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    Green reduction of phytic acid in Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit) seed using phytase from Aspergillus aculeatus JF3
    (Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics, 2026-07-21) Fasiku, Samuel Adedayo; Agahiu, Ruth Odogo; Awe, Ezekiel Damilare; Ewuzie, Ifeanyi Joseph; Bamigboye, Oluwabunmi Florence
    Microbial phytase enhances food quality by hydrolysing phytate into simpler derivatives and releasing elements that serve as macroelements. Fungi were isolated from the pulp and seeds of jackfruit on potato dextrose agar. The fungi were screened for phytase production, and the best phytase producer was selected and identified molecularly using the ITS region. Phytase production by the selected fungus was optimised. The effects of temperature, pH, and cations on the produced phytase were determined. Jackfruit was treated with the selected fungus, and proximate analyses of both treated and untreated jackfruits were carried out. The top phytase producer, with a hydrolytic index of 2.67, was identified as Aspergillus aculeatus JF3, with accession number OQ992634. Maximum phytase production was recorded in a medium containing Na+, sucrose, peptone, and Triton X-100. Phytase activity of Aspergillus aculeatus JF3 was relatively stable between 35 and 85°C and from pH 3 to 9. Iron II positively influenced the phytase activity of Aspergillus aculeatus JF3. The phytic acid content of jackfruit treated with Aspergillus aculeatus JF3 decreased by 18% compared to the untreated samples. The phytase-producing Aspergillus aculeatus JF3 isolated from Artocarpus heterophyllus exhibited stability across different temperatures and pH levels, enhancing nutrient bioavailability in Artocarpus heterophyllus.
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    Enhancing the Production of Reducing Sugars from Cassava Peels by Pretreatment Methods
    (International Journal of Science and Technology, 2012) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Odunfa, Sunday Ayodele
    Cassava peel is one of the major biomass wastes in Nigeria obtained from production of cassava tuber for human consumption, starch production and industrial uses. The objective of this work was to investigate the optimal condition for pretreating cassava peel with dilute sulphuric acid, methanol with catalyst (organosolv) and alkali prior to microbial enzymatic hydrolysis for the production of fermentable sugars. The pretreated samples reducing sugar yield was measured after enzymatic hydrolysis. The result shows that acid hydrolysis using sulphuric acid at a concentration of 0.1M at 120oC for 30 min gave a maximum reducing sugar yield of 88.8% and 98%, followed closely by methanol treated peels (78 and 98% ) while alkali pretreated peels produce the least (66 and 88%) for Pseudomonas flourescens and Aspergillus terreus respectively. In this study, H2SO4 and methanolysis treated peels prior to enzymatic hydrolysis had a greater capacity for hydrolyzing cassava peels than NaOH and also combination of pretreatments method with enzymatic treatment is an alternative to improve efficiency of reducing sugar production from cassava peel.
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    Production of Fermentable Sugars from Organosolv Pretreated Cassava Peels
    (Advances in Microbiology, 2015) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Odunfa, Sunday Ayodele
    Cassava peels are rich in lignocellulolytic materials which are not readily amenable to enzymatic hydrolysis; hence, there is a need for a suitable pretreatment method that will support enzymatic hydrolysis. This study was designed to investigate lignocellulolytic organisms that would effectively support the bioconversion of organosolv pretreated cassava peels to fermentable sugars. Decaying cassava peels were collected into sterile bottles and microorganisms isolated, characterized and screened for lignocellulolytic enzymes production. Optimum temperature, pH and nutrient sources for enzyme production were determined. Organosolv pretreatment was carried out using methanol with varied concentration of catalyst (0.01 - 3 M), reaction time (15 - 60 min) and substrate size. Crude enzymes (cellulase and xylanase) from the isolates were added to the pretreated peels and bioconversion was monitored by measuring the concentration of reducing sugar and calculating the percentage peel hydrolysis. The fermentable sugars produced were quantified using gas chromatography. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aspergillus terreus were isolated. P. fluorescens produces 2.8 u/mL of crude enzymes optimally at 50°C and pH 8 while A. terreus produces 3.4 u/mL optimally at 40°C, pH 6. Both isolates utilizes CarboxyMethylCellulose (CMC) and yeast extract as their best carbon and nitrogen sources. Highest percentage of peel hydrolysis was 67% for P. fluorescens at 0.01 M and 0.05 M for A. terreus (94%). Highest concentration of fermentable sugar was produced by A. terreus crude enzyme (331.79 mg/L glucose, 45.3 mg/L rhamnose and 46.52 mg/L xylose). P. fluorescens and A. terreus effectively supported the bioconversion of organosolv pretreated cassava peels to fermentable sugars.
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    Production of Cellulase and Xylanase by Aspergillus terreus KJ829487 Using Cassava Peels as Subtrates
    (2016) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Odunfa, Sunday Ayodele
    Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) is one of the most important food plants in West Africa. Its peels are made up of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. This lignocellulolytic biomass can be converted using microbial enzymes to fermentable sugars which have wide range of biotechnological relevance in many fermentation processes. The aim of this study is to screen filamentous fungi from decaying cassava peels that are good producers of xylanases and cellulases. Decaying parts of cassava peels were obtained and brought to the laboratory for further work. Fungi were isolated, identified and screened for cellulase and xylanase production. Isolate with highest frequency of occurrence and enzyme production was identified using phenotypic and molecular method. Optimisation of growth conditions for enzymes production was monitored using the DNSA method, also saccharification of cassava peel were carried out using the enzymes obtained from the isolate. Aspergillus terreus KJ829487 was the predominant fungus. It produces cellulases and xylanases optimally at 40°C, pH 6 and 8, utilising carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or xylose and yeast extracts as its carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Saccharification of the peels yielded 584 mg/L glucose, 78 mg/L xylose and 66 mg/L rhamnose. Aspergillus terreus KJ829487 obtained from cassava peels have the ability to produce high concentration cellulases and xylanases which effectively hydrolysed the lignocelluloses’ biomass to fermentable sugars.
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    Riboflavin enriched iru: A fermented vegetable protein
    (2017) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Irokosu, Olaoluwa; Odunfa, Sunday Ayodele
    African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) cotyledon is fermented in most countries of West Africa to produce a soup condiment, known as ‘iru’ in Yoruba language, or ‘dawadawa’ in the predominant Hausa language. Iru is rich in minerals and serves as a source of protein supplement in the diet of poor families. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is an essential component of basic cellular metabolism but its daily requirement is not met in Nigeria particularly among the rural dwellers. Therefore, the provision of a riboflavin enriched iru will help to eradicate problems encountered from riboflavin deficient diet. Iru was purchased from three different markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. From the iru, microorganisms were isolated, characterised, screened for riboflavin production and co-cultured for the production of riboflavin enriched iru. Sixty-three bacteria were isolated and identified as Micrococcus varians (9), Staphylococcus species (27), Bacillus species (24) and Micrococcus luteus (3). Bacillus subtilis IR50 produced highest riboflavin 25.77 mg/L, followed by Staphylococcus spp. strain IR26 23.37 mg/L, while M. varians IR49 had the least riboflavin production 6.35 mg/L. Mixed culture of B. subtilis IR50 and Bacillus licheniformis IR28 produced the highest riboflavin of 4.5 mg/L, Staphylococcus aureus IR06 and B. subtilis IR50 produced 2.3 mg/L, while B. subtilis IR50 produced 1.5 mg/L when used singly. The result shows that B. subtilis IR50 have the potential to increase the riboflavin content of iru and therefore will contribute to bioenrichment technology.
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    Microbial interaction in selected fermented vegetable condiments in Nigeria
    (International Food Research Journal, 2018) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Odunfa, S A
    Fermented condiments remain the key constituents of diets throughout the world especially in Africa and Asia. The process of fermentation of these condiments involves different types of microorganisms which interact with each other and mode of interaction need to be understood. Iru and ogiri-egusi were purchased from retail markets in Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria. Microorganisms were isolated, characterised and co – cultured for fermentation of the condiments. Bacteria obtained were 168; 100 Gram-positive bacteria, 30 Gram-negative and 38 Lactic acid bacteria. Bacillus species comprising B. subtilis, B. pumilus, B. licheniformis and B. megaterium had the highest frequency of occurrence of 72% while Staphylococcus epidermidis and some lactic acid bacteria were consistently present. B. subtilis had the highest growth rate at 60 h when used singly both in iru and ogiri-egusi. Co – culturing B. subtilis and S. epidermidis in iru and ogiri-egusi showed an increase in growth rate of 46 and 23% respectively while addition of L. plantarum gave a decrease of 33% in growth thus depressing the growth of B. subtilis. The factors at play by the lactic acid bacteria during the interaction were presumed to be due to production of acids and metabolites which have effect on the proteolytic Bacillus species. Knowledge of the key roles of the organisms studied facilitates the development of starter cultures using mixed cultures.
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    Folate Enrichment of Ogi (a Fermented Cereal Gruel) Using Folate Producing Starter Cultures
    (Advances in Microbiology, 2019) Okoroafor, Ike; Banwo, Kolawole; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Odunfa, Sunday Ayodele
    This study was aimed at selecting starter cultures for bio-enriching ogi (fermented cereal gruel) using folate-producing microorganisms. The folate-producing microorganisms were isolated by incorporating folate analogue, methotrexate in the isolation medium and further screened for folate production by growth in Folic Acid Casei Medium. Folate production was quantified using 3-aminophenol spectrophotometric method. Folate-producing lactic acid bacteria from fermenting maize slurry were species of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Pediococcus and Leuconostoc while yeast isolates were mainly species of Candida and Saccharomyces. However, Lactobacillus plantarum X13, Pediococcus pentosaceus L73, Candida parapsilosis Y77 and Candida tropicalis Y74 were used as starter cultures singly and in combination for the fermentation and production of ogi. The highest folate concentration, 30.97 ± 0.37 μg/ml, was observed after 24 h of the co-fermentation of maize slurry with Lactobacillus plantarum X13 and Candida tropicalis Y74. This represents a triple fold of the folate concentration observed in unfermented maize slurry. The pH of the fermenting maize slurry was observed to decrease from 6.12 to 3.60, while the reducing sugars and the titratable acidities were observed to increase as fermentation progressed. Sensory evaluation of the ogi samples after fermentation showed high general acceptability comparable to the naturally fermented ogi as regards to colour, taste, flavour, aroma and texture. The data made available in this study suggest the possibility of folate enrichment of ogi and its use as a vehicle for increasing folate availability to consumers thereby preventing folate deficiency diseases prevalent in many African countries.
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    Biotreatment of Crude Oil Contaminated Soil
    (Microbiology Research Journal International, 2019) Popoola, B M; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke
    Biodegradation of hydrocarbons by microorganisms represents one of the primary mechanisms by which petroleum and other hydrogen pollutants are eliminated from the environment. This work was carried out on the effect of microorganisms on the biotreatment of oil in crude oil contaminated soil. Microorganisms were isolated from two experimental soil samples contaminated with Bonny Crude and normal uncontaminated soil as a control over a period of seven months. The microbial as well as the physico-chemical parameters of the soil samples were all analyzed using standard methods. Changes in total petroleum hydrocarbon level were measured appropriately. Treatments used were the microbial isolates. Forty-four microorganisms were isolated from the contaminated soils and identified as species of Pseudomonas (7), Flavobacterium (6), Bacillus (8), Proteus (4), Klebsiella (1), Pencillium (5), Aspergillus (7), Fusarium (3), Trichypton (2) and Neurospora (1). Ten of the forty-four isolates had ability to degrade crude oil in the laboratory. On contamination a value of 1.0X105 cfu/g in microbial counts were obtained followed by a subsequent increase in population levels after a period of 2months with a value of 1.0X106 cfu/g. Oil application to the soil resulted in an increase in total petroleum hydrocarbon from 0.31 ppm to 5.53 ppm; organic matter from 0.41% to 7.34%; available phosphorus from 1.75 ppm to 2.84 ppm. The treatment measures all showed progressive decrease in oil concentration in the soil. Mixture of bacterial and fungal isolates as a treatment measure proved to be more favourable above all others, it brought the concentration from 5.53 ppm to 0.31 ppm after a period of 5 weeks of treatment, which is same value with the normal soil (uncontaminated). Species of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Flavobacterium, Proteus, Klebsiella, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Trichyphyton and Neurospora had potential for the degradation of bonny crude oil. They could therefore be employed in environmental cleanup of petroleum spill site.
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    Comparative bacteriological analysis of stored borehole water sources in Oyo town, Oyo State, Nigeria
    (African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2020) Adeyemi, Oluwasanmi Anuoluwapo; Efunwole, Tobiloba Kehinde; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke
    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.
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    Accelerating the sustainable development goals through microbiology: some efforts and opportunities
    (Access Microbiology, 2020) Fagunwa, Omololu E; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke
    Modernization has thrown humanity and other forms of life on our planet into a ditch of problems. Poverty, climate change, injustice and environmental degradation are a few of the shared global problems. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The SDGs are well structured to address the global challenges we face including poverty, inequalities, hunger, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. Five years into the implementation, the SDGs have been driven mainly by international donors and ‘professional’ international development organizations. The world is left with 10 years to achieve these ambitious goals and targets. Various reviews show that little has been achieved overall, and the SDGs will not be a reality if a new strategy is not in place to bring inclusion. Microbiology, the scientific discipline of microbes, their effects and practical uses has insightful influence on our day-to-day living. We present how microbiology and microbiologists could increase the scorecard and accelerate these global goals. Microbiology has a direct link to achieving SDGs addressing food security, health and wellbeing, clean energy, environmental degradation and climate change. A non-classical growing relationship exists between microbiology and other SDGs such as peace, justice, gender equality, decent work and economic growth. The pledge of ‘Leave No One Behind’ will fast track progress and microbiology is in a better position to make this work.
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    Survival Pattern and Toxin Production of Pathogens in Spiced and Non Spiced Fried Rice
    (European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 2020) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Oluwaniran, Oluwatooni; Oladosu, Faidah; Banwo, Kolawole; Odunfa, Sunday
    There is no data regarding the survival rate of pathogens in party foods held at different temperature and time interval in Nigeria. Hence, the need to study the survival rate of selected food borne pathogens in Fried rice (spiced and non – spiced) served at parties, monitor toxin production and the rate at which it is produced with respect to time and holding temperature as well as determine the effect of spices on the survival of food pathogens. Lagelu and Ibadan North Local Government Authority Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, between May 2017 and September 2017. We obtained 10 fried rice samples (5 spiced and 5 non- spiced) from different parties inside sterile food warmers and transferred to the Food Microbiology Laboratory. Pathogens inoculated were obtained from the culture collection unit of the Food Microbiology laboratory and they were Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. Inoculum size of the pathogens was determined prior to inoculation. Initial temperature of the fried rice sample was taken and after inoculation, samples were taken at an interval of 2 hours to determine the survival rate of the pathogens. Brine Shrimp Lethality (BSL) assay was used to determine the level of toxin produced. The microbial load of all pathogens inoculated increased from its initial size as the holding temperature reduces and holding time increases. For E. coli, there was an increase from 5.3 log10CFU/g to 9.3 log10CFU/g and 8.3 log10CFU/g in non–spiced fried rice and spiced fried rice, respectively, initial load for S. typhi also increase from 4.1 log10CFU/g to 9.1 and 8.4, for B. cereus and S. aureus there was an increase form 6.3 log10CFU/g to 9.0 and 8.4 for non-spiced and spiced rice respectively. Toxicity test shows that the lethal dose was high at 8 hours (LC50:1.5) which connotes that the toxicity was high at this holding time. Holding cooked foods at ambient temperature for 6 h or longer without appropriate reheating constitute a major critical control point for party food. Keeping foods at the right temperatures is an essential food safety practice. Adequate knowledge and application of this by caterers will reduce the rate of food borne illness in the country.
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    Myco-deterioration of Smoke-Dried African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Stored at Ambient Temperature
    (Microbiology Research Journal International, 2020) Abiala, Moses A; Okusanya, Abiola M; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake A; Abiala, Opeyemi A; Ibadin, Francis H
    The current study was carried out on moulds associated with sequential deterioration of smoke-dried Clarias gariepinus stored at ambient temperature. Samples of smoke-dried catfish were obtained from street shops, commercial vendors and as well as from neighbouring rural markets where large percentage of population used to buy for consumption. Mould infestation, nutritional composition, pH and moisture content were determined in parallel at week 0, 3 and 6. Results of the study pointed that mould load increased with storage period and ranged from 2.00 x 102 to 11.31 x 102 cfu/g. The associated moulds were identified as Aspergillus flavus, A. versicolor, A. niger, A. fumigatus, Fusarium solani, Penicillium species and Mucor species.  As the storage duration advances at the ambient temperature, the associated moulds maintained sequential succession in the smoke-dried catfish. Specifically, A. flavus and A. versicolor succeeded A. niger and A. fumigatus till week 3, and A. flavus activated the succession till week 6. Unfortunately, apart from Penicillium commune that joined the activities of P. crysogenum at week 6, other moulds were not succeeded. The crude fat, fibre, protein and ash content decreased while the moisture content of the smoke-dried catfish gradually increased. Slightly acidic to neutral pH was maintained throughout the period of storage. Our study therefore revealed that sequential myco-deterioration of smoke-dried catfish is possible when stored for long period at ambient temperature.
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    Potential Antimicrobial Substances from the Characterized Bioactive Compounds Extracted from Secondary Metabolites of Aspergillus terreus
    (Research Journal of Microbiology, 2021) Oleru, Kelechi; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Olayiwola, John Olusola
    The menace of MDR bacteria and search for the potent antimicrobial substance remain a relevant research. Fungi are commonly recognized as microorganisms that play role in the production of secondary metabolites which are antimicrobials. Therefore, this study focused on the antimicrobial properties of the fungal secondary metabolites and their bioactive compounds. Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere region of different farm gardens in Oyo town, Nigeria. Isolation of the fungi was carried out using Potato Dextrose agar, identified through the amplification of the ITS region of the ribosomal RNA operon and identified to be Aspergillus terreus. The isolates were screened for the production of secondary metabolites by batch culture using an incubator shaker at 27°C for 5 days. The metabolite was extracted and concentrated using a rotary evaporator and aliquots of the metabolites were stored at 4°C. Agar-well diffusion assay was employed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the secondary metabolites of the fungus. The bioactive chemical compounds of the metabolite extracted from fungus were evaluated using the GC-MS technique. The bacterial pathogens investigated in this work were multi-drug resistant bacteria with a minimum resistant rate of 61%. The MDR bacterial pathogens were all susceptible to the secondary metabolite of Aspergillus terreus in this study. The bioactive compounds evaluated in this work showed the occurrence of organic compounds in the metabolite therefore secondary metabolite of Aspergillus terreus holds the chance of discovering the novel and potent drug.
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    Characterization of Bioactive Compounds of Antimicrobial Metabolites Extracted from Soil Fungi
    (Medical Mycology, 2021) Olayiwola, John Olusola; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Oleru, Kelechi; Popoola, Bukola; Abiala, Moses
    The global spread of bacterial resistance has significantly contributed to the increased mortality and morbidity of patients clinically due to the shortage of suitable and potent antibiotics. The concept of searching for new antibiotics in this era of antibiotic resistance pandemic remains vital therefore fungi inhabiting uncultivated soil was examined for the antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Soil samples were collected from uncultivated farmland for fungi isolation. The isolation was done using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and secondary metabolites of fungi were extracted using ethyl acetate as the solvent and the extract was dissolved with DMSO. The occurrence of bioactive compounds was carried out using GC-MS analysis. The antimicrobial susceptibility assay for the metabolites was carried out using the disc diffusion technique and zones of inhibition were measured with a vernier caliper. The preliminary antimicrobial screening was carried out on two hundred and fifty-six (256) fungal isolates. Only forty-three (43) of the isolates were able to exhibit antimicrobial capabilities and they were identified to belong to the genera of Aspergillus and Penicillium. The pathogens used as test organisms were multidrug resistance with the maximum mean zone of inhibition to be 25.3±4.619. Crude extract of the fungi was active against all the pathogens with the maximum mean of a zone of inhibition to be 26.0±0.000 however the minimum was 14.0±0.000 zone of inhibition. The activity of the extracted metabolites ranges from 14.0±0.000 to 22.0±0.000 zone of inhibition. There was the presence of different bioactive compounds like aromatic compounds, terpenes, steroids in the fungal metabolites. Fungi still constitute vital sources of antimicrobial substances and subsequently generate potential antibiotics for the treatment of diseases.
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    Characterisation of Some Selected Bacterial Isolates from Vegetable Oil Contaminated Soil
    (Microbiology Research Journal International, 2021) Popoola, B M; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke
    Microbial lipases occupy a place of prominence among biocatalysts and are often used for various biotechnological applications. Because of huge variation in applications, the availability of lipases with specific characteristics is still a limiting factor. There is therefore need for extensive characterisation of lipase for various applications. This work was carried out to characterise lipases from some selected bacterial isolates. Isolates identified as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas cepacia Pseudomonas fluorescens, Alcaligenes sp. and Flavobacterium sp. from a vegetable oil contaminated soil were characterized. Temperature, pH and ion concentration, (NaNO3 and MgSO4), incubation time, agitation speed, carbon sources and nitrogen sources were optimised for growth and lipase activity. Increase in microbial growth does not necessarily suggest increase in lipolytic activity as generally observed from this study. Temperature, pH, incubation time and agitation speed which had optimum enzyme activities for crude enzyme of Pseudomonas fluorescens (0.8 U/mL), were 27 oC, 7.0, 24 h, and 0 rpm respectively. Growth was not generally supported by AgN03 in all the organisms selected but supported by KNO3. However MgSO4 generally supported lipase production. Olive oil and peptone as sources of carbon and nitrogen respectively supported both growth and lipase production in the selected organisms. These bacterial isolates characterized had lipolytic activities, hence they have high potential for various biotechnological applications.
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    Antimicrobial Activity of Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances Produced by Bacillus subtilis Isolated from “Iru”
    (Journal of Biological Sciences, 2022) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Fashogbon, Racheal Oluwayemisi; Owoyemi, Kayode Olaitan
    'Iru ’ is a traditional condiment obtained by spontaneous alkaline fermentation of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) seeds. B. subtilis is the most predominant microorganism associated with the fermentation of 'Iru' which antimicrobial substances such as peptides, antibiotics and bacteriocins. This work is aimed at isolation, identification, screening of the antimicrobial activity and partial purification of the Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) from B. subtilis obtained from' Iru'. Twenty-four 'Iru' samples were collected from different 'Iru' sellers in different markets in Oyo town. Isolation was done using the Luria-Bertani Agar medium. Identification was carried out using cultural, morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization. Agar well diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial activity. Partial purification of BLIS was done by Ammonium sulphate precipitation. The technological properties and the tolerance to bile salt were also determined. Identification of bioactive compounds was done using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). A total of 59 bacteria were isolated, 13 were identified to be Bacillus subtilis. Five Bacillus subtilis (BSAAJ3, BSFAJ3, BSDAJ3, BSFAK2 and BSAAW3) inhibited Staphylococcus aureus while B. subtilis (BSFAK4) inhibited E. coli. B. subtilis (BSFAK4) had the highest protease, lipase, esterase, hemolytic potential and tolerance to bile salt. The GC-MS analysis identified 23 bioactive compounds while the HPLC analysis revealed the presence of ribonuclease, cytochrome c, a-chymotrypsinogen and lysozyme as the proteins present. These studies revealed that the BLIS obtained from BSFAK4 had the potential to inhibit a wide spectrum of pathogens which will be very useful in the pharmaceutical industry.
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    Bioremediation of Vegetable Oil Contaminated Soil with Two Microbial Isolates
    (Advances in Microbiology, 2022) Popoola, Bukola Margaret,; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Fashogbon, Rachael Oluwayemisi
    Vegetable oil spills are becoming frequent and are potentially more challenging than petroleum hydrocarbon spills. Microbial lipases occupy a place of prominence among biocatalysts and are often used for the remediation of vegetable oil spills. There is a need for extensive characterisation of lipase for the treatment of vegetable oil-polluted sites. This work was carried out to monitor the degradation pattern of vegetable oil. Two microbial isolates previously isolated from an oil mill in Ibadan, Nigeria were used for the bioremediation experiment. Soil samples (with some purposely contaminated with 2 different vegetable oils) collected from the Nursery section of the Microbiology department as well as soil samples from the oil mill were all subjected to varied treatment processes. Field bioremediation using the isolates was carried out for 12 weeks. The isolates were identified, and microbial load and residual oil weight were determined during the degradation period using standard methods. The two isolates were identified as Pseudomonas fluoresecens and Candida parapsilosis. The result of sterile soil samples with and without mixing option, from palm oil and palm kernel purposely contaminated soils for all the various treatments, showed a general increase in total viable counts from the 2nd week to the 12th week, however in the non-sterile counterpart there was a steady increase from the 2nd week to the 8th week and subsequently, a gradual decrease from the 10th to the 12th week. The residual oil weight in the sterile purposely palm oil-contaminated soil, treated with the consortium (POC) non-mixed gave a reduction of value from 0.335 g on day 0 to 0.13025 g by the 12th week. From the oil mill non-sterile, treated with (POC) non-mixed sample, the residual weight after 12 weeks of treatment was 0.0043 g from an initial weight of 0.01 g. The microorganisms Pseudomonas fluoresecens and Candida parapsilosis had the potential for the degradation of fatty waste. They could therefore be employed in the environmental cleanup of the vegetable oil spill sites.
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    Microbial analysis and detection of Aflatoxin from Irvingia gabonensis kernels sold in Oyo Town, Oyo State, Nigeria
    (Academic Journals, 2022) Fashogbon, Racheal Oluwayemi; Popoola, Bukola Margaret; Aforijku, Samuel; Oyekanmi, Ayomide Ezekiel; Uloko, Osaze Ruth; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke
    This 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 microbial load and growth of A. flavus had low nutritional value making them unsafe for consumption.
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    Biofilms and their impact on the food industry
    (Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2023) Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke; Popoola, Bukola M
    Biofilm could be defined as a complex communities of microorganisms seen affixed to surfaces, they form clusters without sticking to any surface and buried firmly in an extracellular matrix (ECM). This matrix is formed by microorganisms in the formation of either extracellular polymeric substances (EPSS) or extracellular polymer. Many reviews have addressed the negative consequences of biofilm production in the food industry, among which we talk about biofilms being responsible for spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus etc. These contamination could be linked to biofilms presence in the processing plant. Although researches have tried conferring solutions to these challenges in the food industry, however, in this review we have tried to focus on the positive impact of biofilms formed in the food industry. It is critically expedient while trying to find the solution to the challenges of biofilm in the food industry to develop and give a major focus on the advantages and positive impact biofilm has in the food industry, which has been greatly neglected. Hence in this article, we have highlighted some positive impacts of biofilms formed in the food industry, like enhancing plant health and productivity of food products, as an agent of water and wastewater treatment in the food industry, as a tool in reducing the amount of excess sludge in the wastewater treatment plant. The development of edible biofilms, fermented food products and the production of biodegradable food packaging are also part of biofilms beneficial roles in the food industries.
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    Ganoderma lucidum: Unutilized natural medicine and promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa
    (Fronitiers in Pharmacology, 2022) Oke, M A; Afolabi, Femi Johnson; Oyeleke, O O; Kilani, T A; Adeosun, A R; Olanbiwoninu, Afolake Atinuke
    Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom that has been used for the prevention and treatment of different ailments to enhance longevity and health specifically in China, Japan, and Korea. It was known as “God’s herb” in ancient China as it was believed to prolong life, enhance the youthful spirit and sustain/preserve vitality. G. lucidum is seldom collected from nature and is substantially cultivated on wood logs and sawdust in plastic bags or bottles to meet the international market demand. Both in vitro and in vivo studies on the copious metabolic activities of G. lucidum have been carried out. Varied groups of chemical compounds including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, nucleosides, alkaloids, steroids, lactones, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes with potent pharmacological activities have been isolated from the mycelia and fruiting bodies of G. lucidum. Several researchers have reported the abundance and diversification of its biological actions triggered by these chemical compounds. Triterpenoids and polysaccharides of G. lucidum have been reported to possess cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antihistaminic effects, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic antiallergic, neuroprotective, antitumor, immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic activities. Various formulations have been developed, patented, and utilized as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals from G. lucidum extracts and active compounds. Thus, this review presents current updates on emerging infectious diseases and highlights the scope, dynamics, and advances in infectious disease management with a particular focus on Ganoderma lucidum, an unutilized natural medicine as a promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa. However, details such as the chemical compound and mode of action of each bioactive against different emerging diseases were not discussed in this study.