http://196.220.128.81:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4629 2026-04-26T22:03:18Z http://196.220.128.81:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/5665 ANTIMICROBIAL EVALUATION OF METABOLITES FROM CO-CULTURED NON-PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS AGAINST PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS ISOLATED FROM READY-TO-EAT FOODS BAMISI, OLUWAFERANMI ESTHER Antimicrobial activity of co-cultured Lactobacillus fermentum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pleurotus ostreatus was tested against pathogenic microorganisms isolated from readyto-eat (RTE) foods. Microorganisms were isolated from RTE foods using standard microbiological techniques. The metabolites from co-cultured L. fermentum, S. cerevisiae and P. ostreatus was tested against isolated microorganisms using agar well diffusion. Bioactive compounds in metabolites was identified using Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Wistar albino rats were used to evaluate the in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of the metabolites. The bacteria isolated from RTE foods were Salmonella enterica, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae (subsp ozaenae), Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogens, and Staphylococcus aureus, while fungiisolated were Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The metabolites from co-culture of P. ostreatus + S. cerevisiae and L. fermentum + P. ostreatus + S. cerevisiae showed the highest zones of inhibition of 23.00 mm and 22.00 mm against E. coli and S. aureus respectively and against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum at 20.00 mm and 18.70 mm respectively. Haematological parameters indicated a reduction in the WBC values (34.20×109 g/l, 35.30×109 g/l) and an increase in the PCV (35%, 36%), RBC (17.40×1012 g/l,17.40×1012 g/l) and HB (16 g/l, 16 g/l) of the infected albino rats treated with the co-cultured of P. ostreatus + S. cerevisiae and L. fermentum + P. ostreatus + S. cerevisiae respectively compared with the albino rats infected and not treated which had a WBC value (38.10×109 g/l), PCV (30%), RBC (12.90×1012 g/l) and HB (12 g/l). The histological study revealed that E. coli induced severe damage in the organs of the untreated albino rats, with observable improvements in the organs of the rats treated with the metabolites. The most abundant bioactive compounds in metabolites from co-culture of P. ostreatus + S. cerevisiae and L. fermentum + P. ostreatus + S. cerevisiae were alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Acetic acid, 3-methylbutyl ester respectively. The pronounced antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms could be attributed to bioactive compounds in secondary metabolites produced by the co-cultured microorganisms. The metabolites produced by microorganisms can be exploited for production of biopharmaceuticals towards better health delivery system. M.TECH THESIS 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z http://196.220.128.81:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/5664 EFFECT OF ESSENTIAL OIL FROM PLANTAIN (Musa parasidiacal) AND PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus) PEELS ON MICROORGANISMS ISOLATED FROM FUTA FISH POND AROWOLO, FUNMILAYO HANNAH This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of essential oils extracted from plantain and pineapple peels on microorganisms isolated from Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) fish pond water, sediment and fish feeds. Samples were collected from fish pond water, sediment and feed at FUTA fish farm and transported to the Microbiology laboratory of FUTA for analysis. Isolation and identification of Microorganisms isolated were carried out using standard microbiological methods. The bacteria isolated were tested against commercially available antibiotics. Antibiotics residues from pond water, fish feed and pond sediment were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Extraction of essential oil from plantain and pineapple peels was carried out using hydrodistillation method. Phytochemical screening of essential oil from plantain and pineapple peels was determined using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity of essential oil against isolated microorganisms was carried out using agar well diffusion. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were carried out. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus sp, Shigella dysenteriae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumonia were isolated. Aspergillus niger (36.4%), Aspergillus flavus (42.3%) and Cladosporium sp. (23.0%) were isolated. Amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin residual content from fish pond sediment, pond water and feeds were 3.578 ppm and 2.666 ppm; 3.474 ppm and 3.143 ppm; and 3.450 ppm and 2.662 ppm respectively. The phytochemicals in the essential oils were phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids. Zones of inhibition by oil from pineapple and plantain peels ranged from 7.00 mm to 10.5 mm and 11.9 mm to 14.8 mm respectively. The Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of essential oil ranged from 6.25 mg/ml to 25.0 mg/ml and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 12.5 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml. Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) ranged from 25 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml. Essential oil from the peels of plantain and pineapple exhibited inhibitory activity against the test microorganisms, which can be attributed to the presence of certain secondary metabolites. Essential oil from plantain and pineapple peels possess bioactive compounds that can be exploited in formulation of fish feeds in order to suppress the growth of unwanted microorganisms. M.TECH 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z http://196.220.128.81:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/5659 EVALUATION OF TWO COLEOPTERANS, SITOPHILUS ORYZAE (L.) AND ORYZAEPHILUS SURINAMENSIS (L.) SURVIVAL ON PLANT EXTRACT TREATED RICE CULTIVARS IN NIGERIA OGUNTOLA, EMMANUEL AYODEJI Food production is very vital to the growth of any nation. Rice is a staple food for people living in rural and urban communities. One of the major threats against availability of rice is insect pest infestation in which both primary and secondary insect pests are involved. Although various synthetic chemical insecticides had been used against insect pests of rice but the effects of their residue on the health of rice consumers call for altinative save insecticides for food preservation. There is a need to search and screen for viable botanicals without harmful health effects on consumers. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of botanicals as a preservative for rice cultivars in southwestern Nigeria. Four kilograms each of eleven rice cultivars were collected in five states within southwestern Nigeria (Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun). Identified rice samples were assessed for proximate and heavy metal contents. Susceptibility tests of the rice cultivars were carried out by introducing rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) and saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis). Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to check the array of biochemical compounds in the rice samples. Methanolic extracts from three plant materials (Agerantum conyzoides, Petiveria alliacea, and Hyptis suaveolens) were tested for potential control of the two insect pests. Ten Sitophilus oryzae and Oryzaephilus surinamensis were introduced separately into 10 g of the rice samples. Methanolic extract from the A. conyzoides, P. alliacea, and H. suaveolens leaves were introduced in different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5) % for the period of 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. The solvent (methanol) was used as the control (0.0%). The most potent plant extracts were tested for acute toxicology effects on albino rats. The albino rats were grouped into four cohorts (four rats in a cohort) (control, 1, 2, and 3). The different cohorts were treated with the plant extract at 400mg/kg, 600mg/kg, and 1200mg/kg, while the control cohort was treated with normal saline. The extract was administered orally for 14 days. Toxicological effects were assessed using haematological parameters, as well as biochemical and histopathology of the Liver and kidney. Results obtained from this study revealed the range proximate composition of the rice cultivars as; moisture content 5.25 – 8.10 %, Crude fat 0.45 – 2.00%, Crude Protein 3.10 – 6.74, Ash 0.35-2.36, Crude fat 4.51-14.41; while Carbohydrate is between 71.54 and 79.10%. Among the heavy metals determined from the rice samples were Zinc (0.49 – 2.55), Manganese (0.07-1.62), Copper (0.02-0.21), and Nickel (0.03-0.08), with traces of Cadmium (0.01) in some of the rice cultivars, lead was not detected in all the rice samples. Hyptis suaveolens was more potent in controlling Sitophilus oryzae and Oryzaephilus surinamensis than Ageratum conyzoides and Petiveria alliacea. The value of haematological parameters was low in albino rats treated with the control (normal saline) compared with those treated with different concentrations of the extract of Hyptis suaveolens. Biochemical indices of the Liver, kidney, and serum showed normal function. The value of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALA), Creatinine urea, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALT), and Total Protein decreased compared to the control. The histopathology of the Liver across the groups showed moderate dilation of sinusoids and normal hepatocytes and intracellular infiltration in group one (400mh/kg bwt), mild architectural damage with slight sinusoids dilation, ballooning of some hepatocytes, necrosis and karyolysis in group two (600mg/kg bwt), while those in group three (1200mg/kg bwt) generally showed normal structure which is similar to the control. Also, compared to the control group, kidneys in group one (400mg/kg bwt) showed mild tubular injury with congestions, and animals in group two (600mg/kg bwt), showed a reduced number of bowman capsules and more tubular inflammations. In contrast, those in group three (1200mg/kg bwt) showed severe tubular inflammations with little or no obvious functional nephrons. This study demonstrates the potential safety of a methanolic extract of Hyptis suaveolens to the Liver and kidney at low concentrations but may have a greater capacity for hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity at higher concentrations. Hyptis suaveolens is not only potent medicinally but also as a potent insecticide against stored product insect pests. H. suaveolens treated stored products are safe at a lower concentration since no severe damage was recorded on the vital organs. M.TECH THESIS 2023-04-01T00:00:00Z http://196.220.128.81:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/5658 GROWTH, BIOACCUMULATION POTENTIAL AND HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF MAIZE (Zea mays Linn) GROWN ON SOIL COLLECTED AROUND FRANCISCA QUARRY SITE IN AKURE METROPOLIS MAKU, OLUBUKOLA EUNICE Anthropogenic activities such as mining, smelting, chemical and metallurgical industries, indiscriminate waste disposal and open burning of refuse are major sources of heavy metals in the environment. Growth and bioaccumulation potential of two maize varieties (Zea mays Linn.) grown on soil collected around Franscisca Quarry Company, Ikota Ijare, site in Akure metropolis were investigated. This was aimed at determining the level of heavy metals content in each sample of soil and to assess the bioaccumulation and transfer factor of maize grown on the contaminated soil and also to investigate the health risk assessment associated with the Maize samples when consumed. The study was conducted in a screen house. Soil samples were collected at 50 m, 150 m, and 250 m from the quarry site at a sowing depth of 0 - 10 cm using a calibrated soil auger. Representative soil samples from the site were taken and transported to the laboratory for analysis. The following heavy metals contents were determined Iron (Fe), lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Two varieties of maize seeds (SWAN 1 and SAMMAZ 52) were sourced from the Seed Bank of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and authenticated at the Herbarium Unit of Federal University of Technology, Akure. The seeds were sown into experimental pot containing 10 kg of soil collected from varying distance from the quarry and a control soil. The experimented was replicated thrice and was completely randomised. The following growth parameters were determined; shoot height, shoot biomass, root biomass and leaf area. Health risk assessment using various parameters were also investigated, also transfer and bioaccumulation factor were also determined. The data collected were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated using Duncan new multiple range test (DNMRT). Result metals detected in the samples were all below the WHO permissible limits. Also, mean translocation factor for Iron and lead were lower than the permissible limit. Target Hazard Quotient for Iron and Lead were reported to be 0.75 and 1.18for SAMMAZ 52 and 0.7 and 1.2 for SWAN 1 respectivelyobtained from this study show that shoot height, leaf area, chlorophylls a and b were higher in the control plants of both maize varieties when compared to the treatments. All heavy M.TECH THESIS 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z