Bio-Research
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/br
<p>The “Journal of Biological Research and Biotechnology (Bio-Research)” is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary, international, scientific Open Access Journal that provides publication of articles on biological sciences and biotechnology. The journal established in 2003, is published by the faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The Journal welcomes submission of manuscripts in the form of original and reviews articles, brief and case reports, special communications and editorials, that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. Papers will be published online approximately one-to-two weeks after acceptance.</p> <p>Publication of articles in the Journal of Biological Research and Biotechnology (Bio-Research) involves several parties, each of which performs an essential role in achieving the aims and objectives of the journal. Thus, all players (author, the journal editor, the peer-reviewer, and the publisher) are expected to meet and uphold standard norms of ethical behaviour from submission to the publication stage, depending on the area of involvement.</p>Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeriaen-USBio-Research1596-7409<p><strong>Bio-Research journal </strong>is an open access journal, which means all its content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution.</p> <p>You are free to share (that is, copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) as long as you follow these licence terms:</p> <p> <img class="image-inline img-responsive img-fluid" title="64px-Cc-by_new_white.svg.png" src="https://www.jet.org.za/clearinghouse/projects/primted/resources/creative-commons-licence/64px-cc-by_new_white-svg.png/@@images/7a9a52c5-9c8a-4131-97d9-a08baf89d822.png" alt="" data-linktype="image" data-val="a7c4119c7bc642fa8641176286a372b5" data-scale="large"> Attribution (by)</p> <p>You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license.</p> <p><img class="image-inline img-responsive img-fluid" title="Cc-nc_white.svg.png" src="https://www.jet.org.za/clearinghouse/projects/primted/resources/creative-commons-licence/cc-nc_white-svg.png/@@images/ff4d7c32-09db-4bb1-b34c-7476e2e963dd.png" alt="" data-linktype="image" data-val="fb0ef2a1afbc458ca1a48b7520237a9c" data-scale="large"> Non Commercial (nc)</p> <p>You can copy, distribute, display, perform, and use this material for any purpose other than commercially (unless you get permission first). Non Commercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.</p> <p> <img class="image-inline img-responsive img-fluid" title="nd.png" src="https://www.jet.org.za/clearinghouse/projects/primted/resources/creative-commons-licence/nd.png/@@images/2ccfe804-b680-4a67-98da-7b5e6637bbd7.png" alt="" data-linktype="image" data-val="1e6a0b1732324df4a95416595c6c6e4c" data-scale="large"> No Derivatives (nd)</p> <p>If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material. But note that simply changing the format does not create a derivative.</p> <p>No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the licence permits.<br><br>Notices<br>You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation.</p>The role of ecogenomics in environmental and forensic discoveries
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/br/article/view/266320
<p>Ecogenomics is the application of genetic information and environmental science to understand the genetic diversity and functional potential of microbial communities in various environments. It involves the analysis of DNA and RNA sequences to gain insights into the structure, function, and dynamics of ecosystems. In the context of the environment, ecogenomics plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems. By studying the genetic composition of microbial communities, researchers can assess the health and resilience of ecosystems, identify key species involved in nutrient cycling and energy flow, and monitor the effects of pollution and climate change. Ecogenomics also has significant applications in forensic research. By analyzing the microbial DNA present at crime scenes, forensic scientists can gain valuable information about the individuals involved. Microbes are ubiquitous and can be transferred from person to person, leaving behind a unique microbial signature that can be used for identification purposes. This approach, known as microbial forensics, can complement traditional forensic techniques and provide additional evidence in criminal investigations. By harnessing the power of genomics, researchers can uncover hidden microbial diversity, track ecosystem changes, and provide valuable insights into criminal investigations.</p> <p> </p>Kingsley Ekene NwaguAdaugo Gift IbehEvelyn Nwakaego EnwereChidozie Dennis Udechukwu Peter Azumini
Copyright (c) 2024
2024-03-092024-03-0922122232233Nematicidal effects of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) seeds on Meloidogyne species (root-knot nematodes)
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/br/article/view/266659
<p>The presence of bioactive substance in plant extracts with nematicidal activity on <em>Meloidogyne</em> spp can reduce crop damage in nematode control and to minimized the use of chemical nematicide which may be toxic to man and the environment. An <em>in vitro</em> experiment was conducted to investigate the bioactive effects of aqueous and methanolic seed extract of neem on root-knot nematodes. The nematodes were isolated by modified funnel Baerman method and identified by comparative morphology, descriptions and lattice keys. Ten mils of homogenized nematodes suspension (50 juveniles) replicated 5 times and kept at room temperature were exposed to varied concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg/ml) of the seed extracts of test plants for different time periods; 6, 12, and 24 hours. Distilled water served as a control. Data on dead nematodes was recorded for each period of exposure. The data was analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Phytochemical screening of crude seed extracts was carried out using standard methods. The results showed that aqueous seed extract of <em>A. indica</em> caused 100 % nematode juvenile mortality at the highest’s concentration (300mg/ml) within 24 hours of exposure while the methanolic seed extract of <em>A. indica</em> caused 100% mortality within 8 hours of exposure. The results revealed that the higher the concentration of both aqueous and methanolic (50 mg/ml-300 mg/ml) seed extract of A. indica, the higher the mortality of root-knot juveniles. Mortality due to the extracts were significantly higher than those of the control at P < 0.05. The plant bioactive chemical screening of the test seed extract revealed the presence of anthraquinones, alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and terpenes. Both methanolic and aqueous seed extract of <em>Azadirachta indica</em> had nematicidal properties with potential for a biological nematicide.</p>Luka Sambo DanahapEsther Lucia OchemeOde Brains Okechalu
Copyright (c) 2024
2024-03-092024-03-0922122342241Antiplasmodial activity, in silico ADME and mammalian cell cytotoxicity of a synthetic protoberberine alkaloid, coralyne
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/br/article/view/266660
<p>Coralyne is a synthetic protoberberine alkaloid with anticancer activity and selectivity superior to that of berberine, its congener. As berberine is gifted with antiplasmodial activity, this study assessed the antiplasmodial activity of coralyne against erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasite in culture. Parasites were cultured by adopting the method described by Trager and Jensen in 1976. Following this, parasites were exposed at ring stage to increasing doses of coralyne to enable us compute the IC<sub>50</sub>. Further, given that berberine is a substrate of the efflux transporter permeability glycoprotein (P-gp), in silico techniques were used to study the pharmacokinetics of oral coralyne. Coralyne showed excellent potency (IC<sub>50</sub><em>Pf3D7</em>: 0.52 µg/ml) against chloroquine sensitive strain and a little less potency (IC50<em>PfINDO</em>: 1.15 µg/ml) against the chloroquine resistant malaria parasite strain (Resistance index: 2.21). Further, with CC<sub>50</sub>HEK: >100 µg/ml, it was non-toxic to mammalian cells. However, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) studies predicts that like berberine, coralyne may also have poor oral bioavailability thus limiting its usefulness as an orally deliverable antimalarial agent. Given the negative impact of low bioavailability in the development of protoberberine alkaloids as antimalarials, synthesizing analogues of coralyne with nanomolar potency against the malaria parasite and improved oral pharmacokinetics may be a good strategy for the future.</p>Nekpen ErhunseSahal Dinkar
Copyright (c) 2024
2024-03-092024-03-0922122422254Viability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense) during fermentation and storage
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/br/article/view/266661
<p>For lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to be considered probiotic it must colonize and survive the gut environment, also for maximum health benefits it must be ingested in a sufficient amount. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria and their viability in Malay apple juice. Five LAB of yoghurt origin were obtained and screened for probiotic potential using acidic pH (1.5) tolerance, bile salt (0.3 %) resistance and non-hemolytic activity as the selection and safety criteria. The compositional and physicochemical characteristics of the apple juice during fermentation were assayed using standard methods. The viable cell counts were determined using standard plate count method. Of the 5 LAB isolates 2 identified as members of <em>Lactobacillus </em>and<em> Lactococcus</em> genera showed good probiotic characteristics with acidic pH and bile salt survival rate of above 80 %, also the 2 LAB isolates were non-hemolytic. After the 72 h fermentation increase in protein content ranged from 0.53 to 1.21 %, titratable acidity increase ranged from 0.35 to 0.53 % and a reduction in pH ranged from 4.54 to 3.58 were obtained, also the viable cell counts were at 4.12±0.38, 2.35±0.15 and 3.18±0.10 CFU/ml in the <em>Lactobacillus, Lactococcus</em> and mixed culture fermented juice respectively. At the end of the 30 days cold (4<sup>o</sup>C) storage the viable cell counts were >106 CFU/ml. The Lactobacillus fermented juice had more overall acceptability (7.7) by the panelists. In conclusion the studied LAB isolates were viable probiotics and Malay apple juice a suitable carrier for probiotics. </p>Ruth Chiamaka Osaro-MatthewVivien Osaze ItamanEzinwanne UghalaVictoria Obike-Martins Grace Igwe
Copyright (c) 2024
2024-03-092024-03-0922122552263Assessing microbial exoelectrogenicity for enhanced industrial waste water management and power generation
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/br/article/view/266662
<p>The quest for eco-friendly waste management and renewable sources of energy is rapidly increasing. Microbial fuel cell is promising form of renewable energy, which treat and convert organic matter in wastewater to electricity through the aid of microorganisms present in the wastewater. This study assessed for electrogenic microorganisms that generate power during wastewater treatment at a referenced pH of 8.5 and temperature of 37 0C. The exoelectrogenicity and identity of the microbial isolates were confirmed using microbial fuel cell (MFC) and molecular characterization, respectively. Two bacterial isolates: N4- <em>Providencia</em> species, N6- <em>Proteus</em> species, and three fungal isolates: S9- <em>Clavispora lusitaniae</em>, S10- <em>Candida parapsilosis</em> ,S14- <em>Clavispora lusitaniae</em> with accession numbers; KX548357.1, KX548358.1 and KX548359.1, KX548360.1, KX548361.1, respectively showed exoelectrogenic properties. <em>Proteus species </em>and<em> Candida parapsilosis</em> generated relative high-power densities of 1.59 and 1.55 W/m2, respectively. Significant difference (p < 0.05) in wastewater treatment was also observed. When compared with the control wastewater, S10 recorded about 38% of contaminant removal with the following parameters; biochemical oxygen demand (536.38mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (1974mg/l), total dissolved solid (640mg/l) and conductivity (512µS/cm). The findings showed that, not only bacteria, but fungi are good exoelectrogenic microorganisms for industrial wastewater treatment and power generation in MFC setup.</p>Kingsley Ekene NwaguAdaugo Gift IbehPeter AzuminiChidozie Dennis UdechukwuChinedu Ele Ogwu
Copyright (c) 2024
2024-03-092024-03-0922122642273Safeguarding ecosystems using innovative approaches to manage animal wastes
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/br/article/view/266699
<p>Animal wastes (AWs) are excreta or discarded materials associated with animal production industries. It could be in solid, liquid, or gaseous form, such as animal dung or droppings, discarded feed, feathers, fur, decayed bodies of dead animals, blood waste, effluent from animal farms, milk wastes, urine, and fart. Animal wastes are generated in high quantity, even beyond the control of animal farmers, due to the increase in animal production globally. These wastes pollute the ecosystem. They release greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as methane (CH<sub>4</sub>), carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), and nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) into the atmosphere through anaerobic fermentation which deplete ozone layer. Nitrogen and phosphorus constituents of Aws alter soil texture and pollute water bodies through run-off and direct disposal into water systems. The resultant effects of the pollution include climate change, degradation of soil and burning of crops, death of aquatic biota, release of offensive odour, especially ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>) and hydrogen sulphide (H<sub>2</sub>S), and cause diseases of public health concern to human beings and animals. These consequences are due to the emission of harmful gases and compounds and the presence of pathogens in the waste. Animal wastes are potential sources of income and resources, and their environmental consequences could be reduced if farmers could use innovative approaches such as vermicomposting, production of biogas using wastes, membrane filtration, liquid – solid separation, thermal treatment and chemical treatment approaches to manage animal wastes. Government regulation and policies against indiscriminate disposal and application of animal wastes, coupled with the sensitization of people to the benefits and dangers associated with animal waste, could also prevent environmental challenges.</p>Fredrick Oge OkpagaAdewale Iyaniwura AdeoluFriday Nweke NwaloAlex Ochai OkpeChimdi Cynthia IkpeamaChinedu Ele Ogwu
Copyright (c) 2024
2024-03-112024-03-1122122742291Application of genomic studies in epidemiological surveillance: A mini-overview
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/br/article/view/267106
<p>The 21st century has already seen the emergence of several pandemics both in developed and developing nations, including the recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The recent upsurge in certain diseases clearly indicates the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance and real-time monitoring of infectious diseases. Interestingly, genomics has found extensive application in monitoring infectious diseases through the sequencing of bacteria, parasites, and virus genomes. The continual scrutiny of pathogens and the examination of their genetic similarities and distinctions constitute genomic surveillance. The potential of genomic sequencing lies in its ability to offer a significantly more detailed depiction of the evolution and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus initiating a transformative impact on how public health surveillance networks address bacterial AMR. The utilization of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) stands as a prevalent technique for identifying and tracking pathogens, establishing transmission routes, and managing outbreaks. However, despite several decades of advancements, the seamless integration of genomics into surveillance pipelines faces substantial barriers that necessitate overcoming. Recent advances in genomics and next-generation sequencing approaches provide new paradigms for monitoring transmission pipelines and reducing overall morbidity and mortality. In this mini-review, we highlight the advances in genomics, how they have been critical in epidemiological surveillance and monitoring outbreaks, and how they can help predict and monitor possible future outbreaks.</p>Chijioke Chinedu AnekpoTitus Chukwubuzo OkparaChinedu Gabriel Nnadi
Copyright (c) 2024
2024-03-182024-03-1822122922301