Rhizopus Sp Research Articles

Efficacy of Bacillus spp. Isolates for Application as Biofertilizer in Tomato (Solanum lycospersicum L.) Cultivation

Certain species of Bacillus are considered rhizobacteria that promote plant growth, inhibit the growth of plant pathogens and deleterious rhizospheric microorganisms. The aim of this study was to determine the stimulatory effect of Bacillus subtilis KBM1 and Bacillus venezensis KBM1 on the growth and disease reduction of tomato plants in Côte d'Ivoire. In this respect, three substrates consisting of soil only, sawdust only and a mixture of soil and sawdust were inoculated with the two bacteria, then left to ferment for twenty-four (24) hours. The biofertilizers obtained after fermentation were used to assess their effects on the development of potted tomatoes. Growth parameters, infection rate and mortality rate of tomato plants were measured regularly during 6 weeks of cultivation. A search for tomato pathogenic fungi was carried out to demonstrate the efficacy of Bacillus strains isolates on plant health. The results obtained showed that Bacillus subtilis KBM1 and Bacillus venezensis KBM1 had a positive impact on plant growth of tomato plants grown. Infection and mortality rates of 0% were observed for tomato plants grown on the three substrates inoculated with these two bacteria. No pathogenic fungi were isolated from the organs of tomato plants grown on the three substrates fermented with the bacteria. However, on untreated control plants, a variety of pathogenic fungi, namely Fusarium sp, Phytophtora sp, Cladosporium sp, Rhizoctonia sp, Colletotrichum sp, Penicillium sp, Rhizopus sp and Trichoderma sp were observed. However, the Bacillus subtilis KBM1 treatment stood out from Bacillus venezensis KBM1 with the best results for the growth parameters measured. In view of these results, these two bacteria could be used to produce an effective biofertilizer for tomato cultivation in Côte d'Ivoire.

Microorganisms Associated with Tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum) Rot and Effect of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Extract in Rot Control in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is a vital agricultural crop globally, yet it is significantly affected by various microbial pathogens leading to post-harvest rot, which threatens food security and economic stability. This study aimed to identify the microorganisms associated with tomato rot in Makurdi Metropolis and evaluate the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica) extract as a biocontrol agent. A total of 60 tomato fruits were sampled from the five major markets within the Makurdi metropolis. They were cultured on Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, Potato Dextrose agar, Mannitol salt agar, and Eosin Methylene blue agar. The organisms identified were Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter sp, Shigella sp, Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Aspergillus sp, and Fusarium sp. Neem extract was used for susceptibility tests on the bacterial isolates at 10%, 50%, and 100% concentration, and it was found most effective on some bacterial isolates at higher concentrations of 100% with wider zones of inhibitions. Vegetative growth of the fungi on neem extract decreased with increase in concentrations. This finding proved the potentiality of plant extracts for controlling the fungal rot of tomato fruit. A pathogenicity test was conducted with readings taken at intervals of days and it was noticed that the microbial isolates were actually the cause of tomato rot. This study underscores the importance of identifying microbial threats to tomato crops and highlights neem extract as a promising natural alternative for managing tomato rot, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Makurdi Metropolis and Nigeria at large.

Pengaruh Lama Perebusan Kedelai (Glycine max. L) Menggunakan Autoclave Terhadap Senyawa Fitokimia Tempe

Tempe is a traditional Indonesian food, a processed product made from soybeans which is formed from the Rhizopus Sp type mold, especially from the R. oligosporus species through a fermentation process. The tempeh production process needs to be improved in terms of time efficiency, cost, workmanship effectiveness and nutrition. This improvement can be done by boiling the soybeans in an autoclave. Soybeans contain antioxidant compounds in the form of isoflavones, tocopherol and ascorbate. Antioxidants are really needed by the body as an antidote to free radicals because they work by donating one electron to compounds that are oxidants so that the negative impact of oxidants can be inhibited. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of boiling time for soybeans (Glycine max L.) in an autoclave on phytochemical compounds (total polyphenols, total flavonoids and antioxidants) as well as the sensory properties (color and compactness) of soybean tempeh. This research method uses a non-factorial experimental design prepared with RAL (Completely Randomized Design) which consists of 1 factor, namely the length of boiling soybeans in an autoclave with 4 treatment levels P1 (5 minutes), P2 (10 minutes), P3 (20 minutes), P4 (30 minutes) and each treatment was repeated 3 times. The results showed that the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were obtained from soybean tempeh with soybean tempeh treatment in an autoclave for 5 minutes, namely 5.33 mgGAE/g and 0.121 mgQE/g, while the highest antioxidant activity was obtained from soybean tempeh with boiling treatment. soya bean. in an autoclave for 30 minutes, namely 11.32%

Molecular and Morphological Assessment of the Impact of Gas Flares on the Fungal Abundance and Diversity in soils of Niger Delta Area, Nigeria

Fungal abundance and diversity in soils of three communities flow stations (ID, IR and OB) owned by an unnamed oil exploration firm operating in the Niger Delta area for about five decades were determined using nucleic acid analytical methods. Top soil (0-15 cm) samples were collected from mini pits using sterile bottles at 50, 100 and 150 meters from the flare barrier of each community flow station and soil samples from the control was taken at 2.5 kilometers during the dry and wet seasons. The fungal properties were determined first using the cultural method of serial dilution method which revealed the presence of the following fungi; Aspergillus sp, and penicillium chrysogenum at 50 m away from flare in all the three flow stations during the dry seasons and in the wet season Aspergillus sp, penicillium chrysogenum, Mucor sp., yeast cells, A. niger, and Rhizopus sp. At 100 m away from flare, Mucor sp, A. niger and rhizopus were isolated in all three-flow station in the dry season and in the wet season, Yeast cells, A. niger, Aspegillus sp. and Rhizopus were isolated. P. chrysogenum, Aspergillus sp. and yeast cells were isolated at 150 m away from flare in the dry season and in the same distance, yeast cells, A. niger aggregate, A. niger and P. chrysogenum were isolated. At the control site, during the dry season, A. niger, P. chrysogenum, Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp. and Botryodiplodia threobome were isolated in the dry and A. niger, P. chrysogenum and yeast in the wet season. Fungal DNA was extracted using Norgen fungal genomic DNA extraction kits for the molecular analysis to establish the true characteristics and species identity of the isolates earlier identified with cultural methods. This revealed the presence of the following fungi upon sequence blast on NCBI database; Aspergillus fumigatus (Aspergillus fumigatus brown 2 (abr2) gene, complete cds strain), Aspergillus fumigatus (Aspergillus fumigates strain IHM 15988 pigment biosynthesis protein), Fusarium phyllophilum , Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus oryzae (a strain of Aspergillus niger) Aspergillus oryzae (niger). Findings from this work have shown that molecular technique gave the exact identity of fungal species isolated from study area. All six (6) molecularly identified fungi were isolated from the three-study flow station and in both seasons. The Aspergillus group was dominant as a result of their ability to adapt to the flare environment

Analysis of Primary Metabolite Compound Content in Tempe Durian Seeds (Durio zibethinus)

Durian seed tempe is tempe made from durian seed waste through a fermentation process by the same microorganisms used to make soybean tempe, namely Rhizopus sp. This research aims to determine the content of primary metabolite compounds in durian seed tempe. The process of determining the fat content in durian seed tempe uses the soxhletation method with n-hexane solvent. The protein content is determined using the Kjedhal method, which uses 3 processes, namely digestion, distillation, and titration. Meanwhile, carbohydrate levels are determined using the anthrone method. Based on the results obtained in this research, namely: the results of the analysis of the fat content contained in durian seed tempe were 0.006 grams. The protein content in durian seed tempe is 0.216, and the carbohydrate content in durian seed tempe is 2.421 grams

The difference of fungal growth Rhizopus sp. in SDA and PDA Media from toe nail samples of construction workers

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection caused by dermatophyta and non-dermatophyte groups which infect the toenails or fingernails. Onychomycosis infection can lead to the damage of the nails which causes the nail thickness, brittle, and easily destroyed. Rhizopus sp. is considered to be one of the fungal species in the non-dermatophyte fungal infection group in the disease Onychomycosis. This study aims to determine the differences in the growth of non-dermatophyte fungi that cause onychomycosis infections on SDA and PDA media in samples of toenails from construction workers in Lamongan Regency. The research method used is descriptive, and the sampling technique used is random sampling. The sample size examined was 15 construction workers in duplicate, 15 planted in PDA media and 15 planted in SDA media. The material for this examination is scrapings from the toenails of construction workers which are planted directly on SDA and PDA media, then followed by macroscopic and microscopic examination. Based on macroscopsic examination, it was found that the colonies were white to grayish white, had a cotton-like surface and were spreading. Based on microscopic examination using the addition of 1 drop of LCB dye reagent, fungal elements were obtained which indicated the non-dermatophyte fungus Rhizopus sp. namely there are stolon, rhizoid, sporangiospore, sporangium and apoplysis. From the results of this research it can be concluded that there is growth of the fungus Rhizopus sp. non-dermatophyte group on PDA media and SDA media, there was no difference in the growth of non-dermatophyte fungi that cause onychomycosis in the toenails of construction workers in Lamongan Regency on PDA media and SDA media and there was a difference in the growth of the fungus Rhizopus sp. Non-dermatophyte groups causing onychomycosis based on age.

Cutaneous Mucormycosis in Buffalos in the Brazilian Amazon Biome.

This is the first description of cutaneous mucormycosis in buffalo in the Brazilian Amazon biome. All buffalo showed apathy, inappetence, weight loss, reluctance to move, and prolonged sternal decubitus. Of the four affected animals, two died 15 and 30 days after the appearance of clinical signs. In the initial phase, the skin lesions were rounded areas with dry central regions, sensitive to palpation, with protruding edges and diameters ranging from 8 cm to 15 cm. These areas of necrosis were isolated or coalescing and present mainly on the limbs and sides. In an advanced stage of the disease, there was detachment of the skin from the necrotic areas with extensive wound formation, which sometimes exposed the subcutaneous tissue. The histopathology of the skin showed a multifocal inflammatory infiltrate composed of intact and degenerated eosinophils surrounded by epithelioid macrophages. At the center of these areas was a focally extensive area of epidermal ulceration characterized by intact and degenerated neutrophils, the necrosis of epithelial cells, and the accumulation of fibrin and erythrocytes. The mycological culture was positive for Rhizopus sp. The diagnosis of cutaneous dermatitis caused by Rhizopus sp. was based on clinical signs, macroscopic and histopathological findings, and the identification of the fungus by mycological and molecular techniques.

PEMANFAATAN KULIT Musa paradisiaca DAN Musa acuminata SEBAGAI MEDIA PERTUMBUHAN Rhizopus sp. DAN Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Banana peels contains simple sugars and complex sugars which can be utilized in metabolism of microorganisms. This means that banana peels can be used as an alternative culture medium for microorganisms. Rhizopus sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a type of microbe that often found in nature, and is one type of microbe that can be used in the food and non-food industries. In general, fungi need nitrogn, carbon, vitamins and growth factors. In this research, two types of fungi were grown on the Musa paradisiaca peels (pisang tanduk) and Musa acuminata peels (pisang kepok), as well as potato dextrose agar as a control medium. Growth was observed 24, 48 and 72 hours after inoculation. The data obtained is a qualitative data and analyzed descriptively. We found that the growth results on alternative medium using M. acuminata were quite good for Rhizopus sp. and S. cerevisiae. Meanwhile, medium using M. paradisiaca more suitable for the growth of Rhizopus sp. Keywords: Musa paradisiaca peels, Musa acuminata peels, Rhizopus sp., Saccharomyces cerivisiae

Pharmacological application of microemulsion formulated with rhizopus sp extract

Fungi have been recognized as a great source of bioactive metabolites with great medical and pharmaceutical applicability. The objective of this work was to produce a fungal extract from Rhizopus spp and identify the secondary metabolites obtained, followed by preparation of a microemulsion formulated with Rhizopus sp extract; characterizing its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Among the metabolites obtained, sorbitol, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid stand out. The formulated microemulsion proved to be an effective pharmacological presentation in preserving the metabolites obtained from the fungal extract, and also potentiating in relation to the extract, when comparing the antioxidant activity and antimicrobial action.

Microbial, Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Freshly Extracted Apple and Cucumber Juice Subjected to Preservatives and Storage Conditions

Fruit juices are commonly consumed for their refreshing attribute, nutritive values and health benefits. Fruit juice samples were treated with 0.5 g/ml garlic, 0.5 g/ml ginger, 0.25 g/ml mix of ginger and garlic and 0.05% (w/v) of sodium benzoate respectively where the ginger, garlic and sodium benzoate serve as natural and artificial preservatives. Their effects on the fruit juices were evaluated during 8 days of storage at 4°C and ambient temperature (28±2°C). Juice treated with sodium benzoate had the least microbial contamination while the untreated juice had the highest. The bacterial isolated from the samples were Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp. (Most occurring bacteria isolated), Micrococcus sp, and lactobacillus sp. The fungi isolated in the course of the study were Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus sp and Penicillium sp. (The highest occurred fungi isolated). There was a marginal decrease in pH values across treatments in stored juices with juice stored at 4°C showing the least change in pH compared to that stored at ambient temperature. The results obtained show that the preservatives exhibited an antimicrobial effect on the microbial load. The Total titratable acidity of all samples increased with time at ambient temperature and decreased at refrigerated temperature. The ascorbic acid content of both juices samples at storage temperatures decreased after the storage period due to the high sensitivity of vitamin C to oxygen, light, heat, etc. In conclusion, the findings of this study generally indicate that combination of chemical and natural preservation together with refrigeration is suitable for the preservation of fruit juice for a long time. Chemical preservatives can be recommended to be replaced with natural preservatives such as ginger and garlic, since the process is inexpensive and easy. However, preservation of fruit juice at ambient temperature for a long time should be discouraged to reduce microbial contamination.

Inactivation of isolated fungi on Erythrina velutina Willd. seeds through atmospheric plasma.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atmospheric plasma application on the inactivation of fungi on the surface of Erythrina velutina seeds and on isolated fungal colonies. Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design. First, plasma was applied to the surface of the seeds using helium gas and atmospheric plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min in addition to the control (untreated seeds), constituting seven treatments with five repetitions each. In the second experiment, Petri dishes containing the inoculum of different fungi were treated with atmospheric air plasma for 3, 6, and 9 min (Air-3, Air-6, and Air-9) and were compared with untreated fungi in Petri dishes without treatment (control), totaling four treatments and five repetitions each. We found that the application of atmospheric air plasma to E. velutina seeds for 9 min had an antimicrobial effect on the fungi Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium sp., Brachysporium sp., and Rhizopus sp. The formation of fungal colonies isolated from E. velutina seeds was also inhibited by 3 min of exposure to atmospheric air plasma, except for A. niger, whose inhibition occurred after 6 min of exposure to atmospheric plasma.

Cross Flow Microfiltration System in Separating Fermented Nixtamal Corn for Preparation of Natural Folic Acid

A purification process of biomass of nixtamal yellow corn fermented by Rhizopus oligosporus strain C1 (FNC-A) and Rhizopus sp (FNC-B) was performed using a microfiltration (MF) membrane with pore size 0.15 µm installed in a crossflow microfiltration (CFMF) system to obtain retentate and permeate fractions as natural folic acid preparations. CFMF process was conducted at room temperature with a pump motor frequency (PMF) of 10 Hz (flow rate of 3.5 L/min) and a transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 4 bar for 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes. Based on optimum folic acid, the results showed that the best treatments of FNC-B and FNC-B were achieved at 90 min, resulting in a folic acid increase in retentate of FNC-A and FNC- B of 72.61 and 95.26%, reducing sugar of 20.41 and 170.93% (1.7-folds), total sugars of 155.51% (1.55-folds) and 426.76% (4.27-folds), and dissolved protein of 55.33 and 39.20%, and decrease in total solids of 88.91 and 91.64%, respectively, compared to initial biomass of FNC-A and FNC-B. The MFCF system effectively separated folic acid in retentates of FNC-A (33.77%) and FNC-B (95.27%) at the optimal condition. Folic acid monomers predominated the characteristics of FNC-A and FNC-B in optimum conditions with molecular weights of 442.10 and 442.18 Dalton, the average particle size of 38.31 μm and 37.97 μm, and distribution of particles at 10, 50, and 90% from the particle size 10.31, 26.32 and 81.55 μm, and 10.37, 28.04 and 76.09 μm, respectively.

PENAMBAHAN TEPUNG DAUN KELOR (Moringa oleifera) DENGAN VARIASI SUHU PENGERINGAN DAN KONSENTRASI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN NILAI GIZI TEMPE

Tempeh is a food product made from fermented soybeans using a type of mold called (Rhizopus sp) and contains good nutrition for the health of human body. Likewise, moringa leaves contain useful nutrients such as high antioxidant and protein content. This research aimed to determine the chemical and sensory characteristics of tempeh with the addition of moringa leaf flour using variations in the drying temperature of moringa leaves and the concentration of moringa leaf addition to soybeans based on the highest antioxidant activity and consumer preference. This study used a 2 factorial (CRD). The first factor was the drying temperature of moringa leaves and the second factor was the concentration of the addition of moringa leaf powder. Parameters observed in this study included chemical analysis, physical analysis and organoleptic test analysis. The best research result was at the drying temperature of moringa leaves at 40°C and the addition of moringa leaf powder with a concentration of 9%. From the results of the analysis, it was identified that the water content was 63,03%; the fat content was 0,98%; the protein content was 23,13%; the antioxidant activity was 58,72%; the pH was 5,70. Based on the physical analysis of this treatment, the tempeh had greenish spots from the tempeh and mold or mycelium which were white in color and have a compact texture. Meanwhile, the organoleptic test included the color of 1,54, the moringa leaf aroma of 1,53, the tempeh aroma of 3,64, the tempeh taste of 2,99.

Cross Flow Microfiltration System in Separating Fermented Nixtamal Corn for Preparation of Natural Folic Acid

A purification process of biomass of nixtamal yellow corn fermented by Rhizopus oligosporus strain C1 (FNC-A) and Rhizopus sp (FNC-B) was performed using a microfiltration (MF) membrane with pore size 0.15 µm installed in a crossflow microfiltration (CFMF) system to obtain retentate and permeate fractions as natural folic acid preparations. CFMF process was conducted at room temperature with a pump motor frequency (PMF) of 10 Hz (flow rate of 3.5 L/min) and a transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 4 bar for 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes. Based on optimum folic acid, the results showed that the best treatments of FNC-B and FNC-B were achieved at 90 min, resulting in a folic acid increase in retentate of FNC-A and FNC- B of 72.61 and 95.26%, reducing sugar of 20.41 and 170.93% (1.7-folds), total sugars of 155.51% (1.55-folds) and 426.76% (4.27-folds), and dissolved protein of 55.33 and 39.20%, and decrease in total solids of 88.91 and 91.64%, respectively, compared to initial biomass of FNC-A and FNC-B. The MFCF system effectively separated folic acid in retentates of FNC-A (33.77%) and FNC-B (95.27%) at the optimal condition. Folic acid monomers predominated the characteristics of FNC-A and FNC-B in optimum conditions with molecular weights of 442.10 and 442.18 Dalton, the average particle size of 38.31 μm and 37.97 μm, and distribution of particles at 10, 50, and 90% from the particle size 10.31, 26.32 and 81.55 μm, and 10.37, 28.04 and 76.09 μm, respectively.

Design, Spectral and Biological Evaluation of Benzohydrazide Derivatives

The TiO2(R) Nanoparticles were synthesised by the sol–gel method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction(XRD) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectra. The benzohydrazide derivatives (1-4) have been synthesized by using sol-gel prepared TiO2 (R) acting as a catalyst under solvent conditions and characterized by FT-IR, NMR and mass spectral studies. Antimicrobial studies were carried out against the bacterial strains viz., Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonasaeruginosa and fungal strains viz., Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Mucor and Rhizopus sp.

The Effect of Rhizopus sp. Concentration and Fermentation Time on the Characteristics of Country Chicken Egg White Flour

The process of making domestic chicken egg white flour can be done by drying using an oven at 105 0C. To avoid the Maillard reaction, fermentation was carried out with Rhizopus sp. first. In this study, Rhizopus sp. concentrations of 0.2 %, 0.4 %, 0.6 %, 0.8 % and fermentation times of 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours were used. The aim of the research was to analyze the effect of the concentration of Rhizopus sp. yeast and the length of fermentation time on the characteristics of the egg white flour produced. The results showed that the concentration of Rhizopus sp. yeast and the length of fermentation time had an effect on the yield of egg white flour (P<0.05). The highest yield was obtained from using a concentration of 0.8 % and a fermentation time of 24 hours, namely 14.40 %. The lowest water content value was obtained from using a concentration of 0.2 % and a fermentation time of 6 hours, namely 5.66 %. The highest brightness test value was at a concentration of 0.8 % and a fermentation time of 24 hours, namely 63.4 %..

Use of Common Herbs to Control Microbial Aerosols in Toilet Rooms

Four distinct plant species were used in an investigation into the capacity of plant active volatile essence to eradicate microorganisms in the atmosphere (bioaerosols) in restrooms: Allium sativum (garlic), Allium cepa (onion), Zingiber officinalis (ginger), and Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf). The study was conducted in the student restrooms for microbiology at Rivers State University Nkpolu Oroworukwu in Port Harcourt. Sedimentation method of aerosol sampling was used to collect the air samples. Artificial culture media were exposed to air at different times, including nutrient agar for total heterotrophic bacteria, Mac Conkey agar for enteric bacteria, sadour and dextrose agar for aerobic fungi, thiosulfate citrate bile salt sucrose agar for vibrio, Cystine lactose electrolyte deficient agar for urinary pathogens, and mannitol salt agar for staphylococcus.
 Samples was taken from the toilet without any mashed plant and served as a control. The THB isolates identified were Bacillus spp, Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus sp, Lactobacillus sp, Enterococcus sp, Corynobacterium sp, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia. While the fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, pennicillum sp, Rhizopus sp, Saccharomyces sp, Mucor Sp, Candida sp, Asperillus flavus, Fusarium sp. It can be deduced that these medicinal herbs has the ability in reducing microbial aerosol using ginger, onion, scent leaf, garlic also by combination of the herbs which are Onion & garlic, Onion & garlic, Onion & ginger, Garlic & scent leaf, Garlic & ginger, Scent leaf & ginger, Onion, garlic & scent leaf, Onion, garlic & ginger, Garlic, Scent leaf & ginger, Onion, garlic, scent leaf & ginger. Specifically the microbial aerosols in this investigation including bacteria and fungi were Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus species, Lactobacillus species, Enterococcus species, Corynobacterium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia. Aspergillus niger, pennicillum species, Rhizopus species, Saccharomyces species, Mucors species, Candida species, Asperillus flavus, Fusarium species. This work proved that microbial load can be reduced using natural means (plant extract).

Assessment of Microbial Loads, Species Characterization and Composition in Prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) Fillets from Major Wetlands in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The objective of this paper is to assess the assessment of microbial loads, species characterization and composition in prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) fillets from major wetlands (Nwaniba, Ibaka, Ibeno and Itu) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The microbial loads, species characterization and composition in prawn fillets were determined using standard microbiological procedures. Results from the study revealed total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 2.10 x 104cfu/g in samples from Ibeno to 7.30 x 104cfu/g from Itu samples. Samples from Itu also recorded the highest values (3.5 x 104cfu/g) of total heterotrophic fungal counts. A total of eight bacterial (Staphilococcus aureus, S. albus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Arthrobacter freundii and Salmonella ecterica) and six fungal (Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. terreus, Mucor mucedo, and Rhizopus sp) species were isolated. The bacterial species, Micrococcus luteus and Arthrobacter freundii had 100% frequency of occurrence while in the fungal group it was Candida tropicalis. The presence of these pathogenic organisms in prawn samples from these wetland areas may infer possible threat to the health of prawn consumers especially when the products are undercooked or poorly processed before consumption.

Fermentation of rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal using mixed microbes to improve its nutritional quality

Abstract. Anwar A, Zainuddin, Djawad MI, Aslamyah S. 2023. Fermentation of rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal using mixed microbes to improve its nutritional quality. Biodiversitas 24: 5863-5872. Rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal is a source of protein; however, its utilization remains limited due to the presence of anti-nutrients, such as tannins acting as protein inhibitors, high crude fiber content, dissolved protein, and low digestibility of dry and organic matter. Fermentation using mixed microbes potentially enhances the nutritional value of rain tree seed meal. This study aims to improve the nutritional quality and reduce anti-nutritional factors in rain tree seed flour using mixed microbes at various doses and incubation times in vitro. Microbes utilized in this study include Bacillus sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhizopus sp. The study was designed using a Factorial Completely Randomized Design, using two factors, i.e., 3 doses of mixed microbes (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mL/100 g rain tree seed meal) and 3 different incubation times (42, 72 and 96 hours). There were significant interactions between the microbe doses and incubation times. The treatment of 4.5 mL of mixed microbes/100 g rain tree seed meal and a 72 hours incubation time reduced substantially crude fiber content (59.60%) and crude fat (73.20%), coupled with an increase in crude protein content (11.62%), NFE (6.52%), dry matter digestibility (DMD) (36.78%), organic matter digestibility (OMD) (50.42%), and dissolved protein content (20.27%). Tannin content reduced significantly (37.72%) at the treatment of 4.5 mL of mixed microbes/100g rain tree seed meal with an incubation time of 96 hours. These findings suggest that rain tree seed meal, subjected to fermentation for 72 hours or more, improves nutritional quality, DMD, and OMD.

Tempeh Nuggets as an Additional Feeding Intervention to Prevent Stunting in Padang Village, Lumajang

Stunting is a condition when toddlers have a height or length disproportionate to the height of their age. Supplementary feeding is an intervention program for under-fives who suffer from malnutrition with the aim of improving nutritional status and meeting the nutritional needs of children. One of the interventions that can be done to prevent stunting is the provision of additional foods that are high in protein. The goal of this community service is to increase the knowledge of mothers of toddlers related to stunting and stunting prevention interventions. This community service method is through interactive health counseling, namely lectures and questions and answers to 21 mothers of toddlers, which was held on July 19, 2023, at the Padang Village Hall, Padang District. The results of this community service activity went well and smoothly. This is evidenced by the activation of the participants in question, and the average knowledge of the participants increased from education 6.73 to 7.60. Tempe is a processed fermented soybean Rhizopus sp mold, the fermentation process will change the physical and chemical form of soybeans into tempeh products that are highly nutritious and can be used as functional foods. Tempe with its protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals content can be easily digested and is suitable for all age groups ranging from infants to the elderly. Tempe nuggets are processed products in frozen form that are ready to be cooked. Tempe nuggets can be one of the innovations of high-protein supplementary foods to prevent stunting.