Department of Biological Sciences

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A REVIEW ON ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF EXTRACTS FROM PSIDIUM SPP AND EFFECT OF THE EXTRACTION SOLVENT
(PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY, 2016) Suleiman, M. Mustapha; Ogah, I. Jeremiah; Okobia, Bishop; Adeyemi, Oluwasanmi A.; Olatunji, K. Toyosi; Ige, Itohan M.
The vast potential of plants has bioactive compounds that could be effective or inhibitory to microorgan- isms. Several experiments aimed at understanding the plant composition and its safe usage in the modern world have been conducteddue to their traditional importance in herbal medicine. Psidiumsppis a phyto-therapeutic plant believed to have active components that helps to manage and/ or treat different disease conditions such as vomiting, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, ulcer etc. Thus, understanding of the antimi- crobial nature via research on their extracts will further explain their role in the history of herbal medicine and application in modern world.After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a systematic review com- posed of sixteen published research articles of twenty trials from different parts of Psidiumspp extract against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were appraised. The outcome was evaluated via zones of inhibition with consideration to the extraction solvent and the plant part. Analysis of the available data showed that the choice of solvent (95% C.I) affected the amount of composition extracted in the order of methanol, aqueous, acetone and ethanol while the plants part also varied in terms of their bioactive proper- ties to inhibit the target organism in order of leaf, fruit, stem bark, twig and seed. Due to the ability of these extracts to inhibit the target organisms, it can therefore be deduced that concentration of the active com- ponents of Psidiumspp can be used as an alternative to treat diseases related to E. coli and S.aureus.
Acute gastroenteritis and the usage pattern of antibiotics and traditional herbal medications for its management in a Nigerian community
(PLOS ONE, 2021-10-04) Oluwapelumi Olufemi Adeyemi; Ade Stephen Alabi; Oluwasanmi Anuoluwapo Adeyem; Olaoluwa Temitope Talabi; Oreoluwa M. Abidakun; Ireoluwa Yinka Joel; Nicola J. Stonehouse
Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is the highest cause of mortality worldwide in children under the age of 5 years, with the highest mortalities occurring in low-to-middle income countries. Treatment can involve the use of unregulated herbal medication and antibiotics. A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the use of antibiotics and traditional herbal medications in the management of AGE among Yòruba-speaking communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. Our findings suggest habitual use of antibiotics (54.6%) and herbal medication (42.5%) in the management of AGE with high levels of self-prescription of antibiotics (21.7%) and herbal medications (36.2%) within the community. Ethanolic extracts of selected herbal plants reported (i.e. Aristolochia ringens, Azadirachta indica, Chromolaena odorata, Etanda Africana, Ficus capensis, Ficus vogelii, Mangifera indica, Momordica charantia, Ocimum gratisimum, Senna alata, Sorghum bicolor, and Vernonia amygdalina) were investigated for antibacterial properties, using bacteria known to be causative agents of AGE. Our findings showed that, with the exception of Ficus vogelii, which enhanced bacterial growth, the plant extracts reported all showed some antibacterial activity. We further discuss our findings within a regulatory context, with the aim to guide the use of traditional and herbal medication in low-to medium income countries (LMICs) and reduce the potential risks associated with the development of antimicrobial resistance.
AFRICAN BLACK LIQUID SOAP: ANTIFUNGAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES
(Agriculture environnement et sciences de l’ingénieur, 2020-11-04) Fasola, Taiye Remi; Aponmade, Abimbola Elizabeth; Aponjolosun, Babalola Sunday
Synthetic soaps are associated with health challenges such as skin irritation and toxicity when compared with organic soaps. Thus, liquid soap was produced, fortified with and without essential oils from two botanicals, tested on four fungi and their physicochemical properties compared. Dirty dish water samples were collected from four cafeterias in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Fungal isolation from the water samples was done using pour plate method with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), incubated at room temperature for 7 days, from which their pure culture were identified. The soap was produced and divided into two portions. Essential oils from freshly collected leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus were extracted through hydro-distillation and introduced into a portion of the soap. The identified fungi were cultured on sterile PDA plates containing different volumes (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mL) of the soap with and without the essential oils. The experiment was done in triplicates while the fungi cultured on PDA plates without soap served as controls. The physicochemical properties of soap with and without the essential oils were also compared. All data were analysed using ANOVA on R-programming (version 3.5) and the means were separated using DMRT. The isolated fungi were Penicillum sp., P. notatum, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The soaps had significant antifungal activity on all the four fungi (p<0.05) at all volumes. The fungal mycelia growth decreased with the addition of soaps with and without essential oils. The addition of the essential oils to the soaps did not chemically denature nor alter its high cleansing effect when used in washing dirty dishes. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the physicochemical properties of the soaps with and without essential oils. The organic liquid soap showed antifungal activity and acceptable physiochemical properties.
Amylase production by Streptomyces species and its application in orange juice clarification
(Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences, 2026-01-13) Odjoji, Elizabeth Aghogho; Fasiku, Samuel Adedayo; Alao, Olaoluwa Kehinde; Salawu, Kehinde Olamide; Dada, Micheal Tunde; Odeniyi, Olubusola Ayoola; Wakil, Sherifah Monilola
Amylases are enzymes that break down starch and help clarify fruit juices. This study focused on screening amylolytic Streptomyces spp. isolated from soil samples for their potential for amylase production and fruit juice clarification. Select organisms produced amylase, which was assayed by measuring the reducing sugar content of the fermentation medium. The effects of pH, carbon and nitrogen source, as well as agitation and incubation periods, were evaluated to optimize amylase synthesis. A total of 22 species were isolated, with five—FE4, ELI1, FL2, MS2, and MS5—demonstrating high amylase production ability, which occurred at a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Cassava peels supported optimal amylase production in Streptomyces spp. A4 (0.834), ELI1 (0.910), and FE4 (0.814 U/mL). The maximum yield of 0.930 U/mL was observed with ELI1 when urea was used as the nitrogen source, at an agitation speed of 100–150 rpm, and peaking on the fourth day of fermentation. It was identified as S. griseoflavus ELI_1 using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and submitted to the GenBank with accession number OQ930232. The amylase produced by it was partially purified, markedly increasing its specific activity from 1.50 to 4.56 U/mL. Its ability to clarify orange juice was tested; the turbidity reduced significantly by 16.8% after amylase treatment (p <0.05). Amylolytic Streptomyces spp. were isolated from soil samples, and their amylase yield was optimized. The Amylase of S. griseoflavus ELI_1 could optimally clarify orange juice.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Tomato-Spoiling Microorganisms from Ajegunle Market, Oyo Town, Oyo State, Nigeria
(Ajayi Crowther Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2025) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Aponjolosun, Babalola Sunday; Obanisola, Peace Olayemi
Pathogenic bacteria and fungi associated with tomato spoilage have the tendency of harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes that can pose significant health threats to consumers, hence the need to ascertain their antibiotic sensitivity. Five spoilt tomato samples were purchased from five different tomato sellers in Ajegunle market, Oyo Town, Oyo State, Nigeria. Isolation was carried out using the pour plate method. The antibiogram of selected antibiotics and antifungal drugs against the bacteria and fungi isolates was determined using the diffusion disk technique. Colony count for bacteria ranged from 1.0 x 103 – 6.3 x 103 CFU/mL on Nutrient agar and 1.0 x 103 – 9.6 x 103 CFU/mL on MacConkey agar while the fungal count ranged from 2.2 x 105 – 5.1 x 105 CFU/mL on potato dextrose agar. The bacteria identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas veronii, Bacillus cereus, B. brevis, B. pumilus, B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, Corynebacterium xerosis, Corynebacterium kutscheri and Lactobacillus casei with B. licheniformis being the most prevalent. Fungal isolates identified were: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus spp. and Fusarium spp. with Saccharomyces cerevisiae being the most prevalent. Most of the Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to Azithromycin (87.5%), Gentamycin (90.7%), Ofloxacin (93.7%) and Erythromycin (93.7%) while Aeromonas veronii was resistant to Gentamycin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin and Nitrofurantoin at 50% respectively, while Fusarium species showed resistance against Griseofulvin. The bacterial isolates' multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.3 to 0.8. The resistance of the isolated microorganisms to commercial drugs could be risky to public health.
Applications of Microbial Enzymes in Industries
(Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences: MIKAILALSYS, 2026-01-28) Fasiku, Samuel Adedayo; Afolabi, Femi Johnson; Egbeleke, Tawakalit Adeola; Fashogbon, Racheal Oluwayemisi
Microbial enzymes, produced by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, have emerged as indispensable biocatalysts across multiple industrial sectors due to their efficiency, versatility, and activity under diverse environmental conditions. This review aims to highlight the major industrial applications of microbial enzymes and synthesize evidence on their functional roles in contemporary bioprocesses. More than 80 published articles, textbooks, and newsletters were retrieved from reputable platforms, of which approximately 50 were selected for detailed analysis based on relevance and quality. The reviewed literature shows that enzymes now play critical roles in everyday life, with broad applications in medicine, pharmacy, environmental remediation, food processing, detergent manufacture, and energy production. In the detergent industry, amylases, lipases, and proteases are used to break down starch, fats, oils, and proteins, thereby enhancing washing efficiency. In the food sector, microbial enzymes support milk hydrolysis in cheese production, contributing to characteristic flavour development, and are widely employed in fruit juice clarification. In the energy sector, cellulases, xylanases, and lignin-degrading enzymes enable the breakdown of lignocellulosic substrates to release reducing sugars for biofuel production. Medically, L-asparaginase has been used in the treatment of leukaemia, while laccases are applied in the degradation of dyes and the reduction of chemical waste in environmental applications. The diversity of microbial sources allows these enzymes to function under extreme conditions, expanding their usability across varied industrial environments. Overall, the review concludes that microbial enzymes have extensive and growing industrial relevance, underscoring the need for continued research and development to optimize their production, stability, and application in sustainable biotechnological processes.
Applications of Microbial Proteases: A Review
(Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences: MIKAILALSYS, 2026-03-08) Fasiku, Samuel Adedayo; Afolabi, Femi Johnson; Odeyale, Christiana Ify
Microbial proteases have attracted increasing attention as eco-friendly biocatalysts because of their broad functional versatility and advantages over proteases derived from plants and animals. This review examines the major sources, classification, production methods, and sectoral applications of microbial proteases. Produced by bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi, microbial proteases are classified according to optimum pH range, catalytic mechanism, and site of action, and are commonly generated through submerged and solid-state fermentation. The review shows that these enzymes have diverse industrial applications in detergent, leather and tanning, food and dairy, brewing and beverage processing, and textile production. In medical and pharmaceutical contexts, microbial proteases are applied in wound debridement and healing, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, drug development, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions. In agriculture, they support animal feed supplementation by improving protein digestion and function as biological control agents by disrupting pathogen attachment, penetration, and colonization of plant tissues. In the environmental sector, their applications include waste management, bioremediation, and the recycling of keratinous and other protein-rich wastes. Overall, this review underscores the wide-ranging utility of microbial proteases across industrial, medical, agricultural, and environmental sectors, highlighting their potential as sustainable biological agents for diverse biotechnological applications.
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, Racheal
Consumption 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.
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Selected Bottled Water Brands in Nasarawa, Kano State, Nigeria
(Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications, 2022-12) Mustapha Abdulsalam; Hafsah M. Ahmad; Olaitan L. S.; Adeyemi O. A.
Twenty-six different brands of bottled water were tested for bacteriological and physicochemical qualities in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. Bacteriological assessments have been used to outline the wide varieties of heterotrophic bacteria, overall coliform and faecal coliform. The chloride content, pH, temperature, conductivity, flouride content, total hardness and suspended particles have been additionally investigated. The coliform count ranged from 0 to 1000 coliform/100ml of the sample while the heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from 0 to 118 cfu/ml. In the bottled water samples, there was no faecal coliform and fluoride contents. The pH, temperature, conductivity, Chloride content, total hardness, and total suspended particles were all within acceptable limits between 6.50 and 8.30, 19.8 and 21.00C, 63.10 and 86.92µS/cm, 3.58 and 4.64 mg/l, 1 and 86 mg/l and 1.0 x 10-3 to 3.0 x 10-3 g/100ml, respectively. Staphylococcus, Aeromonas, Klebsiella, Micrococcus and Bacillus were among the bacterial species found. For heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform and faecal coliform, 25 (96%), 24 (92%) and 0 (100%) of the 26 different bottled water samples met the standard respectively. For pH, temperature, conductivity, fluoride content, chloride content, total hardness and total suspended particles, all of the bottled water samples also met the criteria. According to the results of this study, 88.46 percent of the bottled waters tested were fit for consumption based on bacteriological and physicochemical factors. When producing bottled water, it is recommended that stringent criteria should be followed to ensure that the bottles are well capped, and that statistics including the producing date, expiration date and consignment number be imprinted on the bottles.
Bacteriological and Proximate Evaluation of Ginger-Fortified Fermented Maize (OGI)
(Am. J. Food Techno, 2017) Olayiwola, John Olusola; Inyang Victoria; Bello, Mobolaji Akeem
Background and Objective: Fermented cereal food is an important food in human diet globally especially in developing countries. Attempt at fortifying the fermented cereal Ogi with natural substances like ginger becomes imperative. The objective of study was to find out the effect of ginger on the survival rate of Gram-negative bacteria and nutritional content of Ogi. Materials and Methods: Typed maize (BR 99 28-SR-Y) sample and ginger were collected for the study. The Ogi was produced following the traditional process and subsequently nutritional and microbial analysis was carried out. Results: The value of pH ranged from 4.18-4.36. Moisture content of 10 and 20% ginger fortified Ogi are 60.18 and 60.66%, respectively while control was 71.89%, the crude protein was 2.72-2.65% while control was 1.94%. The value of fat content for the two fortification variables were 1.39 and 1.37% while control was 0.38%. Crude fiber was found to be 0.16 and 0.24% while control was 0.24% but the carbohydrate content was 35.49 and 34.97% compare with the control of 25.62%. Ash content of 10 and 20% ginger fortified Ogi in this study was 0.33% and 0.31 while control was 0.16%. The colony forming units of the bacteria investigated in the fortification ranged from 1.5×10 -3.8×10 CFU mLG over the period of 15 days designed for the experiment. Twenty four bacteria were isolated and identified which comprises of 5 genera including Lactobacillus (50%), Corynebacterium (29%), Escherichia (8%), Pseudomonas (8%) and Citrobacter (4%). Conclusion: Ogi is a cereal based traditional lactic acid fermented weaning food, which deteriorates after long keeping and ginger has the ability to enhance nutritional content and reduction in the Gram negative bacteria associated with Ogi.
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, Racheal
This 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.
Biodegradable Waste
(Intechopen, 2023-02-22) Popoola, Bukola Margaret
Biodegradable wastes are waste materials easily degraded or broken down naturally by factors such as biotic (bacteria, fungi, plants, animals, etc.) and abiotic (pH, temperature, oxygen, humidity, etc.). This process enables complex substances to be broken down into simpler organic compounds which subsequently fade into the soil. This is a natural process that could be prolonged or rapid and poses little risks to the environment. These waste materials could be termed green waste; including food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastics such are found in municipal solid waste. Other examples of biodegradable wastes include sewage, manure, sewage sludge, human waste, waste from various slaughterhouses, hospital waste, dead animals, and plants. Biodegradable waste could be said to be recyclable or reused; furthermore, bio-waste recycling may also directly contribute to climate protection. They are generally known as useful waste. Recycling is one of the current waste management strategies having great benefits for the environment.
Biodegradative Capability of Molecularly Identified Pseudomonas fluorescens Strains on Palm Oil-Polluted Soil
(LYAS, 2026-05-24) Popoola, Bukola Margaret; Afelumo, Ayooluwa; Samson, Oyindamola John
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is an important source of edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit mesocarp; however, oil extraction commonly generates wastewater and residues that may be discharged into the environment without adequate treatment. Because microorganisms can degrade organic contaminants in palm oil mill effluent and oil-contaminated matrices, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens for remediating palm oil-contaminated soil. Palm oil and P. fluorescens isolates were obtained from Fiditi Oil Mill and Ajayi Crowther University, respectively, in Oyo State, Nigeria. Uncontaminated soil, oil mill soil, and purposefully contaminated soil were used as experimental control samples, while four purposefully contaminated soil samples and four oil mill soil samples were treated with P. fluorescens under varying soil sterilization and tillage conditions. The isolate was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, and a 12-week field bioremediation trial was conducted to assess microbial load and residual oil content. The 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the isolate as P. fluorescens MN607218.1. Residual oil in tilled sterile purposefully contaminated soil decreased from 0.13 g on day 0 to 0.10 g by week 12, whereas the corresponding non-sterile soil showed a greater reduction to 0.07 g by week 12. These findings indicate that P. fluorescens can effectively degrade palm oil in contaminated soil, particularly under non-sterile conditions, and may serve as a promising microbial agent for environmental cleanup of palm oil-contaminated sites.
Characterization of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Helianthus annuus leaf extracts and antibacterial potential against foodborne pathogens
(Discover Chemistry, 2026-03-11) Fashogbon, Racheal Oluwayemisi; Adejoh, Olubunmi P.; Fasiku, Samuel Adedayo; James, Stephanie N.; Ajayi, Olutosin O; Adeyemi, Abiodun A.
The synthesis of nanoparticles using biological substances, such as plants, has proven to be more beneficial, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. This study emphasised the green biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Helianthus annuus L. leaf extracts in ethyl acetate (AgNPEa) and methanol (AgNPM), along with antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the resulting nanoparticles. The phytochemical analysis of the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts was done. Characterization (UV-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD) and FTIR), antioxidant and antibacterial potential of the synthesised AgNPs were done. The two extracts showed no cardiac glycosides. A change in colour of the silver salt solution, showing a maximum UV-vis absorbance at 450 nm for AgNPMHa and 500 nm for AgNPEaHa. The SEM and TEM revealed a spherical shape having about 26.8 ± 9.4 nm and 22.3 ± 6.8 nm size. The EDX showed a high silver content of 69.35% in AgNPMHa and 72.40% in AgNPEaHa while XRD showed planes of pure silver ions. FTIR analysis the capping and stabilization of nanoparticle. Hydrogen peroxide, reducing power and total antioxidant activity increased dose-dependently (55 ± 23%, 63%, and 57% for AgNPEaHa and 57.03 ± 17%, 69.62 ± 21%, and 56% for AgNPMHa at 400ul) and both susceptible to Escherichia coli. The results confirmed that Helianthus annuus is a potential biomaterial for synthesizing AgNPs which can be exploited for its antioxidant and antibacterial activity
Characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential on exopolysaccharide produced by wild type and mutant Weissella confusa strains
(Elsevier, 2018-05-30) Adebayo-Tayo, Bukola; Ishola, Racheal; Titiloye, Oyewunmi
Characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential of exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by wild type and mutant Weissella confusa was investigated. The EPS production ranged from 5490.2 to 5580.7mg/L. Wild type Weissella confusa (WWCEPS) had the highest EPS production. Eight (8)sugar moieties were present in the EPS. Galactose had the highest EPS composition (34.6mg/100g and 33.5 mg/100g EPS) in Wild type Weissella confusa EPS (WWCEPS) and mutant Weissella confusa EPS (MWCEPS). Wild type Weissella confusa and mutant Weissella confusa EPS had antioxidant capacity. The scavenging assay for the antioxidant increased in a dose dependent (0.5–10 mg/mL) manner. Wild type Weissella confusa EPS had the highest 1,1-Diphemy 1-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) capacity, total antioxidant activity, hydrogen peroxide and reducing power activity (71%, 1.9%, 86.7% and 1.9%). The mice injected peritorially with mutant Weissella confusa EPS had the highest IgG and IgM (68–87mg/dL and 64–70 mg/dL). IgA of the mice treated with Wild type Weissella confusa EPS increased from 67 to 73 mg/dL Wild type and mutant Weissella confusa EPS had immunomodulatory activity on the treated mice.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, TOXICITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS OF STEM BARK OF NIGERIAN SPECIES OF GUAVA (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA LINN.)
(EXCLI Journal, 2011-03-21) Fasola, Remi Taiye; Oloyede, Ganiyat Kehinde; Aponjolosun, Babalola Sunday
Essential oil from the stem bark of Nigerian species of Psidium guajava of the family Myrta- ceae was obtained by hydro-distillation using an all-glass Clavenger apparatus. GC and GC/MS analysis were carried out on the essential oil and was found to contain 62 compounds constituting 99.98 % of the total oil composition. The principal constituents are hydrocarbons, amines, amides and esters with 3,6-dioxa-2,4,5,7-tetraoctane,2,2,4,4,5,5,7,7-octamethyl (11.67 %) and cyclononane (10.66 %) dominating the total essential oil. Brine shrimp lethal- ity test was carried out to determine the toxicity of the oils to living organisms (shrimps). LC50 value (µg/ml) of 1.0009 obtained showed that the essential oil of P. guajava stem bark was toxic. The antioxidant property of essential oil was investigated by measuring the de- crease in absorption at 517 nm of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) in a UV/visible spectrophotometer. The oil showed better activity as a radical scavenger than α- tocopherol. The oil activity was 71.83 % at 0.2 mg/ml and the absorption is stoichiometric with respect to the number of electron taken up. Thus, the results of this study showed that the essential oil from P. guajava was not only toxic; it possessed antioxidant activity, which could exert beneficial actions against pathological alterations caused by the presence of highly reactive free radicals. The toxicity of the oil can be taken advantage of in the therapy of dis- eases involving cell or tumor growth.
Comparative bacteriological analysis of stored borehole water sources in Oyo town, Oyo State, Nigeria
(African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2020-01) Oluwasanmi Anuoluwapo ADEYEMI; Tobiloba Kehinde EFUNWOLE; Afolake Atinuke OLANBIWONINU
Water contamination is one of the leading causes of deaths and diseases worldwide, accounting for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily, majority being children under 5 years old, therefore periodic monitoring of municipal water supplies are necessary. Comparative bacteriological analyses of twenty five samples of stored borehole water from five hostels in a tertiary institution in Oyo, Oyo State, was carried out using standard microbiological methods between March and April, 2018 to determine their bacteriological content. The hostels were: University Female Hostel (UFH), Diocese of Lagos West Hostel (DLW), Joseph Adetiloye Hostel (JAH), Diocese of Lagos Hostel (LAG) and Peter Jasper Akinola Hostel (IBD). A total of thirteen (13) different bacteria genera were isolated and identified as: Aeromonas (17%); Escherichia (4%); Staphylococcus (9%); Pseudomonas (9%); Lactobacillus (13%); Corynebacterium (27%); Micrococcus (6%); Streptococcus (3%); Serratia (4%); Klebsiella (1%); Citrobacter (3%); Shigella (3%); and Salmonella (1%). The total viable count ranged from 5.0×103 cfu/mL (IBD) to 1.23×105 cfu/mL (DLW). Total coliform bacteria counts of the stored water ranged from 0 to 28 MPN/100 mL. The bacteria load and presence of coliforms and pathogenic organisms raised grave concerns as WHO permissible limits for total viable count and coliforms are 100 cfu/mL and 0 MPN/100 mL, respectively. The organisms isolated are of public health significance as ingestion of water contaminated by them could result in gastroenteritis, especially Escherichia that indicates possible fecal contamination.
Degradation of lignocellulosic substrates by Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus
(Conscientia Beam, 2023-05-08) Fasiku, Samuel Adedayo; Wakil, Sherifah Monilola; Alao, Olaoluwa Kehinde
Lignocellulosic substrates are wastes in the environment whose reducing sugars are not readily available for use. Biological pretreatment is the use of microorganisms and/or their metabolites to break down substrates to obtain simple sugars which is also cheap compared with other pretreatment techniques. This work is aimed at degrading lignocellulosic substrates with higher mushrooms to obtain simple sugars that could be used as raw materials for other industrial processes. The two mushrooms [Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Lentinus squarrosulus (LS)] with the ability to produce cellulase, xylanase, and lignase were used for degradation of lignocellulosic substrates [groundnut shell (GS), maize cob (MC), maize straw (MS), rice straw (RS) and sugarcane bagasse (SB)]. The residual extractives, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and reducing sugar contents were determined every 7 days. Least extractives (1.12 %), hemicellulose (15.09 %), lignin (17.60 %), and cellulose (5.60 %) were recorded in PO-degraded MS, POLS-degraded GS, LS-degraded GS, and PO-degraded MS at 28, 35, 49 and 42 days of degradation, respectively. The highest reducing sugar contents (mg/g) obtained in GS (11.83), MS (27.03), SB (28.70), and RS (37.96) were recorded when degraded by PO for 49, 14, 7, and 49 days, respectively while that of MC (13.32) was recorded when degraded by LS for 42 days. Reducing sugar obtained was higher from sole degradation with PO compared with LS and POLS. Degraded MS, RS, and SB had better yield of reducing sugar than GS and MC. The amount of reducing sugar released varied with substrates, organisms, and degradation time.
Dr
(AU J.T., 2012-04-01) Fashogbon, Racheal; Adebayo-Tayo, Bukola
Production of bio-molecules is an important factor in assuring the proper consistency and texture of fermented foods. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fermented food were screened for lactic acid, diacetyl, hydrogen peroxide, pH development and Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. Thirty-five strains of LAB were isolated and characterized from fermented dairy and non-dairy foods. The LAB species identified include: Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus delbruekii, Lactobacillus coryniformis, Lactobacillus casei, and Leuconostoc messenteroides. The most predominant species was Lactobacillus plantarum (34.29%). All the isolates were screened for lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, diacetyl and pH and EPS production. Lactic acid production ranges within 0.11-1.96 mg/l in which the highest was produced by L. plantarum LPF2. L. plantarum LPF2 also produced the largest amount of diacetyl (1.92 mg/l). Hydrogen peroxide produce by the isolates ranges within 0.0002-.35 mg/l and L. fermentum LFBO1 produced the highest. The pH ranged within 3.2-6.5 in which L. plantarum LPF2 had the least. L. plantarum LPW7 and LPBO9, Leu. messenteroides LMWO2 and LMW4 bring the reduction of the pH of the fermentation medium to 3.8 at 36 hours. All the isolates were screened for EPS production on solid medium. The isolates were all creamy; four were highly mucoid, eight were mucoid while twenty-three were slightly mucoid. All the isolates are EPS producers, EPS production ranged within 120-1,390 mg/l in which the highest was produced by L. fermentum LF6.
Ebola Virus Disease and Its Antecedents in West African Countries: Challenges, the Current Trend and the Way Forward
(SM Virology, 2017) Olayiwola, John Olusola; Bakarey A. S.
In 2017, Democratic Republic of Congo, a West African country experienced another outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) since the largest outbreaks in history were last reported in 2015 in the region. Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness, with a death rate as high as 90% and caused by Ebola virus. The victims become infected with the pathogen either through contact with infected animals or via direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected humans. The virus responsible for this outbreak, the Zaire Ebola Virus (EBOV), from the genus Ebolavirus in conjunction with the genus Marburgvirus forms the Filoviridae family. Ebola virus is one of the most deadly and highly virulent pathogens among the viral haemorrhagic fevers resulting in case fatality rates of close to 90% as earlier documented. Multi-organ failure and severe bleeding complications have been responsible for the high mortality usually reported. In the recent past, a total of 5335 cases (confirmed, suspected and probable) with 2622 deaths, with a case fatality rate of around 50% have been documented. Laboratory confirmation through the use of RT-PCR molecular technique remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Although as at today, there is no licensed vaccine against the virus, however, under an agreement between GAVI and Merck, the developer of an Ebola vaccine known as rVSV-ZEBOV is now available. Therefore, various hygienic and preventive measures have been advocated for Ebola control and prevention. This review summarizes the drifts and pattern of Ebola outbreaks and its antecedents in West African region including other aspects of diagnosis and prevention and what is the current trend as a guide against future control.

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