Biotechnology Journal International
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An Investigation of the Impact of Fermentation Conditions and Total Acid Contents on the Kombucha Tea
No full textKombucha is a beverage that undergoes fermentation. The intake of it has markedly risen in recent decades owing to its purported advantageous benefits. Consequently, it has evolved into a heavily marketed beverage that is mass-produced. Kombucha is characterised by rich chemical content and healthy properties. It includes organic acids, minerals and vitamins originating mainly from tea, amino acids, and biologically active compounds—polyphenols in particular. Acidity, which is determined by pH, plays a crucial role in the process of fermentation. The objective of this research was to ascertain the variations in pH levels during fermentation at various temperatures and to find the optimal temperature for ensuring safe consumption. In order to achieve this objective, kombucha samples were fermented using green tea at temperatures of 20, 24, 28, and 32°C for a duration of 16 days. pH measurements were taken at a frequency of every 4 days. It was concluded that the pH range between 24 and 28°C was the most favorable for optimal fermentation and consumption
Assessment of Bacterial Biocontrol agents Formulations against Anthracnose of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Côte d’Ivoire
No full textThe cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) is of vital importance to the Ivorian economy. Côte d’Ivoire is first world producer. However, its cultivation faces several constraints linked to anthracnose. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of two formulated bacterial biocontrol agents against anthracnose of cashew. To this end, in vitro confrontation tests were carried out against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with two previously formulated bacterial biopesticides. Biocontrol tests were then carried out against anthracnose in greenhouses and cashew plantations. The results showed that the two bacterial biocontrol agents tested controlled in vitro the proliferation of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides responsible for anthracnose and significantly reduced the disease severity index on cashew seedlings in the greenhouse. In vitro, inhibition rates ranging from 70.16±6.9 to 72.65±6.5% were observed on the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. In the greenhouse and in cashew plantations, a sharp reduction in the anthracnose severity index was observed. In the greenhouse, anthracnose reduction rates by the two bacterial biocontrol agents ranged from 62.80 ± 5.2% to 85.95 ± 2.8%. In cashew plantations, the reduction rates varied from 42.24 to 41.05%. In view of the above, these two bacterial biocontrol agents could be used for biological control of cashew anthracnose in Côte d\u27Ivoire
Improving the Rheological Properties of Water-based Drilling Muds Using Waste Glass Powder
No full textIn this study, we examined the rheological characteristics of water-based drilling muds incorporated with waste glass powder (WGP) of eight different weights (0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 g). The waste glass powder was analysed using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, XRD, and particle size analyser, to determine the specific components or compounds present, and the predominate particle size. The analyses showed that the waste glass powder mainly consisted of silicone oxides (SiO2), indicating that it is a pozzolanic material. Moreover, the dimensions of the particles had a substantial impact on the rheological characteristics. In addition, the study assessed the rheological characteristics of the prepared water-based drilling muds by employing a rotational viscometer. This involved measuring the gel strength at 10-second and 10-minute intervals, while keeping the rotational speed constant at 3 rpm. The investigation also recorded the viscosity and yield points at speed of 300 and 600 rpm. Furthermore, the investigation assessed the plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, gel strength, and yield point for eight distinct amounts of waste glass powder under standard conditions. As a result, the plastic viscosity of the mud systems increased from 10 to 31 cP, and the apparent viscosity increased from 20 to 44.5 cP as the weight of the waste glass powder increased from 0 to 4.5 g in each of the formulated muds. Furthermore, the highest plastic, and apparent viscosity values were averagely identified, and recorded as 30 and 45.7 cP with an optimal WGP concentration (3.5 g of WGP per 350 ml of deionised water). Whereas, the optimal GS was achieved at 5 and 8 lb/100 ft2 after 10 seconds and 10 minutes, respectively, when the dosage of WGP increased to 2.5 g. Also, as the concentration of WGP reached 4.0 g, the YP dropped from 35 to 8 lb/100 ft2 compared to the YP at a WGP concentration of 3.5 g. Correspondingly, the viscosity and yield point at which the gel solidifies rose as the concentration of waste glass powder increased. Environmentally, utilising waste glass powder to enhance the rheological characteristics of water-based drilling mud has the potential to mitigate the glass waste disposal issues, to the environment, and offer a feasible substitute for commercially accessible additive. This study offers vital insights into the alternative and efficient utilisation of waste glass powder in drilling the conductor and surface interval of a wellbore
Microbial Contamination and Hygiene Risks in Street-Sold Bissap Juice: A Case Study in Daloa, Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textReady-to-eat Bissap juice is often classified in the street food group. The unhygienic conditions in which Bissap juice is prepared pose risks, sometimes leading to microbial contamination. The general objective of this work is to evaluate the diversity of pathogenic microorganisms in Bissap juices sold in the city of Daloa. To achieve this objective, a consumption survey was carried out. Counts and isolations were carried out to assess the microbiological quality of juices sold in the streets. Physicochemical parameters were determined. These are Brix and pH. Salmonella was screened for in the juices sold using the NF-V08-52 standard. The survey revealed that women consume more Bissap juice sold in the streets than men with a rate of 52% respectively compared to a rate of 48%. The Mandé represent half of the consumers with 50%, followed by the Akan with a rate of 30%, the Krou with a rate of 14.70%. Young people aged between 20 and 30 consume more Bissap juice with a rate of 47.30%. Consumers of Bissap juice come from various professions. Consumers have experienced discomfort characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach bloating. Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of microbial flora of alteration and contamination. These are total flora, fungal flora and enterobacteria. There was also the presence of flora of fecal origin such as Thermotolerants coliforms. The Bissap juice samples analyzed does not contain potentially pathogenic bacterial species. The results regarding Mesophilic Aerobic Germs, fungal flora, enterobacteria, fecal coliforms are not satisfactory. The pH of the different juices is very acidic, ranging from 4.41 ± 0.18 to 2.18 ± 0.03. Also some of the juice samples analyzed have very high sugar levels (34.83 ± 0,28) Bissap juices sold in the streets represent a danger for the population of Daloa
Development and Validation of HPLC Method for the Quantification of Impending Genotoxic Impurities in Dapson Drug Substances
No full textThe assessment of toxicological concentrations of possible genotoxic contaminants in drug substances was regarded as an important and challenging discipline . The International Conference and Harmonization (ICH) recommended that most pharmaceutical products be allowed to include 1.5 μg/day of a genotoxic contaminant. The goal study was to develop a quick and accurate HPLC method for measuring potential genotoxic impurities (PGIs) in Dapson drug substances. The chromatographic conditions were appropriately optimized with the Phosphate and Acetate buffer on C18 & C8 columns to achieve a decent separation and response of each impurities peak with the Dapsone. A C8 column has been used with Phosphate buffer with the linear gradient combination with Acetonitrile as mobile phase and multiple wavelengths used based on UV maxima of respective impurity. According to International conference of Harmonization (ICH) criteria for the quantification of each impurity, method validation for HPLC was carried out regarding specificity, the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, accuracy (recovery), precision, and solution stability. Three separate batches of Dapsone were successfully subjected to the desired procedures for the Genotoxic (GTI) determination and found not detected. The corelation coefficient observed > 0.99 in linearity and 70% to 130% recovery observed in the accuracy during method validation hence method can be considered linear and accurate and can be used for testing of genotoxic impurity in Dapsone drug substances
Infant Food Flours Made from Local Products to Combat Acute Malnutrition in Children Under 5 Years Old in Côte D’ivoire
No full textIn Côte d\u27Ivoire, recurring stock shortages and difficulties in accessing specialized food products compromise nutritional treatment. This study proposes food formulas of flours composed of locally available products capable of meeting the protein-energy needs of children aged 6 to 59 months diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition.
The methodological approach consists of formulating and determining the physicochemical, nutrient, and functional characteristics of four new formulations (1F, 2F, 3F, 4F, and 5F).
The results indicate that the formulated foods have high levels of calcium (215.60-252,29 mg/100g MS), potassium (555,70-789,29 mg/100 g MS), magnesium (261,26-200,63 mg/100g MS), iron (4,86-7,03 mg/100g MS) and phosphorus (392,36 -469,36 mg/100g MS). The fat content varies from 9.66% to 23.86%. The energy value determined for all flours corresponds well to the Codex. The food formulas developed would also be able to meet more than 100% of the daily requirement of vitamins E and B1. The phytate (180.26 - 227.05 mg/100 g) and oxalate (66.00 - 88.00 mg/100 g) contents are low. The presence of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids (7.78-15.44 mg/100 g) and antioxidant activity (31.09-32.84%) would be a significant asset. The levels of deoxynivalenol (62 μg/kg) recorded in flours are below 200 μg/kg recommended for infants and young children.
The proposed formulations have high-water absorption capacity (136.15 -252.94%) and high solubility index (56.84 -59.2%). The wettability time ranges from 3.66 ± 0.16 s to 33.71 ± 0.23 s. Flours (1F, 2F, 3F, 5F) have a better absorption capacity for refined palm oil (132 %, 139 %, 121 %; 115 %).
The proposed new formulations have nutritional characteristics close to standard data and could therefore be recommended for children aged 6 to 59 months for complementary feeding in the context of the fight against moderate acute malnutrition
Potential Production of Mycotoxins by the Fungal Flora Isolated from "Garba" (Côte D\u27ivoire)
No full textGarba, an Ivorian dish composed of attiéké (a fermented cassava couscous), fried tuna, and condiments, is increasingly consumed by the population, particularly in the streets of Abidjan. However, garba could pose a health risk to consumers. This study, aimed at preserving public health, sought to identify the toxigenic fungal flora present in garba sold on the streets of Abidjan. To this end, 300 garba samples were collected from four districts of Abidjan. Fungal strains contaminating the garba were enumerated and identified using classical mycological methods. Mycotoxins (aflatoxins and ochratoxins) were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that the average mold counts ranged from 0 to 1.8 x 10^3 CFU/g. The isolated mold strains belonged to ten species grouped into four genera: Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium and Paecilomyces, with Mucor spp. (36.89%) and Aspergillus niger (30.09%) being the most predominant. The mycotoxins detected in garba were aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2) and ochratoxin A, with average levels ranging from 0.42 to 8.07 µg/kg. Approximately 37% and 23% of garba samples had total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 levels exceeding regulatory limits.
The presence of potentially mycotoxigenic fungal strains in garba could pose a health risk to consumers. Compliance with good hygiene practices during the production and sale of garba will therefore be necessary to considerably reduce contamination and protect consumer health
Diagnosis and Current Treatment Strategies for Adult and Juvenile Hereditary Hemochromatosis
No full textHemochromatosis is a common genetic disorder manifesting as an iron overload state requiring complex processes in diagnosis, treatment, and management of both adult, and pediatric, populations. This review outlines general diagnostic and treatment strategies for hemochromatosis detailing fundamental processes in iron excess, or iron overload, through physiologic function and associated pathological effects. Genetic mutations, as ascribed to hemochromatosis, have significant impact in producing pathophysiology. Understanding basic pathophysiological mechanisms can inform future diagnosis and treatment through advances such as erythrocytophoresis. Linking concepts related to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of adult and juvenile hereditary hemochromatosis with scientific advances may enlighten clinical medicine and future hemochromatosis therapy
Evaluation of Physicochemical and Microbiological Standards for Quality Packaged Drinking Water in Plastic Bags Produced by Three Companies in Korhogo in Northern Ivory Coast
No full textDrinking water packaged in sachets is popular with the population of Korhogo in northern of Ivory Coast. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of this water produced by three companies. Three packets of 40 sachets of water each were taken from each company and ten sachets of water were mixed to constitute the sample from each company. Physicochemical and microbiological analyzes were carried out according to ISO. Physicochemical parameters of water investigated were as follow: temperature (25.30±0.40 – 25.53±0.25), pH (7.37±0.06 – 7.67±0.23), bicarbonate (41±0.50 – 48.53±0.85 mg/L), chloride (4.34±0.03 - 8±0.43 mg/L), calcium (5.60±0.40 – 8.23±0.15 mg/L), magnesium (4.08±0.51 – 6.62±0.05 mg/L) and nitrates (0.59±0.02 – 0.83±0.03 mg/L). The results revealed that the physicochemical parameters of the water analyzed complied with WHO regulations. Concerning the microbiological parameters, results of the study are as follows: GAMs (22 °C) (6 – 113 CFU/mL), GAMs (37 °C) (6 – 89 CFU/mL), total coliforms (0 – 1100 CFU/100 mL), fecal coliforms (0 – 1100 CFU/mL), ASR (0 CFU/100 mL), S. aureus (190 – 310 CFU/100 mL) and streptococci fecal (0 – 3100 CFU/100 mL). These waters do not comply with the regulations and sample B is more loaded with microorganisms followed by sample C and finally A. However, no salmonella was identified in the samples analyzed. Consumption of this water exposes populations to health risks. It would be desirable to raise awareness among companies about hygiene conditions and employee training in order to reduce these risks
Effect of Culture Medium, Growth Regulators and Organic Additives on Shoot Regeneration from Hybrid-Seeds of Phalaenopsis
No full textAim: The Phalaenopsis Orchid, also known as the Moth Orchid, is a magnificent multicolored big orchid that has become a popular indoor plant and is easily recognized nowadays. The study of identifying the effects of culture medium, growth regulators, and organic additives on shoot growth from regenerated hybrid-seeds of Phalaenopsis is required in the first three months.
Methodology: Shoots from hybrid-seeds of Phalaenopsis germination after 2 months were used as materials. Experiments were designed with the effects of nutrition mediums (MS and VW), BAP, and organic additives in Randomized Complete Block Design (CRD) via evaluation parameters on shoot growth (via number of leaves) and root growth (via root number and root length).
Results: In Experiment 1, after 12 weeks, the number of leaves per shoot on 1/2xMS medium increased from 3.45 to 4.50; and root growth performed better in 1/2xMS medium (4.06 cm). In experiment 2, 1/2xMS medium + 0.05 mg/L BAP showed the highest number of roots per shoot (4.80 roots per shoot). 1⁄2xMS medium and VW medium without BAP showed the longest roots length (4.06 cm and 4.18 cm, respectively). In experiment 3, VW medium + potato showed the highest number of leaves per shoot (8.95 leaves per shoot) and VW medium + coconut water (CW) showed the longest roots length (4.78 ± 0.09 cm). in experiment 4, root growth performed better in medium enriched with CW (4.80 roots per shoot and root length 2.69 cm).
Conclusion: Both 1/2xMS and VW medium are necessary for shoot from hybrid-seeds growth in the first 6-weeks and VW medium is favored for development of shoot and root after 6-weeks