reduction in the in antagonistic activity and an increase in protective efficacy after plasmid curing. Acute toxicity (LD50) assay in albino mice (15.0-18-0 g body weight) indicated that the ethanol extract of Ipomoea triloba showed relative non-toxicity with an estimated value of 946.68 mg/kg body weight. In vivo antidiarrhoeal activity and protection efficacy of the ethanol extract assayed by mouse protection test (MPT) infection model offered appreciable (50.0 - 83.3%) protection to the bacterial-diarrhoeaic isolates challenged mice, compared with the relatively moderate (33.3 - 50.0%) protection by the control.
Conclusion: There is need for further studies to elucidate the active principles responsible for the antidiarrhoeal activity of Ipomoea triloba in order to establish its structure activity relationship, this then can be introduced into the treatment regimen as a plausible remedy against acute hypersecretory infectious diarrhoea because of its safety profile which has been established in this work