Biotechnology Laboratory Research Articles

Assessment of juvenile resistance of barley and wheat accessions to dark brown leaf spot

Dark brown leaf spot of cereal crops caused by the Bipolaris sorokiniana fungus causes significant crop losses worldwide. To create new resistant varieties, it is necessary to use sources with a high level of resistance. In the laboratory of physiology and biotechnology of the Krasnoyarsk Research Institute of Agriculture, the juvenile resistance of the breeding material of spring barley and spring soft wheat of competitive variety testing to dark brown spot was evaluated. The most toxigenic isolates of Bipolaris sorokiniana were preliminarily selected for the production of inoculum, which was used to treat horizontally placed seedlings of the studied cereal samples in the 1-2 leaf phase. The development of the disease was assessed on a scale from 0 to 6. The sources of resistance included highly resistant samples, the damage of which did not exceed 2 points. These are samples of spring barley V19-6718, V21-6723, B25-6260, B33-6315, V33-6767, V34-6713, V40-6828, K-91-2, K104-1, S-106, K-134- 3 and spring soft wheat Altaiskaya 75, K-613-2, K-654-1, K-229-9, K-693-2, K-780-1, K-696-7, KSI-10, of interest for selection for fungal diseases.

Desempenho de cultivares de pimenta, baseado em caracteres de frutos, para consumo in natura

ABSTRACT Different studies report that pepper fruit cuticle and pericarp thickness vary among marked cultivars and these variations likely influence many fruit quality traits, especially water loss rates. Thus, the objectives of this work was to evaluate the fresh market performance of pepper cultivars based on fruit traits, and indicate the cultivars of Capsicum spp. with less probability of post harvest water loss. Pepper fruits, belonging to C. chinense, C. frutescens and C. baccatum species, were collected in an experimental area at Bonfim’s settlement, Alagoinha, Paraíba, Brazil. After harvest, fruits were taken to the laboratory of biotechnology at Centro de Ciências Agrárias of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Fruits were characterized according to pericarp thickness, fruit weight, and fruit length, larger and smaller fruit diameter. The experimental design was completely randomized with eight treatments and four repetitions. Analysis of variance, mean test, heritability, and ratio of coefficient of genetic variation by coefficient of environmental variation, genotypic and environmental correlation, and Tocher’s grouping method were performed. The cultivar habanero vermelha had better performance for fruit weight and larger and smaller fruit diameter. On the other hand ‘dedo de moça’ presented the longest fruits and major pericarp thickness. These two cultivars also belonged to different groups based on Tocher’s method. The genetic correlation between pericarp thickness and fruit weight was high (0.70) and highly significant. Fruit wall thickness also presented highly significant genotypic correlation with larger fruit diameter (0.93) and small fruit diameter. (0.93). Those finds indicate that indirect selection for pericarp thickness could be done based on larger fruit diameter. These correlations are trustworthy and important due to the high heritability values presented for these traits. Some authors suggest selecting fruits with higher cuticle thickness and fruit width values due to lower water loss. Thus, we suggest that small farmers cultivate ‘habanero vermelha’ and ‘dedo de moça’ in order to produce fruits with extended shelf life.

Transformation of a biotechnology laboratory to Introduce critical components of authentic research

Transformation of a biotechnology laboratory to Introduce critical components of authentic research

FITOKIMIA, DAN AKTIFITAS ANTIBAKTERI DARI Etlingera sublimata Poulsen (ZINGIBERACEAE), TUMBUHAN ENDEMIK SULAWESI

The research entitled "Phytochemical Screening and antibacterial activity of Etlingera sublimata Poulsen (Zingiberaceae), an Endemic Sulawesi of Plants was conducted from January 2020 to June 2020, at the Plant Biosystematics Laboratory and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tadulako University. Samples of E. sublimata were collected from the mountane forests of the Lore Lindu National Park (LLNP), arround Sedoa village, Lore Utara District, Poso Regency The objectives of the research were to analyze the secondary metabolite compounds in E. sublimata plants and to determine the antibacterial activity of E. sublimata leaves extract in againts Salmonella thypii bacteria. Plant samples were extracted by maceration methods with 96% ethanol as a solvent. Actibacterial activity was tested by using agar well diffusion methods. The experiment was designed by Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven different concentration of E. sublimata extract (15, 25, 50, 75 and 85%). Extract and standard drugs were prepared in double-distilated water using Nutrient Agar tubes. 2% Chloramphenicol as standard drugs was used as a positive control and sterile aquadest was used as a negative control. The inhibition zone of bacteria and yeast growth around the disk was measured after 18 to 24 h incubation at 37°C. The results showed that the stem contains alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins and saponins. The rhizome containts alkaloid, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins and saponins, the flowers containts alkaloid, terpenoids and tannins, while the leaves containts tannin and saponin compounds. Leaves extract of E.sublimata has inhibition activity on the cell growth a pathogenic Salmonella thypi bacteria that the effective extract concentration was 50% with an average inhibition zone ​​2.67 mm.

Effects of Natural compound “Piperine” on the growth and Adhesive Properties of Streptoccus Mutans Bacterial Biofilm

Background: “Streptococcus mutans” bacterial biofilm is known to be a major causative organism for dental plaque which is acknowledged to be associated with biofilm. In this study we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of natural compound “Piperine” on the biofilm of “Streptococcus mutans” bacteria from One hundred cases of Dental unit Of Rajshahi Medical College. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in the Molecular Pathology with the Insect Biotechnology Lab, IBSc of Rajshahi University and Dental Unit of Rajshahi Medical College from October 2017 to October 2019. A total of 100 cases were selected for this study from the same institution, collected dental plaque sample, identified, and isolated Streptococcus mutans bacteria by using MSB Agar (Mitis salivarius-bacitracin) medium, formation and detection of “Streptococcus mutans” bacterial biofilm using a Microtiter plate biofilm assay method. Then we collected Medicinal plant “Black pepper” from a standard medical food supply, extracted, isolated, purified and identified a specific compound named as “Piperine” by using Column chromatographic and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic (NMR) techniques and analysis their antimicrobial effectivities. Result: Our Result demonstrated that “Streptococcus mutans” bacterial biofilm represents a very strong microbial attachment with the tooth surface and after the application of 100ul ethyl acetate extract of piperine showed 77% growth of reduction with the value of P<0.001 in case of patient no 17, 75% growth inhibition with the value of P <0.003 in case of patients no 55 and 77% growth of inhibition with the value of p<0.005 in case of patients no 95 against the biofilm of streptococcus mutans bacteria. Conclusion:After some investigations it was revealed the ethyl acetate extract of compound “Piperine” showed the highest antibiofilm activities. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2023; 41: 33-39

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE POTAPENKO INSTITUTE

The paper summarizes the results of long-term research in Biotechnology Laboratory of All-Russian Research Ya.I. Potapenko Institute for Viticulture and Winemaking, from 1983 up to our days. The technology of clonal micropropagation of grapevine with the help of apical meristems with a size of 0.1‒0.2 mm has been developed. New biotechnological techniques were developed and improved at all stages of micropropagation from the formation of meristematic zones to planting vine in the ground. Improved planting material was obtained, which, according to the phytosanitary state, belongs to the category (Virus free) ‒ a material free from all known viruses and virus-like diseases (base material of class A). A basic nursery was created in the Nizhne-Kundryuchensky department of the experimental field. An unconventional method of breeding of grapevine seedlessness has been developed, which is based on the prevention of degenerative processes in the cotyledon when crossing both seedless parents and the subsequent culture of isolates. The technology of creating a collection of grapevine gene pools developed in the laboratory is based on minimizing the growth of test tube plants with the help of low temperature and illumination, adding growth and osmotic inhibitors to the nutrient medium.

PENGARUH KONSENTRASI BENZYL AMINO PURIN DAN INDOLE ACETIC ACID DALAM MULTIPLIKASI TUNAS PISANG MERAH (Musa acuminata Red Dacca) ASAL BANTEN SECARA IN VITRO

This study aimed to determine the response of red banana shoots ( Musa acuminata Red Dacca) origin from Banten in vitro due to administration of benzyl amino purin (BAP) and indole acetic acid (IAA) in various concentrations. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Plant Physiology, University of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa from March 2022 to May 2022. The research design used was a factorial randomized completely block design consisting of two factors. The first factor is the concentration of BAP which consists of theree levels, namely 0 mg kg -1 , 2 mg kg and 4 mg kg -1 . The second factor is the concentration of IAA which consists of theree levels, namely 0 mg kg -1 , 0.25 mg kg -1 and 0.50 mg kg -1 . The concentration of 2 mg kg -1 BAP gave the best results on the parameters of the number of shoots aged 2 weeks after planting (WAP) (2.06 shoots), 4 WAP (2.38 shoots) and 6 WAP (2.50 shoots), the number of leaves aged 2 WAP (1.34 strands), 4 WAP (1.91 strands), 6 WAP (2.16 strands). The concentration of IAA 0 mg kg -1 gave the best results on the parameter of the number of leaves at 2 WAP (1.36 strands). Indole acetic acid concentration of 0.25 mg kg -1 gave the best results on the parameters of the number of roots aged 2 WAP (1.50 roots), 4 WAP (1.65 roots) and 6 WAP (1.78 roots). There was no interaction between the two treatments.

PENGARUH ZAT PENGATUR TUMBUH BENZYL AMINO PURIN DI DALAM BIOREAKTOR SISTEM PERENDAMAN SESAAT PADA MULTIPLIKASI TUNAS PISANG SEBLOT (Musa acuminata L.)

This study aimed to determine the effect of the growth regulator Benzyl amino purine for multiplication of banana shoots seblot in a bioreactor with a momentary immersion system. This research was carried out at the Physiology Biotechnology Laboratory Faculty of Agriculture Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, from March to May 2022. The research design was used a Randomized Block Design consisting of one factor, namely the concentration level of 6-Benzyl amino purine which consisted of six levels (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 ppm). The treatment of growth regulator Benzyl amino purine gave a very significant effect on the parameters of leaf emergence time and number of shoots at 1 and 5 weeks after planting (1.74 shoots). The number of leaves had a significant effect (1.96 sheet). While the parameters of the percentage of live explants, the percentage of rooted explants, the time of emergence of shoots and the percentage of contamination gave no significant effect.

Evaluación de antibióticos y fungicidas, en la introducción in vitro de banano (Musa acuminata) en la Estación Experimental Sapecho

Decontamination of explants is a requirement for the efficiency of introduction and establishment of in vitro banana (Musa acuminata) explants. The work was carried out at the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of the Sapecho Experimental Station, located in the municipality of Palos Blancos in the department of La Paz, with the objective of evaluating the efficiency of three antibiotics and three fungicides in the introduction and establishment of the banana (Musa acuminata) Grand Nain variety. The antibiotics used were Erythromycin, Tetracycline and Chloramphenicol, while the fungicides used were Benlate, Ridomil and Cuprocol in different doses. The three antibiotics were added to the introduction culture medium, while the fungicides were applied by submerging the explants before planting in the culture medium. For data analysis, a completely randomized design (CRD) was used, with nine treatments and three replicates. For the comparison of means, Fisher's test was applied at 5% probability. The variables evaluated were: total contamination and explant survival. After 45 days of in vitro culture, there were highly significant effects on fungal contamination (mean 33.3%) and bacterial contamination (48.1%). In the survival variable (mean 46%), there were significant differences in the fungicide x antibiotic interaction. The use of the antibiotic Erythromycin in combination with the fungicide Cuprocol in the introduction and establishment of banana allows the reduction of losses due to bacterial and fungal contamination. In addition, according to the results observed, treatments T1 and T4 presented the highest percentage of contamination (77.8%), and the treatment with the highest percentage of survival was T6 (100%).

Effect of NAA and BAP concentrations on rambutan growth (Nephelium lappaceum L.) in Vitro

Rambutan fruit (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a popular fruit in the ASEAN (Association of Southest Asian Nations) region. Rambutan is a tropical fruit plant that is much favored by people both at home and abroad. Rambutan fruit is much loved and in demand, this is because it has a delicious, sweet taste and has a fairly high nutritional value. Apart from being consumed fresh, rambutan fruit also has a lot of benefits. Demand for rambutan commodities continues to increase but is not matched in terms of production which tends to decline every year. The cultivation of rambutan has not been carried out intensively so that the production and quality are not optimal. Therefore, it is necessary to breed rambutan through the application of in vitro culture to overcome this problem. The application of biotechnology through tissue culture is believed to be able to provide seed mass, uniform and throughout the year, so that the demand for rambutan commodities can be met. This study aims to examine the effect of growth regulators, namely BAP and NAA, on the growth and development of rambutan lateral shoot explants planted on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) in vitro using several varieties. This research was conducted from August 2020 to April 2021 in the Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University. The prime purpose of this research is to figure out the best growing regulatory substances and varieties in the growth of rambutan plants in vitro. This study used a completely Randomized Design with two treatment. Varieties consisting of rapiah, binjai, ace was the first factor, and the growth regulator type consists of four levels: 0 ppm, NAA 0.5 ppm, BAP 4 ppm, NAA 0.5 ppm + BAP 4 ppm was the second factor. The study showed that the combination treatment of NAA 0.5 ppm + BAP 4 ppm was able to produce an average when the fastest shoots appeared (13.33 DAP), the average when the most rapid leaves appeared (20.67 DAP), with the leaves’ average number (4 leaves), the fastest roots’ average number (21 DAP), the average number of roots (3 roots), and the longest average root is 3.67 cm in the binjai variety.

The effect of indole-3-acetic-acid and benzyl amino purine concentrations on matoa (Pometia pinnata) growth in vitro

Matoa, a Papuan fruit, is known to taste like a cross between longan, rambutan, and durian. Therefore, Matoa has seed storage and plant propagation restrictions. The tissue culture method of matoa propagation is used to solve this issue. This research aims to provide vegetative planting material that can be propagated in vitro. The study was conducted from June 2021 to January 2022 at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, using a completely randomized design pattern (CRD) 2x4 treatment factors for growth regulators. There were 16 treatment combinations, which were repeated three times. The first factor is Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) concentration, which has four levels: 0 ppm, 0.5 ppm, 1 ppm, and 1.5 ppm. The second factor is Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) concentration, which has four levels: 0 ppm, 2 ppm, 4 ppm, and 6 ppm. The results revealed that root emergence time, leaf emergence time, root number, and leaf number all had high growth rates. The number of leaves and stem nodes correlated, indicating that matoa explant growth was linked.

Utilization of metal-resistant bacteria in the detoxification of contaminated dumpsites

The potentials of four metal-resistant bacterial strains to reduce the concentration of selected metals in dumpsite leachate were studied. The Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology laboratory's culture collection of bacteria was used to extract the bacteria, which were then exposed to progressively higher metal concentrations in a medium enriched with metals. After the bacterial cells had been separated from the leachate by centrifugation at 10000 rpm for 15 min, the bacteria were then added to a batch culture biosorption set-up containing the culture medium and tyndallized leachate. The residual metal concentration was then determined after a 14-day incubation period using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The bacterial strains demonstrated high resistance to the four selected heavy metals [lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni)] and their combination. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value for the strains on the metal-incorporated medium for all the selected metals ranged from 700-1500 µg/ml. The resistance to the metals was in the order: Pb ˃ Ni ˃ Cr ˃ Cd. Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest MIC to the metal combination (1300 µg/ml) while the lowest was Proteus mirabilis (800 µg/ml); Paenalcaligenes faecalis and Bordetella petrii had MIC values of 1000 µg/ml and 1200 µg/ml respectively. Bordetella petrii removed the highest concentration of Cd and Ni from the leachate, with values of 32.81 percent and 34.91 percent, respectively, according to the biosorption setup, while Paenalcaligenes hominis had a higher percentage reduction for Pb in the leachate with a reduction of 35.77 percent. However, when the leachate was treated with a combination of the four bacterial strains, the largest percentage decrease for Cr (32.54 percent) was seen. According to this research, these metal-resistant bacteria might be highly helpful in the biological treatment of wastewater that contains metals.

Biotechnology Immersion Program: professional development where the participants do the preparation, teaching, and outreach to maximize learning gains.

Professional development for teachers of primary, intermediate, and secondary schools (Kindergarten to Grade 12; K-12), especially for highly technical subjects such as Microbial Biotechnology, can involve arduous and ineffective training methods prioritizing content delivery over sound pedagogical techniques. Teachers are learning complex content, techniques, and pedagogies but have little time to practice or gain experience and confidence in their newly acquired skills. The Biotechnology Immersion Program (BiP) sought to overcome this challenge by incorporating an intentional immersive experiential system into professional development; teachers learn new content, experience hands-on activities, and work through assessments in the role of a student while experienced subject matter expert faculty run the teaching and activities. Afterwards, the teachers get the opportunity to switch roles and practice teaching, running, and managing the same learning activities that they just experienced. The faculty experts are available to mentor, guide, and direct the teachers as they try out teaching and implementing novel biotechnology classroom activities. BiP focused on three critical aspects of successful professional development: time, personal experience, and connection. This mentored teaching and implementation practice system provided a robust professional development platform, where educators felt prepared and confident to run new biotechnology lab activities in their own classrooms.

Cell-Free Amniotic Fluid and Regenerative Medicine: Current Applications and Future Opportunities.

Amniotic fluid (AF) provides critical biological and physical support for the developing fetus. While AF is an excellent source of progenitor cells with regenerative properties, recent investigations indicate that cell-free AF (cfAF), which consists of its soluble components and extracellular vesicles, can also stimulate regenerative and reparative activities. This review summarizes published fundamental, translational, and clinical investigations into the biological activity and potential use of cfAF as a therapeutic agent. Recurring themes emerge from these studies, which indicate that cfAF can confer immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and pro-growth characteristics to the target cells/tissue with which they come into contact. Another common observation is that cfAF seems to promote a return of cells/tissue to a homeostatic resting state when applied to a model of cell stress or disease. The precise mechanisms through which these effects are mediated have not been entirely defined, but it is clear that cfAF can safely and effectively treat cutaneous wounds and perhaps orthopedic degenerative conditions. Additional applications are currently being investigated, but require further study to dissect the fundamental mechanisms through which its regenerative effects are mediated. By doing so, rational design can be used to fully unlock its potential in the biotechnology lab and in the clinic.

Effect of Boron Fertilizer and of Potassium Fertilizer on Growth and Production of Purple Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.)

This study aims to determine the response of boron and potassium fertilizers on the growth and production of purple eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). The research was conducted in the village of Jiken, Kec. Tulang, Sidoarjo Regency and continued in the microbiology and biotechnology laboratory of the Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo. Starting from February to May 2020. The experiment was arranged factorially using a randomized block design followed by the 5% BNJ test consisting of 2 factors. The first factor is boron fertilizer with levels of 0 kg/ha, 6 kg/ha and 12 kg/ha. The second factor was potassium fertilizer which consisted of 3 treatment doses, namely 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha. The variables observed were plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, number of fruits, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit sweetness,antioxidant levels. The results showed that there was no significant interaction in each treatment, this is because boron fertilizer decreased at the last observation in the study. While the antioxidan test in this study used free radical damping method with DPPH with wavelength of 517 nm using spectrophotometer.

Pencirian Genetik Pepper Yellow Leaf Curl Virus pada Tanaman Cabai Merah (Capsicum annuum) di Bengkulu

Chili is one of the horticultural commodities with increasing demand yearly. Rejang Lebong and Kepahiang regencies are the most significant chili-producing areas in Bengkulu. One of the crucial viruses in chili plants is Pepper yellow leaf curl virus (PYLCV). PYLCV virus infection in the vegetative phase can cause stunted plants and fail to bear fruit. This study aims to detect and genetically characterize PYLCV. Samples of chili plants were taken in these two districts using the purposive sampling method. Virus detection was carried out at the Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biology. Extraction of viral DNA using the Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) method. Rep and Trap gene amplification using universal primers of Bemovirus. SPG1 and SPG2. The PCR product was visualized on a 1.2% agarose gel in TAE.. Furthermore, the PCR products were sequenced in PT Genetics Science Indonesia. Virus gene sequences were aligned using Bioedit and MEGA X software. The results showed that of the 24 chili plants sampled in the study, 21 samples showed an amplicon with a size of ~ 900 bp, which follows the length of the amplicon based on the primer used. Of the 21 amplicon results, 6 of them were sequenced and genetically characterized. The results of the genetic characterization of the 6 samples showed the presence of 552 conservative sites (C) (75.6%), 178 variation sites (Vi) (24.4%), parsimony sites (Pi) (15.9%), and 70 singleton (S) sites (8.5%). The highest nucleotide base composition was thymine (T) with an average value of 30.1%, and the lowest was guanine (G) 21.9%, while the highest nucleotide combined composition was AT with an average value of 55%, the lowest was GC approximately 45%. The average genetic distance between samples was 0.13 (13%). Based on the phylogenetic tree, 6 samples were divided into two groups. Keywords: begomovirus, Bengkulu, Capsicum annuum

Inhibition Zone Test of Chaetomorpha sp. Extract Against Aeromonas hydrophilla and Vibrio sp. Bacteria

Chaetomorpha sp. is a green algae that has anti-bacterial compounds and at certain times found very much. The purpose of this study was to see the inhibition zone produced from the ethanol extract of Chaetomorpha sp. against A. hydrophilla and Vibrio sp. This research was done in March 2022. Extraction of Chaetomorpha sp., antibacterial effectiveness testing was done at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Riau University. The method used is descriptive method. Sensitivity test was performed using the Kirby Bauer disc method. To reduce the error rate, it was repeated three times. The doses of macroalgae extract used were, doses of 100% (10,000 ppm), 90% (9,000 ppm), 80% (8,000 ppm), 70% (7000 ppm), 60% (6000 ppm), 50% (5000 ppm), 40 % (4000 ppm), 30% (3000 ppm), 20% (2000 ppm), 10% (1000 ppm) and control (Oxytetracycline). Based on the observations, it was found that the use of ethanol extract of Chaetomorpha sp. The result is able to inhibit the growth of bacteria A. hydrophilla and Vibrio sp. at the highest dose (10000 ppm) in an range of 13.5 -14.5 mm which was classified as strong category, the lowest dose was at 5000 ppm as moderate category.

Formulation of Instant Atadjon (Mixed Tiger Nut and Rice) Flours Enriched with Legumes for Children of Weaning Age

Aims: Formulate instant infant flours based on a mixture of Tigernut-rice enriched with legumes, maize and peanuts.
 Study Design: Original research.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study took place at the Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Valorization of Biological Resources, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University between March and July 2022.
 Methodology: The ingredient doses of the three instant flour recipes (F1, F2 and F3) were combined using the Pearson square according to the dietary recommendations. For this purpose, three compositions were prepared that achieved a protein content of 13%. These were compound flour F1 (47.10% tigernut-rice+42.90% voandzou+5 % maize + 5% groundnut paste), compound flour F2 (52.54% tigernut-rice+37.46% cowpea+5% maize+5% groundnut paste) and compound flour F3 (51.20% tigernut-rice+38.80% common bean+5% maize+5% groundnut paste). The nutritional content, the amino acid composition of these flours as well as the organoleptic properties of their porridges were determined according to standard methods.
 Results: The results revealed that atadjon instant flours produced at 13% protein with maize, groundnut and mainly legumes voandzou (F1), cowpea (F2) and common bean(F3) are rich in complete proteins with all nine essential amino acids. However, the formulation based on F1 exhibited the highest content of these essential amino acids. Energy and carbohydrate values of the three formulations reached a satisfactory rate over 100% compared to the nutritional norms. The respective lipid (9.54; 6.18; 7.18%) and ash (1.87; 1.67; 1.67%) contents of the three instant atadjon flours were within the range of recommended values. Finally, the anti-nutritional factors are almost negligible since the fibre contents of 2.56% (F1), 3.45% (F2) and 3% (F3) are below the limits recommended by the standards, as are those of tannins and oxalates. the porridges prepared from these flours were appreciated by the tasters. However, the porridge prepared from atadjon flour F1 was the most appreciated for its colour, aroma and taste.
 Conclusion: These good quality and nutritious intant flours, prepared from locally available and accessible ingredients, could therefore be recommended for infant feeding.

High-throughput screening of optimal process conditions using model predictive control.

Modern biotechnological laboratories are equipped with advanced parallel mini-bioreactor facilities that can perform sophisticated cultivation strategies (e.g., fed-batch or continuous) and generate significant amounts of measurement data. These systems require not only optimal experimental designs that find the best conditions in very large design spaces, but also algorithms that manage to operate a large number of different cultivations in parallel within a well-defined and tightly constrained operating regime. Existing advanced process control algorithms have to be tailored to tackle the specific issues of such facilities such as: a very complex biological system, constant changes in the metabolic activity and phenotypes, shifts of pH and/or temperature, and metabolic switches, to name a few. In this study we implement a model predictive control (MPC) framework to demonstrate: (1) the challenges in terms of mathematical model structure, state, and parameter estimation, and optimization under highly nonlinear and stiff dynamics in biological systems, (2) the adaptations required to enable the application of MPC in high throughput bioprocess development, and (3) the added value of MPC implementations when operating parallel mini-bioreactors aiming to maximize the biomass concentration while coping with hard constrains on the dissolved oxygen tension profile.

Determination of the Nutrient Quality of Pulp and Seed of Long Shape Variety of Persea americana (mill) and their Associated Fungal Flora

The research on the determination of the nutrient quality of pulp and seed of long shape variety of Avocado pear and their associated fungal flora was carried out in Plant Science and Biotechnology Laboratory, Rivers State University, Portharcourt. Long shape variety of Persea americana was purchased from the fruit garden market in D. line, Portharcourt. The fruit was sent to Food Science and Technology Laboratory for nutrient and antinutrient analysis while while another fuit was kept for mycological studies. Result of proximate analysis revealed the presence of moisture, ash, lipid, carbohydrate, fibre and protein. It was observed that in all the parameters assessed, moisture (70.4 0.17), ash (3.3 ±0.06) and lipid (11.43±0.06) values were higher for the pulp samples except for fibre (4.57±0.06), protein (17.13±0.32) and carbohydrate (61.73±0.20) which were higher in the seed samples. The mineral contents indicated higher value for calcium (26.90±0.00), phosphorus (480.0±0.00), potassium (32.43±0.06) and magnesium (42.00±0.00) in the pulp samples. However, vitamin C (47.80±21.13), chlorophyll (77.03±1.67) and thiamine (6.87±0.11) were available in higher quantities in pulp samples while vitamin A was high in the seed sample. Antinutrient and phytochemical investigations revealed glycoside, oxalate, saponin, tannin, carotenoid, polyphenol, flavonoid and lignin to be present in both the seed and pulp of Peasea americana . Nevertheless, Candida sp. (100%) was the only fungal isolate identified from the long samples and are implicated to cause spoilage. In general, Peasea americana is rich in nutrients beneficial to humans but are also prone to fungal contamination.