Browsing by Author "Fashogbon, Racheal"
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Item Assessment of Spoilage and Pathogenic Bacteria in Selected Fruits and Vegetables from Retail Sources and Home-gardens(European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 2023-02-13) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake; Awotundun Theresa; Olayiwola, John; Fashogbon, RachealConsumption of fruits and vegetables which are known to be highly nutritious has been linked to foodborne disease outbreaks which constitute food safety and public concern. This study aimed to assess the safety of selected fruits and vegetables from fruit markets and home gardens, within the South-West region of Nigeria. A total of fifty-three (53) samples of watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and garden eggs were collected and subjected to microbiological analysis. Isolated bacteria were screened for their pathogenicity and spoilage potential using haemolysis and amylase production tests respectively. A total of 146 bacteria were isolated, 75 (45.7%) were from retail samples and 71 (43.3%) from the home garden. The genera: Bacillus (15.9%), Corynebacterium (11.0%), Lactobacillus (1.2%), Listeria (1.8%), Staphylococcus (12.8%), Enterococcus (1.2%), Micrococcus (1.2%), Acinetobacter (3.7%), Aeromonas (2.4%), Alcaligenes (0.6%), Brucella (0.6%), Vibrio (0.6%), and the family Enterobacteriaceae (36.0%) were identified. Isolates with haemolytic potentials were 51 (31%) while 49 (30%) could cause spoilage. The overall microbiological quality and safety of fruit and vegetable samples analysed in this study is low, as they were contaminated by diverse pathogenic, and spoilage microorganisms. The presence of these pathogens in retailed and home garden fruits and vegetables is a pointer to public health risks and food safety threats. Hence, the need for improved hygienic practice through training handlers along the supply chain.Item Bacteriological Quality and the Antibiogram of Isolates from Raw Cow Milk Produced in Ibadan Metropolis Oyo State, Nigeria(Nigerian Journal of Microbiology, 2023-06-12) Adediran, A; Aforijiku, Samuel; Adediran, A; Fashogbon, RachealThis study aimed at evaluating the bacteriological quality as well as the antibiogram (antibiotic sensitivity profile) of organisms isolated from raw cow milk produced in Ibadan metropolis. Raw cow milk samples were collected from University of Ibadan Research farm, Bodija, Sabo and Akinyele cow settlement ibadan. Bacterial counts, isolation and phenotypic identification of bacterial isolated from the assessed raw cow milk were determined using standard procedures. Antibiotic sensitivity tests was carried out by disc diffusion method. The total bacterial counts and total coliform counts ranged between 0.9×106 to 4.5×106 CFU/ml and 0.4×106 to 4.2×106 CFU/ml, respectively. Fourty-two (42) bacterial isolates were identiifield as Staphylococcus aureus (16), Escherichia coli (8), Salmonella typhimurium (6), Shigella dysentriae (6), Enterobacter aerogenes (4) and Serretia marcescens (2). Based on the antibiogram, S. aureus, E. coli , S. typhi and S. dysentriae had 100% resistance to Tetracycline, Gentamycin and Nitrofurantoin while Serratia marcescens strains had 100% susceptibility to all the antibiotic except Nitrofurantoin which had 50% susceptibility and Tetracycline which had 100% resistance. All of the E.coli isolates were resistance to tetracycline. The raw cow milk samples analysed exceeded the WHO microbiological standard of 1.0×105 CFU/mL and 3.0×101 CFU/mL for total bacteria count and coliform count for raw milk respectively. The antibiogram studies revealed that some bacteria isolates were resistant to most of the antibiotics used. This may pose a high risk of milk borne illnesses among consumers and put them at risk of being infected with antibiotic resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria. There is utmost need for an awareness program with a follow up mechanism to educate dairy farmers and handlers on hygienic production practices and discourage the indiscriminate use of antibotics to have a wholesome milk.Item ENHANCEMENT OF SOURDOUGH BREAD USING PROBIOTIC LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM CORN STEEP LIQUOR(Journal of Faculty of Food Engineering, Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Romania, 2025-02-27) Fashogbon, Racheal; Popoola, Bukola; Samson, Oyindamola; Akinwunmi, Ismail; Ojo-Omoniyi, OlusolaFermented Zea mays (OGI), an edible paste made from fermented grains specific to the region, is an integral part of the human diet. Corn steeping liquor (CSL) is an important by-product obtained from the wet milling of Zea mays. The present study was conducted to investigate the probiotic characteristics and in vitro antibacterial activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) obtained from CSL, as well as their impact on the quality of sourdough bread. A total of 46 LAB were isolated and evaluated for their probiotic potential. The probiotic potential of LAB was determined by evaluating their hemolytic capacity, bile salt resistance, phenol tolerance, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The lactic acid bacteria with the most promising probiotic potential were molecularly characterized and used for the production of sourdough bread (SDB). Conventional microbiological methods identified Lactobacillus plantarum (21%), Lactobacillus fermenti, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (17%) as the predominant LAB species. Twelve LAB showed signs of gamma hemolysis. It is noteworthy that isolate CSL23 showed the highest bile tolerance, while isolates CSL15, CSL23, and CSL6 demonstrated the highest phenol tolerance. Isolates CSL15, CSL23, and CSL29 showed significant inhibition zones of 15.00 ± 0.18 mm, 20.5 ± 0.26 mm, and 22.60 ± 0.31 mm against four tested pathogens, in addition to effective antioxidant scavenging activity. Molecular identification revealed that LAB isolates CSL15, CSL23, and CSL29 were Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ROF4, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ROF5, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ROF6, respectively. This finding indicates that all LAB strains belong to the same genus. Therefore, it is evident that the current study demonstrated that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains isolated from CSL have the potential to serve as promising probiotic starter cultures that could be used in the production of sourdough bread with improved functional properties.Item Exploring Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Capacities of Molecularly Characterized Lactic Acid Bacteria strains from Fermented Zea mays (Ogi)(ASRIC Journal on Natural Sciences, 2024-10-10) Fashogbon, Racheal; Awotundun, Theresa; Samson, Oyindamola; Nseobong, Micheal; Nudewenu, Sarah; Adebayo-Tayo, BukolaLactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) present during ogi fermentation exhibit notable functional traits, including antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. This study aims to assess the antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of LAB strains isolated from Ogi samples. The LAB was isolated from fermented Ogi sourced from local markets using deMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) agar. The isolates underwent biochemical and molecular characterization. Antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials, including 1,1-Diphenyl-2picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, reducing power scavenging assay, and total antioxidant activity, were investigated. Eighteen LAB strains were isolated, with Lactobacillus delbrueckii (33%), Lactobacillus plantarum (39%), Lactobacillus casei (11%), Streptococcus thermophiles (11%), and Lactobacillus fermentii (6%) being the most frequent. Notably, LABOG10, LABOG7, and LABOG14 exhibited significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida sp., respectively. The culture filtrates of these strains demonstrated potent scavenging activity. Through molecular characterization, it was determined that the three distinct isolates, namely Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LABOG7 and LABOG14) and Streptococcus sanguinis (LABOG10), were all identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Specifically, LABOG7 and LABOG14 were designated as strains ROF1 and ROF2, respectively. The accession number OM491514.1 corresponds to the 16S rRNA sequence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ROF1, while OM491515.1 corresponds to the sequence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ROF2. LABOG10 was identified as Streptococcus sanguinis, designated as strain ROF3. Streptococcus sanquinis ROF3, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ROF1, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ROF2 demonstrate significant inhibitory activity against selected pathogens. Moreover, their potent antioxidant properties suggest potential in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress.Item Genotyping of ESBL-Producing E. coli from Food-producing Animals, Animal Food Products and Humans in South-West, Nigeria(Ajayi Crowther Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2022-10-10) Adefioye, Olusolabomi; Olaleye Eniola; Feruke-Bello, Yetunde; Fashogbon, Racheal; Akindele Ibukun; Olulowo OjedeleExtended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL-) producing Escherichia coli strains are emerging globally in both humans and animals. The use of antibiotics in animal production and treatment has led to this phenomenon. This study aimed at determining the resistance patterns of E. coli isolates from humans, food-producing animals, and their food products in South-western Nigeria. The prevalence and distribution of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in three categories were evaluated: Animals (goats, pigs, poultry, cattle, sheep), Humans (butchers, meat sellers, animal farm workers, buyers), and Animal food products (milk, cheese, beef, chicken, yogurt) from selected animal farms in South-west Nigeria. Out of a total number of 280 samples that were collected, 216 E. coli strains were isolated. The prevalence of isolated E. coli from humans (96%) was higher than that from animals (89%) and about 38.8% were isolated from animal food products. Out of the 216 E. coli isolates that were obtained from the different sources, 60 (27.8%) were multiple drug-resistant and were also ESBL- positive. Seven resistance genes were amplified in the multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli isolates: TEM (61.7%), CTX-M-15 (51.7%), AAC-6-LB (43.3%), CTX-M-1 (38.3%), CTX-M-9 (33.3%), CTX-M-2 (21.7%) and SHV (11.7%). The results suggest the need for continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance to curtail the spread of resistance bacteria.Item Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles from Helianthus annuus leaf extracts: antioxidant and antimicrobial activities on foodborne pathogens(Nano Plus: Sci. Technol. Nanomater, 2025-07-18) Fashogbon, Racheal; Akinade, K; Emozozo, O; Samson, Oyindamola; Adegbuyi, G; Oladipo, IThe increasing global demand for safer food and antibiotic resistant products has incited momentous interest in eco-friendly strategies for the control of foodborne pathogenic microbes. The conventional synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using chemicals is hazardous, energy-intensive, thereby raises environmental concerns. The green synthesis of Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Helianthus annuus provides a sustainable and effective platform for combating foodborne pathogens, owing to their low toxicity profile and multifaceted antimicrobial mechanisms. Helianthus annuus. This study, therefore, emphasized the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from Helianthus annuus leaf extract using ethyl acetate (SeNPEa) and methanolic (SeNPM) extraction techniques, along with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the resulting nanoparticles against foodborne pathogens. UV-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction Techniques (XRD) were used to characterize the SeNPs. The antioxidant and antibacterial potential of the synthesized SeNPs were evaluated. The two extracts showed no cardiac glucosides, and the existence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and steroids was observed. The extract changed the colour of the Se salt solution, with SeNPEaHa and SeNPMHa showing a maximum UV-Vis absorbance at 269 nm and 275 nm, respectively. The SEM analysis shows that the size of the SeNPEaHa and SeNPMHa at 10 and 20 µm. The quantitative analysis using EDX showed a high selenium content of 74.60% in SeNPEaHa and 72.12% in SeNPMHa. The functional groups, such as hydroxyl, alcohol, phosphate, and amine, were accountable for the capping and stabilization of nanoparticle proteins. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power scavenging assay contents of SeNPEaHa and SeNPMHa increased in a dose-dependent manner and were higher than those of ascorbic acid, used as a control. The SeNPEaHa and SeNPMHa were susceptible to Escherichia coli 700728, Staphylococcus aureus 6571, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. This result confirmed that Helianthus annuus is a potential biomaterial for synthesizing SeNPs, which can be exploited for its antioxidant and antibacterial activities.Item Green synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial potential of Selenium Nanoparticles from Ocimum gratissimum#(Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 2022-12-01) Ogunleye, Gbemisola; Oyinlola, Kuburat; Akintade Oluwadurotimi; Fashogbon, Racheal; Adesina, TemiloluwaOcimum gratissimum L. is a perennial herbaceous plant used in the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections. Green synthesis has provided cost effective, environment friendly procedure and raising safe strategies for the synthesis of nanoparticles. This study was aimed at investigating the potential of O. gratissimum for the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and their antimicrobial activities. Phytochemical screening on aqueous extract was carried out using standard procedures. Selenium nanoparticles was biosynthesized by O. gratissimum and characterized using Visual detection, UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, Transmission Electron Microscope, Energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles by O. gratissimum was done using agar well diffusion method. Saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and phenols were present. The biosynthesized SeNPs had a strong plasmon resonance band at 300 nm, changes in colour from dark brown to ruby red. The SeNPs were spherical and aggregated with varying shapes and size ranged from 20 – 50 nm. Strong signal of selenium element was observed. Hydroxyl, esters, aldehyde, alkane and amine are present and responsible for the efficient stabilization and bioreduction of Selenium nanoparticle. Furthermore, biosynthesized SeNPs by O. gratissimum (OGSeNPs) exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against both Gram Positive and Gram negative bacteria. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is a promising method in the biomedical field, due to its high bioactive components.Item In vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, in vivo immunomodulatory, antitumor and hematological potential of exopolysaccharide produced by wild type and mutant Lactobacillus delbureckii subsp. bulgaricus(Heliyon, 2020-01-16) Adebayo-Tayo, Bukola; Fashogbon, RachealBiological evaluation of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by wild type and mutant Lactobacillus delbureckii (EPSWLD and EPSMLD) was investigated. Varying degrees of functional groups associated with polysaccharides were present thus confirming the EPS. The EPSs had strong antioxidant potential in a dose dependent (0.5–10 mg/mL) manner. EPSWLD and EPSMLD exhibited the highest 1,1-diphemy 1-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) activity (73.4%and65.6 %), total antioxidant activity (1.80 % and 1.42 %), H2O2 scavenging activity (88.5 % and 78.6 %) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) (1.89 % and1.81 %) at 10 mg/mL respectively. WLD and MLD were highly susceptible to chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, erythromycin and ceftazidine and resistant to cefuroxime, gentamicin and cloxacillin. The EPSs had antibacterial activity against the test pathogens. B. subtilis and S. aureus had the highest susceptibility (26.0 mm and 23.0 mm). EPSMLD modulate the highest IgG, IgA and IgM production (68–126 mg/dL and 67–98 mg/dL and 64–97 mg/dL) in the treated tumor induced mice (TTIM). EPSWLD and EPSMLD exhibited reduction capability on the CEA level (3.99–4.35 ng/L and 4.12–4.23 ng/L) of the TTIM. EPSWLD TTIM had the highest amount of RBC, WBC and PCV (5.6 1012%, 68000% and 42%). The EPS increased the lifespan of TTIM. In conclusion EPSWLD and EPSMLD had strong biological potential with pharmacological and neutraceutical activity.Item Lipolytic Activities of Bacteria and Fungi Isolated from Soil Samples(Microbiology Research Journal International, 2021-07-30) Fashogbon, Racheal; Adebayo, Bose; Musa, VIctoria; Femi-Ola, TitilayoThis study was carried out at the Department of Microbiology, Microbiology Laboratory, Ado-Ekiti State University, Ekiti State, Nigeria between July, 2018 to March, 2019. Due to the diverse biotechnological importance of lipases as a biocatalytic enzyme, extracellular production of microbial lipases has to gain lots of interest. This study, therefore, focused on the physicochemical parameters of lipase producing microorganisms from different soil samples. Microorganisms were isolated from four different soil samples using Nutrient Agar (NA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). The isolates were identified and characterized. Production, an assay for Lipase enzymes, purification, the effect of pH, Temperature and metal ion was investigated. The isolates were culturally, morphologically and biochemically characterized. Two of the bacteria strains (Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp.) and four fungi (Fusarium sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Trichophyton sp.) isolates were able to produce lipid using Sudan Black B Fat staining techniques. Fusarium sp. isolated from dumpsite soil had the highest specific lipase activity (21.16 µmol/min/ml) while Bacillus sp. isolated from red oil spill soil had the highest lipase activity (0.59 µmol/min/mg). The specific activity of partially purified lipase for Fusarium sp. was 2.39 µmol/min/mg while Bacillus sp. had a specific activity of 2.46 µmol/min/mg. 30oC - 50oC, pH 7.0 to 9.0 and KCl2 (139.672%) supported the highest production of lipase by the Bacillus sp. and Fusarium sp. This study demonstrated that the Bacillus sp. produced a high amount of lipase activity followed by Fusarium sp. Extensive and persistent screening for new microorganisms and their lipolytic activities will help to provide faster ways to solve most environmental soil pollution.Item Microbial gamma-aminobutyric acid synthesis: a promising approac h f or functional f ood and pharmaceutical applications(Letters in Applied Microbiology, 2024-11-12) Fashogbon, Racheal; Samson, Oyindamola; Awotundun, Theresa; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake; Adebayo-Tayo, BukolaGamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid that is a main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. This mini-review emphasis on the microbial production of GABA and its potential benefits in various applications. Numerous microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, have been identified as efficient GABA producers. These microbes utilize glutamate decarboxylase enzymes to convert L-glutamate to GABA. Notable GABA-producing strains include Lactobacillus brevis , Lactobacillus plant arum , and certain Bifidobacterium species. Microbial GABA production offers numerous benefits over chemical synthesis, including cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and the potential for in situ production in fermented foods. Recent research has optimized fermentation conditions, genetic engineering approaches, and substrate utilization to enhance GABA yields. T he benefits of GABA extend beyond its neurotransmitter role. Studies have shown its potential to reduce blood pressure, assuage anxiety, impro v e sleep quality, and improve cognitive function. These properties make microbial GABA production particularly attractive for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Future research directions include exploring novel GABA-producing strains, improving production efficiency, and investigating additional health benefits of microbially produced GABA.Item Microbial analysis and detection of Aflatoxin from Irvingia gabonensis kernels sold in Oyo Town, Oyo State, Nigeria(African Journal of Biotechnology, 0022-12-01) Fashogbon, Racheal; Popoola, Bukola; Aforijiku, Samuel; Oyekanmi Ayomide; Uloko, Osaze; Olanbiwoninu, AfolakeThis research work aimed at screening for different microorganisms associated with Irvingia gabonensis var. gabonesis Kernels, its nutritional value and detection of aflatoxins from some of the infested I. gabonensis Kernels sold in Oyo town. A total of 30 different I. gabonensis var. gabonesis Kernels were randomly purchased from six different points in the five major markets in Oyo town and isolation was done on Nutrient agar (NA), McConkey agar, Eosine Methylene Blue Agar (EMB) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) using pour plate method. The isolates were culturally, morphologically and biochemically characterized. The mineral, proximate and aflatoxin detection of the I. gabonensis Kernels with high microbial load and growth of Aspergillus flavus was carried out using standard methods. A total of 25 bacteria and 18 fungal were isolated which include Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and yeast. Irvingia gabonensis seeds with growth of A. flavus (OOW1) had the least mineral composition with 5.4% sodium, 20.0 mg/kg vitamin C, 29.4 mg/kg calcium, 0.9 mg/100g iron, 34.4 mg/100 g magnesium and 0.02 mg/100 g zinc. The I. gabonensis Kernels with the growth of A. flavus (OOW1) had the least mineral composition with 5.5% moisture content, 4.2% crude protein, 45.7% crude fat, 9.1% crude fibre and 1.5% total ash. The I. gabonensis Kernels with the growth of A. flavus (OOW4, OOJ6 and OOW1) had aflatoxin level of 3.47, 3.69 and 5.10 ppb, respectively. Irvingia gabonensis seed with high micrItem MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AUTOCHTHONOUS CELLULOLYTIC MICROORGANISMS FROM THREE LANDFILL SITES IN LAGOS, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA(Journal of Faculty of Food Engineering, Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Romania, 2024-04-03) Ojo-Omoniyi, Olusola; Buraimoh, Maria; Jolaoluwa, Grace; Akindusoye, Opeyemi; Fashogbon, RachealThis study was conducted to evaluate and identify native cellulolytic microorganisms to tropical sanitary landfill sites in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria as well as to provide insights into the potential of autochthonous microorganisms in solid waste management. Soil and leachate samples were obtained simultaneously (0 – 30 cm depth) at the same time from three waste dumpsites in Lagos, using aseptic procedures. Thereafter, composite soil samples and leachates were generated independently and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Microorganisms were isolated from both soil and leachate samples using the serial dilution technique on sterile nutrient agar (NA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA). Subsequently, cellulase-producing microbial species were identified using conventional and standard microbiological techniques as well as by cultivation on Starch-casein-agar. Pure cultures of isolates were inoculated on sterile filter paper placed on Starch - casein agar plate. Isolates were selected based on their metabolic capabilities to utilize the filter paper for growth. Screening for utilization of aromatic acids was carried out in 250 mL conical flasks containing composition: minimal agar medium (pH 7.2), 1.0 g/L aromatic acids (vanillic), 1.0 mL trace elements, phosphate buffer and Bromothymol blue as pH indicator. The DNA of some selected isolates with cellulolytic activity were extracted and sequenced using 16S rRNA sequencing, ITS, and bioinformatics tools. Consequently, among the bacterial species, Bacillus sp. had the highest cellulose degradative ability and was the most prevalent (50%) in occurrence among bacterial species while Aspergillus sp. emerged as the most commonly occurring fungal isolate (35.7%). Data of selected sequenced cellulolytic isolates were deposited at NCBI GeneBank with Accession numbers: KP843680.1 (Vibrio tubiashii), MK748310.1(Aspergillus aculeatinus), LC496490.1 (Aspergillus aculeatus), CP029751.1 (Staphylococcus aureus) and JX144699.1 (Bacillus mycoides). Environmental surveillance of these microorganisms with microbial synergistic capabilities, could transform solid waste management into a highly efficient biotechnological process that facilitates volume reduction, waste recycling and Bioenergy production.Item Optimization of Extracellular Polysaccharide Substances from Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Dairy Products(Microbiology Journal, 2021) Fashogbon, Racheal; Adebayo-Tayo, Bukola; Sanusi, JadesolaBackground and Objective: The extracellular polysaccharide secreted by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) has been used in the food industry due to their viscosity, bio-thickening properties as well as immunomodulatory potentials. Due to the increase in the demand for EPS, there is a need to study the production of extracellular polysaccharides produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) under different production conditions for optimum EPS production. Materials and Methods: Five EPS producing LAB isolated from fermented dairy products were collected from the culture collection Centre, maintained in De Ma, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth and the EPS producing LAB were molecularly characterized. Modified Exopolysaccharide Selection Medium (mESM) was used to produce the EPS. Results: The EPS producers were molecularly characterized as Lactobacillus tucetti FASHADFF2, Lactobacillus delbrueckii FASHADYG2, Weissella sp. FASHADFF1, Weissella sp. FASHADWR2 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides FASHADWR1. The EPS produced by the five LAB strains ranged from 109.11-185.02 mg LG1. About 35EC and pH 5 supported the highest EPS production by the isolates. Glucose, sucrose, yeast extract, alanine and folic acid supported the highest EPS production. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that all the five LAB strains were EPS producers and they were 99-100% molecularly related to the identified species of LAB. Optimizing the production of EPS by the LAB strains yields a higher amount of EPS.Item Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Potentials of Aqueous Leaves Extracts of Helianthus annuus (Sunflower): A Natural Preservative in Food Industry(Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2025-07-18) Fashogbon, Racheal; Aforijiku, Samuel; Adegbuyi, Gbemisola; Akinola, THelianthus annuus (sunflower) is an important plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae and usually used as oil in the food industry. This study investigates the phytochemical and antimicrobial potentials of aqueous leaf extracts from Helianthus annuus (AqHa). The H.annuus leaves were collected from botanical section of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo and were taken to the laboratory and processed into aqueous extract using standard method. The Aqueous leaf extracts from Helianthus annuus (AqHa) were assessed for phytochemical attributes, Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potential against food pathogens using standard procedures. Phytochemical analysis of the assessed extracts revealed the presence of some plant metabolites including flavonoids, steroid, tannins and saponins while FTIR showed the presence of some key functional groups such as O-H stretch, H-bonded, O-H stretch, H-bonded, Methylene C-H stretch, Methyne C-H stretch and C=C Conjugated bonds. The peak at 2355.00 cm1 and 1735.60 cm1 were related to stretch vibration of Methylene C-H and C=C, respectively both denoting the presence of fat while the highest peak (3759.57 cm-1) was related to hydroxyl group. AqHa had the highest zone of inhibition (13 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus while the least (7 mm) inhibition was on Staphylococcus spp. The highest antioxidant activity was evaluated as Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay (56 and 87%) and reducing power scavenging assay (49% and 83%). Aqueous leaf extracts from Helianthus annuus (AqHa) contains phytochemical compounds, had antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potentials on food pathogens, and could be used as an alternative in the development of plant based antimicrobials or as preservatives in food industries.Item Potential Application of Exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus delbrueckii FASHADFF1 (LDYG2) and Weissella confusa FASHADFF1 (WCFF1) in Sourdough Bread Production(Advances in Microbiology, 2022-08-24) Fashogbon, Racheal; Sanusi, Jadesola; Ogunleye, Gbemisola; Akintunde, Moyinoluwa; Adebayo-Tayo, BukolaBaking of sourdough is a common practice and has the advantage of improving the nutritional value, sensory qualities and increasing the shelf life of the bread. This study therefore focus on the antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity of exopolysaccharides form Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and its application in sourdough production. The Lactobacillus delbrueckii LDYG2 and Weissella confusa WCFF1 were collected from the culture collection Centre and the LABs were maintained in De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth. Modified Exopolysaccharide Selection Medium (mESM) was used to produce the EPS while the total sugar concentration was determined using phenol-sulfuric acid method. The antibacterial, antioxidant, proximate, physical, organoleptic properties and the shelf life of the SDB produced were also evaluated. The quantity of EPS produced by LDYG2 and WCFF1 ranged from 4743.75 - 5090.03 g/L. Eight different sugars were present in both EPSLD and EPSWC with high antibacterial activity (24 mm and 23 mm) against B. cereus and S. aureus respectively. EPSLD and EPSWC had antioxidant capacity in creased in a dose dependent (0.5 - 10 mg/mL) manner. EPSWCSDB had the highest proximate content except for moisture content. There was a significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) in the shelf life extension of the sourdough bread. WCEPSSDB was generally accepted in terms of colour, aroma, taste, texture and palatability. EPS produced by L. delbrueckii (EPSLD) and W. confusa (EPSWC) has antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity and can be used in production of nutraceutical sourdough bread with an improved shelf life and high consumer acceptability.Item Screening and Molecular Identification of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria Isolated from Contaminated Soil and Vegetables in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria(ASRIC Journal on Natural Sciences, 2024) Samson, Oyindamola; Fashogbon, Racheal; Okonkwo, Chikezie; Adeyemi, Jamiu; Adekola, Hafees; Makanjuola, Stephen; Salisu, Titilola; Aina, Sulaiman; Kazeem, Muinal; Onajobi, IsmailBiosurfactants play a crucial role in bioremediation processes, wherein bacteria producing these surfactants utilize contaminants or pollutants as energy and nutrient sources. This study aims to screen and molecularly identify bacteria recovered from soil contaminated by cassava effluent and various vegetables for biosurfactant production. Standard methods were used for bacterial counting, isolation, and identification. Blood hemolysis and oil spreading tests evaluated biosurfactant production. High producers were characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing. Mean values compared and significance tested using chi-square. The mean bacterial counts were 67.00±2.54 for Ago-Iwoye soil, 86.00±4.35 or Oru soil, 102.00±3.32 for Ago-Iwoye vegetables, and 109.00±4.83 for Oru vegetables. Isolates AS1, AS2, CSA34, CSA36, CSO48, CSO49 showed partial hemolysis (10.00 – 14.00 mm), while others exhibited complete hemolysis (Isolates FP11, LS15, CSO45). Isolate LS30 showed no hemolytic activity. Among the isolates tested, only LS15 and CSO45 exhibited positive oil spreading ability, with diameters of 5.00 ± 2.50 mm and 7.50 ± 3.54 mm, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp. proved to be the highest biosurfactant producer by showing better results. The molecular characterization of the identified isolate LS15 revealed a 100% match with Staphylococcus aureus 8 BWI (accession number KX456108.1), while isolate CSA45 was identified as Bacillus marasmi with 96.6% similarity (accession number NR_147397.1). Therefore, sustained attention to Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. is warranted, given their consistent success in screening tests as proficient biosurfactant producers.Item Synergistic use of nanoparticles and probiotic lactic acid bacteria in combating pathogens: mechanisms, applications and safety considerations(Nano Plus: Sci. Technol. Nanomater., 2026-04-20) Oladipo, Christianah; Sangodare, A; Ogunsona, S; Fashogbon, Racheal; Ohijeagbon, OThe increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates interest in the development of novel, highly potent, and biologically compatible methods for pathogen control. The combination of Probiotic Lactic acid bacteria and nanoparticles creates two different approaches that work together to achieve strong antimicrobial effects. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) function as natural antagonists that produce strong antimicrobial substances, that include organic acids and bacteriocins and hydrogen peroxide, to create an environment that prevents other pathogens from growing. The nanoparticles (NPs), which include silver and iron oxide and zinc oxide, liposomes, selenium exhibit strong antibacterial properties because they induce cell death through their membrane destruction capabilities and ion discharge mechanisms and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The integration of probiotic LAB with nanoparticles offers enhanced antimicrobial at lower dosages. However, challenges related to nanotoxicology, stability of probiotic nanoparticle systems, and clinical safety remain critical considerations. This synergy approach represents a promising strategy for tackling AMR with potential applications in food safety and healthcare.