UnizikSpace Community: Faculty of Biosciences

Heavy metal application of response surface optimized‑lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CGA‑02 in low‑cost substrate

2025-08-25T13:29:37Z

Title: Heavy metal application of response surface optimized‑lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CGA‑02 in low‑cost substrate Authors: Chikodili Gladys Anaukwu1, Chikodili Gladys; Ekwealor, Chito Clare; Anakwenze, Vivian Nonyelum; Orji, Chinedu Christian; Ogbukagu, Chioma Maureen; Anyaoha, Victoria Ihedinachi; Isiaka, Amarachukwu Bernaldine; Green, Stefan Joshua; Ekwealor, Ikechukwu Amechi Abstract: Cost-efective methods of biosurfactant production with minimal environmental impact are needed as global demand continues to increase. This study evaluated lipopeptide biosurfactant production in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CGA-02 using a low-cost carbon substrate. The structural properties of the biosurfactant and applicability of the biosurfactant in heavy metal removal were evaluated. Response surface methodology (RSM) involving central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize process parameters to maximize biosurfactant production. The study identifed sugar cane molasses and sodium nitrate as carbon and nitrogen sources of choice for bacterial growth and biosurfactant production, with a relatively 2.64-fold increase in biosurfactant yield under optimized conditions. Analysis of the biosurfactant measured a surface tension reduction of water from 72.2±0.26 to 30.5±0.2 mN/m at 40 mg/L critical micelle concentration. GC–MS and FTIR analysis revealed structural properties of the lipopeptide biosurfactant, with fatty acid components predominantly 9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid), n-hexadecanoic acid, cyclotetrasiloxane and trimyristin, and infrared peaks belonging to amine, carboxyl, nitrile, alkanol, ether and carbonyl groups. Capture of heavy metals using the biosurfactant was evaluated in soil microcosms. Removal rates of 80.47, 100, 77.57, 100, and 97.57% were recorded for As, Pb, Hg, Cd and Cr respectively after 12 weeks of incubation. There was no signifcant diference (p<0.05) in the removal efciency of the biosurfactant and an analogous chemical surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate. First and second-order kinetic models described heavy metal removal rates by the biosurfactant. We demonstrate the production of a useful biosurfactant using low-cost waste carbon. Description: scholarly works

Chemical modification of cellulose from palm kernel de- oiled cake to microcrystalline cellulose and its evaluation as a pharmaceutical excipient

2025-08-25T13:21:05Z

Title: Chemical modification of cellulose from palm kernel de- oiled cake to microcrystalline cellulose and its evaluation as a pharmaceutical excipient Authors: Ezea, Vincent Ndika; Umerie, Sunday Chidozie; Ubaoji, Kingsley Ikechukwu Abstract: Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an important ingredient in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and other industries. In this research work, microcrystalline cellulose was synthesized from the alpha cellulose content of pretreated palm kernel de-oiled cake. The microcrystalline cellulose from palm kernel cake was obtained through acidified sodium chlorite, sodium hydroxide delignification followed by hydrogen peroxides bleaching and finally acid hydrolysis. The prepared microcrystalline cellulose was characterized by determining some physicochemical properties such as pH, bulk density, tap density, moisture content, ash content, Carrs compressibility index, Hausners ratio, powder porosity, angle of repose and compared with commercial-grade microcrystalline cellulose that is used in pharmaceutical industry as excipient. FT-IR was employed to expose the functional groups and the wavelength inherent by both the produced and commercial microcrystalline cellulose. The swelling property of MCC product was determined based on hydration capacity, swelling capacity and moisture sorption capacity. The results of the physicochemical parameters were given as pH (7.75 ± 0.40), bulk density (0.49 ± 0.67 gcm-3), tapped density (0.54 ± 0.03 gcm-3), moisture content (1.00 ± 0.5%), ash content (4.30 ± 0.35%), Carrs compressibility index (12.96 ± 0.27), Hausners ratio (1.15 ± 0.01), powder porosity (18.8 ± 0.55), angle of repose (27.4 ± 0.26), respectively. The swelling properties were also determined and compared favorably with the commercial grade of microcrystalline cellulose (p>0.05). The findings suggest that palm kernel cake can not only be used as feeds for animals but also a better source of cellulose for the production of microcrystalline cellulose for the industry owing to its availability and cost managements. Description: Scholarly work

Exploring the role of gut microbiota in human health

2025-08-25T13:12:44Z

Title: Exploring the role of gut microbiota in human health Authors: Isiaka, Amarachukwu Bernaldine; Anakwenze, Vivian Nonyelum; Uzoka, Ugonna Henry; Ilodinso, Chiamaka Rosemary; Oso, Mercy Oluwayomi; Ekwealor, Chito Clare; Anaukwu, Chikodili Gladys Abstract: The study explores the intricate relationship between the human gut microbiota and health. It analyzes the gut microbiota’s roles in digestion, metabolism, immune responses, and overall well-being. The review discusses the composition and diversity of gut microbial communities, emphasizing their symbiotic relationship with the host. It also examines how gut dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, relates to health conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic disorders. The review highlights research methodologies like metagenomics and metabolomics that deepen our understanding of gut microbiota function. It also explores external factors, such as diet and antibiotic use, in shaping the gut microbiome. The review discusses potential therapeutic interventions like probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation, suggesting a future for personalized medicine. By synthesizing existing knowledge, the review aims to advance understanding of the gut microbiota’s role in health and suggest future research and interventions. Description: scholarly works

A REVIEW ON ACRYLAMIDE IN FOODS: SOURCES AND IMPLICATIONS TO HEALTH

2025-08-25T13:11:17Z

Title: A REVIEW ON ACRYLAMIDE IN FOODS: SOURCES AND IMPLICATIONS TO HEALTH Authors: Ubaoji, Kingsley Ikechukwu; Orji, Valentine Ugochukwu Abstract: Acrylamide is basically one of the most industrial organic compound monomers of polyacrylamide that finds its way into many products in our everyday life. It is one of the potential environmental public health problems, both as a suspected carcinogen and a neurotoxin resulting from its increased accumulation in the process of cooking food materials. It is a chemical with a very wide range of uses and it accounts for one of the major health concern because it has been detected in a widely consumed food items; fried breads (or any carbohydrate-rich food items cooked at high temperature). Accordingly, the general population is highly exposed to it. Acrylamide formation occurs primarily at elevated cooking temperatures used when frying or baking (above 120 C) and in low moisture conditions. These cascades of reactions involve the Maillard reaction, which leads to browning and flavor changes in cooked foods. There are also several foods in which acrylamide appears to form in high-moisture conditions at lower temperatures, such as prune juice and canned ripe black olives. These substances are usually formed when asparagines is heated in the presence of compounds that is heated in the presence of compounds that have a-hydroxycarbonyl groups, a,B,y,d-diunsaturated carbonyl groups or a-dicarbonyl groups. The acrolein pathway and enzymatic decarboxylation of asparagine, as well as endogenic processes, are other alternative routes to amino acid formation. It can be naturally present in uncooked, raw foods in very small amounts. It is pertinent to note that some non-dietary sources could expose us to this substance. These non-dietary sources include cigarette smoke (about 1-2 micrograms per cigarette) and cosmetics. There is also airborne release of acrylamide during many different manufacturing processes, including the manufacturing of paper, asphalt, petroleum, photographic film, construction adhesives, varnishes, and dyes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that U.S. adults average 0.4 micrograms of dietary acrylamide intake per kilogram of body weight each day. For an adult weighing 150 pounds, this amount translates into approximately 27 micrograms of dietary acrylamide per day. Levels reported in Literature vary from 25 to 2000 μg/kg and potato products are considered as containing the highest level of acrylamide. The nitty-gritty of this review is to summarize various strategies, results of academic and industrial research on health damaging properties, exposure sources, formation mechanism and mitigation measures of acrylamide in foods. Description: Scholarly work