Journal of BioScience and Biotechnology (JBB)
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p-ISSN: 1314-6238 / e-ISSN: 1314-6246
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Item Synergistic Effect of Meropenem and Vancomycin Antibiotics with Ecballium elaterium and Senna italica Extracts(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Abdallah, Lubna; Odeh, Hiba; Salem, Huda; Barham, Thanaa; Nazzal, Samah; Kokaly, Rahaf; Aldeen, Hana Sa’d; Holuo, AmalThe aim of this study is to determine whether the use of plant extracts like Ecballium elaterium and Senna italica leaf aqueous extracts helps support the activity of meropenem and vancomycin antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) were used to find out the antibacterial effect of E. elaterium and S. italica extracts in combination with meropenem and vancomycin antibiotics by employing microbroth dilution assay and checkerboard assay. According to the obtained results, all combinations showed a synergistic effect against S. aureus except vancomycin and S. italica combinations which exhibited an additive effect. Moreover, all combinations exhibited an additive effect against S. epidermis except vancomycin and E. elatenium, which showed a synergistic effect. In conclusion, E. elaterium and S. italica leaf aqueous extracts have great potential as sources of antibacterial compounds against microorganisms and they can be used to treat infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.Item Analgesic effect of ethylacetate fraction of the methanol leaf extract of Hannoa klaineana in rats(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Abubakar, Ibrahim; Gusau, Mu’azu Abubakar; Danyaya, Jabir Aliyu; Ibrahim, Shehu; Abdullahi, Zayyanu; Zubairu, Abdulhakim; Sahabi, Abdulsalam UmarPain remains a major health, social, and economic problem worldwide. Hannoa klaineana Pierre & Engl. is a medicinal plant found in many African countries and used for the treatment of many diseases including pain-associated disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic effect of the ethylacetate fraction of methanol leaf extract of Hannoa klaineana in rats. The analgesic effect of the ethylacetate fraction of methanol leaves extract of Hannoa klaineana (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg b.wt) was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail flick (immersion), and hot plate model. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the number of writhes with maximum percentage inhibition (75.61%) at 600 mg/kg dose of the extract. In tail flick and hot plate tests, the extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg b.wt) exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in rats’ response with a steady increase in reaction time. Findings from this study show that ethylacetate fraction of the methanol leaves extract of Hannoa klaineana possessed analgesic activity which provided justification for the local use of the plant in the treatment of pain.Item Characterization and evaluation of antioxidant properties of leaf extracts from Rhododendron arboreum(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Mehra, Shobha; Afoma, Ufondu Maryann; Dudha, Namrata; Singh, Shilpy; Sharma, Shweta; Verma, Ved Vrat; Zuhaib, Mohammad; Sharma, Varun KumarPhytochemicals have been known to suppress the microbial activity and oxidative stress, which indicates the significance of plant material as anti-microbial and antioxidant agent. In this light the current study is worked out to screen the phytochemicals from the Rhododendron arboretum leaf extract and characterize it using HPLC. The alkaloids and flavonoids are the major secondary metabolites found during screening. Further, anti-oxidant properties of leaf extract of R. arboreum prepared in different solvent (methanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, and chloroform) were analyzed using DPPH and FRAP assay. Observation of the present study indicates that methanolic extracts was found to show significant anti-oxidant activity with the IC50 value of 241.2 µg/ml and 163.6 µg/ml in DPPH and FRAP assay respectively. In conclusion, the leaf extracts of R. arboretum can be one of the better natural source of antioxidant source and could be used for therapeutic purpose in the treatments of different diseases.Item Phytochemical screening and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Precious, Egharevba; Emilia, Igue; Kingsley, Enerijiofi; Orhue, AmengialueHelicobacter pylori, a common gastrointestinal bacterial pathogenic isolate infects 50% and 90% of the global and developing nations population respectively. This study aimed at evaluating the bioactive components and therapeutic potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina plants extracts against Helicobacter pylori infection using standard physicochemical, in-vitro and in-vivo microbiological methods. Five (5) stool samples were collected from patients who presented with symptoms of gastrointestinal distress and diagnosed of ulcer at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, for the isolation of Helicobacter pylori. Phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of the test plants revealed the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponin, steroids, phenols, alkaloids and terpenoids. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant’s extracts were determined at concentrations of 125, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/ml. While the different plants extract demonstrated a better anti-Helicobacter pylori activity as well as MIC when compared to the commonly used antibiotic amoxicillin, and other conventional antibiotics, the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity and MIC of Vernonia amygdalina was higher, followed by Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum. The in-vivo study as carried out using Wistar albino rats demonstrated the promising therapeutic effect of the plants extract against Helicobacter pylori infection. This study therefore suggests that Vernonia amygdalina, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum extracts possess anti-Helicobacter pylori properties, offering safe, effective, and cost-effective treatment options for the treatment of ulcer, caused by Helicobacter pylori.Item Response surface methodological approach for optimizing the enzyme activity and еnzymatically mediated bioprecipitation of heavy metals by alkaline phosphatase(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Vaishnav, Virendra K.; Chatterjee, Tanushree; Agrawal, ManishaThis study investigates using an alkaline phosphatase enzyme isolated from Bacillus cereus to decontaminate heavy metals. The experiments were performed with several process parameters, including substrate concentration, pH, and temperature. To optimize the best experimental conditions, they were estimated by using a central composite experimental design combined with response surface methodology (RSM). Variables were concentration of substrate ((p-NPP 14 to 17 mM), pH 8 to 10.5, and temperature (35 to 45oC). Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to classify the competence of the developed model and revealed a good understanding between the experimental data and the proposed model. The highest enzymatic activity 25.73 units/ml was identified by the RSM with the following optimal set of parameters: concentration of substrate 15.5 mM, pH 9.25, and temperature 34oC. The accuracy of the predicted model optimum parameters was confirmed by experimenting under the same parameters. It was found that the experimental enzyme activity efficiency under optimum conditions was very close (less than a 3% error) to the model-predicted value. The removal efficiency of each heavy metal was found to be in the following order: Hg >Pb>As.Item Frugal Method for Extracting DNA from Saliva Suitable for Low-Budget Labs and Usable in PCR Assays(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Kamar, Shayah; Joseph, Shenekji; Lana, Karnoub; Sana, Wohbeh; Hagar, HamshoBlood is the preferred source of DNA as it yields large quantities of high-quality DNA. However, there are challenges associated with this process, including difficulty in finding small and thin veins, rigid veins due to aging, and individuals with phlebotomy aversion, especially children. Therefore, obtaining DNA from saliva is considered a suitable alternative that requires minimal resources and is usable in DNA assays without the need for a phlebotomist, at a lower cost compared to most DNA extraction kits that require expensive materials. The suggested frugal method relies on providing a new solution for extracting DNA from human saliva without the need for enzymes or high grade reagents or columns, which makes suitable for low budget laboratories in developing countries to manufacture it locally, it uses a phase separation with technical skills to extract the DNA from the saliva achieving safety by not using hazardous reagents, and it is a sustainable eco-friendly method that gives decent yield of good quality DNA in ~20 minutes to be used in PCR applications with a cost that is estimated to be 10 times cheaper than current used methods.Item Cloning, characterization and expression pattern of the ovarian cytochrome P450 Cyp19a1a gene in gonadal developmental period of cobaltcap silverside Hypoatherina tsurugae(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Bej, Dilip KumarThe upregulation of cyp19a1a transcription factor required for granulosa cell differentiation and ovarian maintenance. 1630 bp of cyp19a1 mRNA transcript of Hypoatherina tsurugae was cloned and sequenced. It consists of open reading frame (ORF) of 1551 bp that encodes a 517 aa protein, found to be identical to the sequence of other fish species. A phylogenetic tree was constructed by comparing the mRNA sequence of 41 different fishes across various taxa available in the NCBI database and using as outgroup as Acipenser sinensis. The tree shows a high homology of cyp19a1a from H. tsurugae with cyp19a1a of Maelanotaenia boesemani, the two forming a single clade. The qRT expression of cyp19a1a was studied in both amhy+ (male) and amhy- (female) individuals. In amhy- (female) individuals, the expression was begins from 0 wah and peak at 6 wah then sharply decreases whereas in amhy+ (male) individuals expression was very low and it is in base line. The histological sections of gonads were studied in different stages of biweekly collected larvae during the sex determination/differentiation period and it showed that differentiation of gonads male/female was decided at 6 wah. In this stage the primary oocytes are recognized. These finding add to the knowledge for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of sex determination and differentiation period in fishes.Item Optimization and Validation of a Real-time PCR Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Lactococcus garvieae and Streptococcus agalactiae in Fish(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Zinyakasa, Taona R.; Chidzwondo, Farisai; Makawa, Tatenda; Sibanda, Sitokozile; Gomo, Exnevia; Musa, Tivapasi; Gori, ElizabethBackground: Lactococcus garvieae and Streptococcus agalactiae infections contribute to heavy losses in aquaculture farms worldwide. Currently, available pathogen diagnostic tools use biochemical and microbiological methods beleaguered by very low accuracy, reproducibility and specificity. Aim: To optimize and validate a rapid, sensitive and specific real-time PCR (qPCR) method for detecting L. garvieae and S. agalactiae in fish. Methods: Pairs of Streptococcus-specific (IGS-s/IGS-a) and Lactococcus-specific (CAU12F/CAU15R) primers were tested for specificity and sensitivity in the qPCR. qPCR was carried out at different temperatures and primer concentrations. The optimal conditions were determined to be the temperature and primer concentration with the lowest CT values. Results: For both primer sets, the optimal annealing temperature was 60oC, and the optimal primer concentration was 500 nM. The detection limit for L. garvieae was at dilution factor 10-3, with a mean CT value of 25.0, for S. agalactiae, 10-4 with a mean CT value of 29.8. The PCR efficiencies were 97% for L. garvieae and 91% for S. agalactiae, with linear slopes (R2 = 0.999). The assay demonstrated high repeatability and reproducibility. Conclusion: The optimum conditions established for the qPCR method enable rapid, highly sensitive and specific diagnosis of L. garvieae and S. agalactiae infection in fish.Item Exploring the Coordination, Anti-oxidant, and Bacterial Behavior of a New Azo Ligand Derived from 4,5-Dimethylimidazole with Copper and Zinc Divalent Ions(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Mubarak, Husham M.; Witwit, Israa N.; Salman, Hussein A. Ali; Al Rufaie, Mohauman M.New azo ligand synthesized from 4, 5-dimethylimidazole, focusing on its coordination properties with copper and zinc divalent ions. The experimental findings confirmed the formation of octahedral geometrical complexes, where the coordination occurs through one nitrogen atom of azo and an N3 atom of imidazole. Evidence from spectroscopic techniques (13-CNMR, Mass, FT-IR, and UV-Vis), conductivity measurements, and magnetic susceptibility supported the structural integrity of the complexes. Biological evaluation showed that the ligand and its complexes possess notable antibacterial properties, particularly the zinc complex, which exhibited stronger inhibitory effects against both Staphylococcus and E. coli bacteria. Antioxidant tests using the DPPH assay indicated that the ligand effectively scavenges free radicals, achieving 70% inhibition at 25 ppm, making it a promising candidate when compared to ascorbic acid. The results underscore the potential of this ligand and its complexes for applications in medicinal chemistry, especially in the development of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.Item Study on biological and environmental factors for azoospermia(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Dzhoglov, Spas; Ivanova, EvgeniyaThe absence of sperm in the seminal fluid is known as azoospermia. This medical condition is in a direct association with male's infertility. A complete medical history, physical examination, tests of selected hormones and tests for male fertility (including sperm analysis) are used for the diagnosis of azoospermia. The number of 1314 men, with fertility problems, at age between 20 and 67 years, were included in this investigation. The data obtained in the study showed that azoospermia occurred in 5.25% of the group studied. The Klinefelter syndrome was cytogenetically diagnosed in 2.9% of the male individuals. There was found that 44.3% of males with azoospermia have been smokers, 7.1% of them – addicted to drugs, 17.1% have taken different medicaments, 4.35% – have had radiation therapy, 4.35% have had a diagnosis "varicocele". The volume of the ejaculate was less than 2 ml in 37.68% of the men and more than 7 ml in 2.89% of them.Item Atmospheric pollution assessment with mosses in Western Rhodopes, Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Gecheva, Gana; Gribacheva, Nikolina; Yurukova, Lilyana; Stefanova, Violeta; Kmetov, Veselin; Frontasieva, Marina; Popgeorgiev, GeorgiThe moss analysis technique was applied to monitor 10 heavy metals and toxic elements deposition. Our study was the first attempt to assess spatial patterns in a border mountain region (area 8732 km2) with a low population density and high proportion of protected territories. The obtained results did not correlate to the results from areas with low air pollution and could be linked to the impact of old and open mines.Item Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants of Mirab-Badwacho district, Ethiopia(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Temam, Tamru; Dillo, AsalfewEthnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants was conducted in Mirab-Badawacho District of Ethiopia. Sixty traditional healers participated in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks and key informant interviews. Voucher specimens of the medicinal plants were collected during guided field walks. Ethnobotanical techniques such as informant consensus factor (ICF) and preference ranking were used to analyse the data. A total of 57 medicinal plants belonging to 40 families were recorded. The most commonly used plant families include Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae and Brassicaceae. Medicinal plants were mostly collected from the wild habitats. Herbs accounted for the lion's share of the medicinal plants. The medicinal plants of the study site were used to treat 31 ailments. About 42% of the plants were used to treat stomach ache, diarrhea and intestinal worms. Leaves (41%) and roots (20.3%) were the most frequently used medicinal plant parts. Flowers were least used plant parts for medicinal purpose. Routes of administration of the traditional remedies were mouth, skin, nose and eye. The study area has considerable diversity of medicinal plants. However, expansion of agricultural land, over grazing and deforestation are major threats to the medicinal plants. Hence, proper conservation measures need to be practiced for sustainability of the medicinal plants.Item Evaluation of the phenotypic variation in a caper (Capparis spinosa L.) population growing in south of Tehran using multivariate analysis(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Bina, Fatemeh; Bostani, AbdolamirThe aim of this study was to investigate the phenotypic variation among 100 caper (Capparis spinose L.) plants growing naturally in south of Tehran. Plant samples were taken randomly from three different regions of southern Tehran. The number of 29 phenotypic traits were studied on selected plants. Data were subsequently subjected to multivariate analysis. Results showed that fruit yield was significantly correlated with the number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, plant canopy, the number of thorns in every 50 cm of stem, thorn length and the number of flowers per plant (NFP). Also, there was a negative correlation between fruit length and the number of branches per each main stem. Stepwise multiple linear regression revealed that the number of main stems per plant, leaf width, petiole length, peduncle length and NFP were added to the model and hence had the greatest impact on fruit yield. Principle component analysis showed that the first two components accounted for 41.1% of the total variation. The first component was related to the fruit yield and its related traits, while the second component was related to the vegetative growth and showed competition between reproductive and vegetative functions. Cluster analysis of genotypes using Ward method and squared Euclidian distance criteria classified the samples into ten different groups. The results of this study suggested that crossing between samples 17 and 81 may produce useful recombinants.Item Evaluation of radiation use efficiency of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars as affected by plant density under Mashhad climatic conditions(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Ghavidel, Raheleh Ahmadzadeh; Asadi, Ghorban Ali; Naseri, Mohammad Taghi; Yazdi, Pour; Ghorbani, Reza; Khorramdel, SururIn order to determine the effect of different plant densities in bean cultivars, an experiment was conducted as factorial layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, during growing season the 2014-2015. Factors included four bean cultivars (such as Akhtar, D-81083Line, Naz and Goli), and three plant densities (including 13.3, 20 and 40 plants.m-2). Study has addressed some indicators including leaf area index (LAI), amount of absorbed radiation, dry matter accumulation and radiation use efficiency (RUE) in bean cultivars at different plant densities. The trend of increasing dry matter accumulation in all cultivars entered to the linear growth phase on the 20th day after planting and reached to its maximum on the 70th day after planting. The highest dry matter was obtained in Goli (300.4 g.m-2) and Naz (285.1 g.m-2) cultivars which was 32 and 30% higher compared to Akhtar and 30 and 28% higher compared to D-81083 Line cultivar, respectively. The highest radiation use efficiency (2.2 g.MJ-1) was obtained in treatment at density of 40 plants.m-2 and was in Goli (2.01 g.MJ-1) and Naz (1.98 g.MJ-1) cultivars. With increasing plant density, maximum leaf area index in bean cultivars increased gradually to its highest level (40 plants.m-2) and due to plants ghosting, continued to decrease. This result can be used for modeling of leaf area. With increasing plant density due to increasing of leaf area index, the amount of absorbed radiation increased and therefore the time to reach maximum dry matter accumulation decreased and dry matter accumulation increased.Item Sensitivity of two garden pea genotypes to physical and chemical mutagens(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Kalapchieva, Slavka; Tomlekova, NasyaA study on the sensitivity of two breeding lines of garden pea to mutagenic agents was carried out in the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Plovdiv. The purpose was to evaluate the sensitivity of the Pisum sativum L. genotypes to physical and chemical mutagens. In the experiment, the pea seeds were irradiated single or combined with 60Co gamma rays (40, 80, 100, 200 and 400 Gy) and Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 %. Visible morphological changes of the stems and leaves were observed in plant of M1 generation, such as shorter stems, double petiole, clover-shaped leaves and a couple of tendrils. Single treatments with 100 Gy 60Co induced the highest mutation frequency M.F. = 7.69 for line 88-7, and М.F. = 2.11 for line 97-3, reported in M2 generation. Higher doses or combined gamma rays and EMS treatments induced more efficiently mutations. Line 88-7 was selected for further mutagenic treatment due to the higher sensitivity assessed.Item Effects of enzyme supplementation on replacing corn with barley in diet of broiler chicks(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Sadeghi, Ghorbanali; Habibian, MahmoodTwo experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of an enzyme complex (Agrozyme®, a cocktail of cellulolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic enzymes) on barley energy content and its nutritive value for broiler chicks. In the first experiment, the effect of enzyme on barley energy content was determined using adult Leghorn cockerels. In the second experiment, the effects of the enzyme on performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of broilers fed diets containing 0, 50 and 100% replacement of diet corn with barley was investigated using 360 1-d-old chicks. Enzyme had no effect on barley energy content (first experiment). During 1 to 21 d period, chicks fed diet in which 100% of corn was replaced by barley had lower weight gain than those fed diet in which 50% of corn was replaced by barley. The high barley diet resulted in a significant increase in feed conversion ratio. During 21 to 35 d period, chicks fed the corn diets had lower weight gain than those fed barley containing diets. Enzyme had no effect on weight gain, but feed conversion ratio was improved by enzyme when chicks fed high barley diet. In the overall period, enzyme addition had no effect on performance. Carcass and abdominal fat weight was reduced, whereas the small intestine weight was increased when chicks fed diet in which 100% of corn was replaced by barley. Dietary treatments had no effect on dry matter, crude protein, and crude fat digestibilities.Item Antiviral activity of plant extract from Tanacetum vulgare against Cucumber Mosaic Virus and Potato Virus Y(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Petrov, Nikolay; Stoyanova, Mariya; Valkova, MiroslavaCucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Potato virus Y (PVY) have been described among the top five important viruses infecting vegetable species worldwide. They cause severe damages in fruits and cultivated plants. There is currently no available effective pesticide to control these viral diseases. Higher plants contain a wide spectrum of secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, quinones, tannins, essential oils, alkaloids, saponins, sterols and others. Extracts prepared from different plants have been reported to have a variety of properties including antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties against pathogens. Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It has many horticultural and pharmacological qualities. T. vulgare is principally used in traditional Asian and North African medicine as an antihelminthic, antispasmodic, stimulant to abdominal viscera, tonic, antidiabetic and diuretic, and it is antihypertensive. In our research we established antiviral effect of methanol extract from T. vulgare against CMV and PVY in tomato plants.Item Determination of degradability of germinated and heated soybean seeds and its proteins fractions(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Alizadeh, Behruz; Salamatdust, Ramin; Paya, Hamid; Parsaeimehr, KhosroA study on the sensitivity of watermelon variety Bojura to mutagenic agents was carried out in 2013-2014. The goal was to establish effective doses for mutagenic treatment of dry seeds with 60Co gamma rays (80, 100, 200, 250, 350 and 450 Gy) and swollen seeds with water for 24 hours were treated with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) at a concentration of 2%. Dominant mutations were not observed in the M1 generation. Morphological changes in 14 of 1395 M2 plants were observed. Phenotypic variations changes were the colour of the seed coat, chlorophyll disorders of cotyledons, leaves, petals, and alterations of the location of the fruit set in the central stem. Visible changes of the morphological characteristics of the fruit were not observed. The doses induced certain morphological changes, however, higher doses or combined gamma rays 60Co and EMS treatments would induce mutations more efficiently. Subsequent experiments are required to obtain mutants with changes that affect flowers and fruits. The results are important for increasing mutation efficiency in watermelon breeding.Item Development of bioprocess for high density cultivation yield of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans and its spores(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Pandey, Kavita R.; Vakil, Babu V.Bacillus coagulans is a spore forming lactic acid bacterium. Spore forming bacteria, have been extensively studied and commercialized as probiotics. Probiotics are produced by fermentation technology. There is a limitation to biomass produced by conventional modes of fermentation. With the great demand generated by range of probiotic products, biomass is becoming very valuable for several pharmaceutical, dairy and probiotic companies. Thus, there is a need to develop high cell density cultivation processes for enhanced biomass accumulation. The bioprocess development was carried out in 6.6 L bench top lab scale fermentor. Four different cultivation strategies were employed to develop a bioprocess for higher growth and sporulation efficiencies of probiotic B. coagulans. Batch fermentation of B. coagulans yielded 18 g L-1 biomass (as against 8.0 g L-1 productivity in shake flask) with 60% spore efficiency. Fed-batch cultivation was carried out for glucose, which yielded 25 g L-1 of biomass. C/N ratio was very crucial in achieving higher spore titres. Maximum biomass yield recorded was 30 g L-1, corresponding to 3.8 × 1011 cells mL-1 with 81% of cells in sporulated stage. The yield represents increment of 85 times the productivity and 158 times the spore titres relative to the highest reported values for high density cultivation of B. coagulans.Item Preliminary study of Endomycodiversity among three ethnomedicinal plants from family Meliaceae in Nigeria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Abubakar, Salisu; Ndana, Rebeccah WusaThe natives as well as the ethnic tribes inhabiting the study area of this research work value the plants as a source of medicine to cure some ailments. Many of the pharmaceutical compounds produced from medicinal plants are reportedly produced by their endophytic fungi. Hence, it is important to study endophytic fungi of ethnomedicinal plants and their biodiversity. Modified surface sterilization techniques using 3% surfactant and 70% sterilant were used to clean the explants before culturing. Various biochemical tests such as wet mount using methylene blue, Dalamau technique and urease test were employed for macro and microscopic endophytic fungal identification. Altogether 756 segments of which 26 segments each from leaves (young) and stem (twig) tissues of the respective plants were screened using modified surface sterilization techniques. Thirty one species of endophytic fungi was isolated. Based on taxonomical classification 26 belongs to Ascomycetes 2 Basidiomycetes and 5 species were recorded unidentified. The highest species richness as well as overall frequency of colonization was seen on stems of P. kotschi (20.7%) by Cladosporium species and Fusarium manilliforme from leaves (18%); Rhizoctonia species proved highest frequency of colonization on K. senegalensis stems (15.6%) followed by Cladosporium species on leaves (13.9%). Cryptococcus species showed the highest frequency of colonization on stems of A. indica (14.9%) while Cladosporium species showed the highest colonization on leaves (11%).