Effect of Christmas Melon (Laganaria Breviflorus) extract on toxigenic Mycoflora Isolated from Stored Unpolished Rice sold in major Markets in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Study on toxigenic mycoflora and potential mitigation effect of Christmas Melon (Laganaria Breviflorus) extract in unpolished rice sold in Abeokuta Ogun state of Nigeria was carried out. Unpolished rice gotten from markets in Abeokuta were aseptically transported to the laboratory, serial dilution to reduce the fungal load was carried out and were plated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Methyl Red Dessicated Coconut Agar (MRDCA) respectively. Microscopy, macroscopy, toxigenicity test and inhibition studies with the peeled and unpeeled fruit of Laganaria breviflorus fermented for seven days was carried out. Results reveal the predominance of Aspergillus as the major genera, specifically, A. niger, A.flavus, A. parasiticus, A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. nidulans. Other fungi genera isolated include Penicillium, F`usarium, Mucor, Alternaria and Rhizopus . Of the 11 fungi genera isolated, 9 were toxigenic of which the zones of inhibition of unpeeled whole fruit extract of Laganaria breviflorus range from (3 - 28mm) where A. nidulans shows the highest susceptibility to the whole fruit extract of Laganaria breviflorus while the zone of inhibition of peeled fruit extract of Laganaria breviflorus ranges from (3 - 22mm) where A. parasiticus, Fusarium specie and P.chrysogenum showed the highest susceptibility . As the day progresses the zone of inhibition becomes wider. Unpeeled LB extract exhibited more zones of inhibition than the peeled LB extract. Laganaria breviflorus fruit extracts in the study demonstrates a potential in reducing toxigenic fungi, consequently a means to reducing mycotoxins in staple foods in Nigeria.

Antimicrobial Effect of Geophila obvallata (Schumach) Didr. Leaf Ectracts Against Pathogenic Microbes

The increase in synthetic drug resistance by pathogenic microbes has led to the development of plant-based antimicrobial drugs that are more reliable and non-lethal to human health at increased dosage. The antibacterial and antifungal potential of Geophila obvallata extracts were tested on clinical isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis,Streptococcus pyogenes, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus) using standard techniques. The zones of inhibition were shown to increase with increasing concentrations of the extracts. Inhibition was higher in Gram positive bacteria (9.10 to 31.00mm in 40mg/mL concentration) than Gram negative bacteria (3.50 to 27.00mm in 40mg/mL concentration), while the fungal isolates had the least zones of inhibition (2.83 to 25.00mm in 40mg/ml concentration). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were lowest in the methanol extract than aqueous extract. Simillarly, MIC for bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus) were 0.3 and 2.0mg/mL respectively. Methanol extract had higher antibacterial and antifungal effect than aqueous extract. Ciprofloxacin, used as control for bacteria had the highest inhibitory activity (33.67mm) when compared to that of the highest concentration of plant extracts administered. Also, ketoconazole gave the highest zones of inhibition (32.33mm) on the fungi isolates compared to those of the extracts. The performance of the methanol extract of 40mg/mL of Geophila obvallata in the inhibition of Bacillus subtilis was not significantly different from that of Ciprofloxacin. The findings in this study therefore validate the antimicrobial effect of Geophila obvallata leaf extracts as well as its possible application in medicine.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Extracts of Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemon Grass) and Phyllantus Amarus (Stone Breaker) Leaves

This study described the chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of fresh and dried leaves of Phyllantus amarus (PA) (Stone breaker), Cymbopogon citratus (CC) (Lemon grass) and combination of stone breaker and lemon grass (PA/CC and DL/DP) using standard methods. The proximate and mineral results showed that both fresh and dried samples of Phyllantus amarus and Cymbopogon citratus were rich in crude fibre (18.53%, 14.65%), ash (16.27%, 2.29%), potassium (95.56 mg/100g, 54.04 mg/100g), calcium (58.57 mg/100g, 7.05 mg/100g), and sodium (15.23 mg/100g, 9.84 mg/100g) respectively. The ability of the extracts to scavenge 2, 2 diphenyl -2- picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical showed that the fresh PA had the highest scavenging activity of 91.12 mg/g, followed (PA/CC) 90.93 mg/g and dried PA (85.61mg/g). The phytochemical composition of the extracts also revealed that they contain high content of cardiac glycoside (11.62 mg/g - 64.81 mg/g), terpenoid (14.56 mg/g - 69.66 mg/g), phenol (14.73 mg/g - 53.93 mg/g), saponin (22.61 mg/g - 30.47mg/g). Dried lemon and dried Phyllantus amarus (DL/DP) was found to be rich in Vitamin A (22.22 mg/g), while the lowest value of Vitamin E (0.36 mg/g) was obtained from fresh lemon grass (0.36mg/g). Antibacterial assay carried out on the two leaves extracts showed that they produced mild antibacterial activity against some foodborne pathogen (Bacillus cereus, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp). with zones of inhibition of 4.3 mm -9.1mm. Further studies should be carried out to investigate the employment of the leaves in production of functional food

An investigation of the effect of the extracts from the seeds of Bidens pilosa on the growth of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium also found in the human. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, non-pathogenic, endospore-forming bacterium. The spores can survive the heat and B. subtilis to cause food poisoning. The study hypothesized that the extracts from B. pilosa would inhibit the growth of E. coli and B. subtilis. The seeds of B. pilosa were purchased from the seed company. The seeds were dried, ground, and shaken in acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water for 72 hours. Solvents were evaporated and the crude extracts were used for antibacterial activity using a modified Kirby-Bauer disc method. The results revealed that the growth of E. coli was inhibited by the extracts using ethanol. The zones of inhibition were 13 mm. The extracts that were extracted using acetone and water were not effective in inhibiting the growth of E. coli. The growth of B. subtilis was inhibited by the extracts from acetone and methanol. The zones of inhibition were 13 mm. The results revealed that the extracts from ethanol and water were not effective in inhibiting the growth of B. subtilis. Seeds of B. pilosa have the potential to be used as antimicrobials.

Facilitating GL13K Peptide Grafting on Polyetheretherketone via 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide: Surface Properties and Antibacterial Activity

In the present work, the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) of GL13K was successfully coated onto a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) substrate to investigate its antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. To improve the coating efficiency, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) was mixed with a GL13K solution and coated on the PEEK surface for comparison. Both energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data confirmed 30% greater peptide coating on PEEK/GL13K-EDC than PEEK without EDC treatment. The GL13K graft levels are depicted in the micrograms per square centimeter range. The PEEK/GL13K-EDC sample showed a smoother and lower roughness (Rq of 0.530 µm) than the PEEK/GL13K (0.634 µm) and PEEK (0.697 µm) samples. The surface of the PEEK/GL13K-EDC was more hydrophilic (with a water contact angle of 24°) than the PEEK/GL13K (40°) and pure PEEK (89°) samples. The pure PEEK disc did not exhibit any inhibition zone against S. aureus. After peptide coating, the samples demonstrated significant zones of inhibition: 28 mm and 25 mm for the PEEK/GL13K-EDC and PEEK/GL13K samples, respectively. The bacteria-challenged PEEK sample showed numerous bacteria clusters, whereas PEEK/GL13K contained a little bacteria and PEEK/GL13K-EDC had no bacterial attachment. The results confirm that the GL13K peptide coating was able to induce antibacterial and biofilm-inhibitory effects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of successful GL13K peptide grafting on a PEEK substrate via EDC coupling. The present work illustrates a facile and promising coating technique for a polymeric surface to provide bactericidal activity and biofilm resistance to medical implantable devices.

Phytogenic Synthesis of Nanoparticles from the Extract of Achyranthes aspera-A Panacea for Dental Health Care

Achyranthes aspera belongs to Amaranthaceae family and is found in barren and arid regions in India. The plants are categorized as a weed in Ceylon, Asia, Africa and Australia but tribal communities in India have known its benefits for topical treatments of many ailments from Vedic civilizations. The leaf, stem and root aqueous extracts were used for monometallic zinc and bimetallic copper-zinc nanoparticle synthesis and testing antibacterial activity against the diseases causing drug resistant bacterial pathogens viz. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis using standard methods. Microbes confirmed that the plant contains bioactive compounds that exhibit measurable antimicrobial activity against standard pathogenic bacteria. The nanoparticle synthesis was confirmed by visual color change and UV spectroscopic evaluation of solution. The different plant parts showed different absorption peak at 328 nm,298 nm for roots and stem while 395 nm for leaves in case of zinc nanoparticles while bimetallic Copper-Zinc nanoparticles resulted in peaks at 402.0,400.8 and 402.0 nm for leaf, root and stem respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles of zinc and copper zinc from all three plant parts were further tested for their as cariogenic potential against cariogenic pathogen Streptococcus mutans which resulted in significant zones of inhibition. The plant has antimicrobial literature using organic solvent extracts where researchers reported negligible activity of different plant parts while nanoparticle synthesis resulted in potent zone of inhibition. The bimetallic Cu-Zn will enhance its potential to be used in mask and PPE kits for safety concerns.

Preparation and Assessment of Antimicrobial Property of Resin Based Composites Impregnated with Proanthocyanidin and Titanium Dioxide

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize three experimental resin based composites (RBCs) out of a commercial preperation (Control) by impregnating into each a fixed weight (0.01%) of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and three different weight % (0.01, 0.02 and 0.03) of proanthocyanidin (PA) and to compare antibacterial property, from the zones of inhibition of streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), of the specimen restorations made in the experimental and control RBCs. METHODOLOGY: In the first phase, Streptococcus mutans were isolated and identified from the oral cavity of patients and identified on the basis of morphogenic appearance of colonies and confirmed through catalase test and microscopic examination. Isolates were then incubated and cultured for sensitivity. Specimens for control and experimental RBCs were made through a metallic mold having 2mm thickness and 5mm diameter for all the 4 groups. Specimen restorations made in the commercial as supplied RBC acted as the control (Group A). Specimen restorations in the Group B, C, and D were made in each of the experimental RBCs modified with 0.01% proanthocyanidin (PA) and 0.01% titanium dioxide (TiO2), 0.02% PA and 0.01% TiO2 and 0.03% PA and 0.01% TiO2. The antimicrobial property of all the specimen restorations in all the groups was evaluated by Bauer-Kirby (Disc Diffusion) method through the formation of zones of inhibition of S. mutans colonies on blood agar plates. Data were computed using SPSS version 21 for descriptive statistics and analyzed using one-way ANOVA with p value 0.05 taken as significant. RESULTS: The range of the zone of inhibition for specimen RBC restorations (N= 12) containing PA and TiO2 was 0.00 for Group A, 10-12mm for Group B, 12-14mm for Group C and 9-10mm for Group D. The mean inhibition zone for the experimental restoration specimens was 11±2mm for Group B, 12.7±1mm for Group C and 9.7±1mm for Group D compared to no inhibition zones (0.00 mm) with the control RBC Group A. The order of the inhibition zones from maximum to minimum was Group C > Group B > Group D > Group A. The differences between the mean values for the control and the experimental RBC restoration specimens were significant (p < 0.000). The specimen restorations in the Group D appeared under cured and could impact on their mechanical properties. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the mentioned concentrations, impregnating PA and TiO2 rendered the RBC antimicrobial. RBC restorations made with the experimental RBC with 0.02% PA and 0.01% TiO2 proved relatively more effective in terms of antimicrobial effect. KEY WORDS: dental materials, resin based dental restorations, antibacterial resin based composite, proanthocyanidin, titanium dioxide.

Gram Negative Bacteria (GNB) Isolated From Used Home-made and Surgical Nose/Face Mask by Local Residents of Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, a Threat to Life and False Sense of Protection against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Nose/Face masks are physical barriers to respiratory droplets that may enter through the nose and mouth to cause infections in the respiratory tract. The study was determined and assess the presence of Gram-negative bacteria in used home-made and surgical nose mask by residents of Akungba-Akoko Ondo State and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility and resistant profile of the isolated bacteria to eight (8) different antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial analysis were performed using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. Antimicrobial Susceptibility test of all identified isolates to antimicrobial agents were determined using the standard Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The Gram-negative bacteria that were detected from the used home-made and surgical nose mask in this study include: Haemophilus influenza, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia. During this study, all the Gram-negative bacteria isolates were resistant to Ciproflox in both used home-made and surgical nose mask. All isolates were also resistant to Ampicilin, Augmentin, Septrin and Streptomycin. In this study, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated organism from used home-made nose mask, it was observed that Escherichia coli were resistant to Augmentin, Tarivid, Ciproflox, Gentamycin, and Reflaxine, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to Tarivid, Ciproflox, and Nalidixic acid between 20 mm and 24 mm zones of inhibition respectively. Haemophilus influenza, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis were isolated organism from used surgical nose mask. It was observed that all isolated organisms from the used surgical nose/face mask were resistant to Augmentin and Gentamycin between 20 and 24 mm zones of inhibition respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from both used home-made and surgical nose/face mask and were found to be resistant to Streptomycin, Septrin, Ampicilin, and Gentamicin between 20 to 22 mm zones of inhibition respectively. Proteus mirabilis were isolated from used surgical nose/face mask, they were found to be resistant to Ciproflox at 21mm zones of inhibition. Haemophilus influenza were resistant to Ampicilin, Septrin, Streptomycin, and Augmentin at 23 mm zones of inhibition. Isolates from used both home-made and surgical nose/face mask were subjected to modified and synergized antibiotics, it was observed that the isolates from both used home-made and surgical nose mask were resistant to all modified and synergized antibiotics between 20 and 25 mm zones of inhibition respectively. The result of this study validates the potency of Gram negative bacteria isolated from used both home-made and surgical nose/face mask and the degree of invasion and evasiveness, thereby causing various degrees of infections and a false sense of protection against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Finding from this research recommends a stringent measures were needed to be implemented, to halt and combat this revenging situation especially in the new era of mutating SARS-CoV-2 Virus not only in Nigeria, worldwide at large.

Anti-bacterial activity of Corchorus olitorius L. and Acmella caulirhiza Del. On Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacterium

Background: Dental caries remains a global oral health challenge with the prevalence reported as high as 66.7% in adults. Despite the use of modern medicines, the prevalence of dental caries remains high. This has led to extensive screening of natural products particularly from plants such as Corchorus olitorius L. and Acmella caulirhiza Del. for anti-cariogenic activity. Aim: To assess the anti-bacterial activity of Corchorus olitorius L. and Acmella caulirhiza Del. on Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacteria. Methods: Plant materials of C. olitorius L. and A. caulirhiza Del. were extracted using diethyl ether, methanol, distilled water by cold maceration. Agar well diffusion method was used for sensitivity and susceptibility tests on S. mutans (ATCC 6519). Results: The aqueous plant extract of C. olitorius L. and the ether plant extract of A. caulirhiza Del. had the highest zones of inhibition (16.10mm and 12.03mm respectively) at a concentration of 1000mg/ml. The lowest MIC and MBC were 62.5mg/ml and 250mg/ml respectively. Conclusion: Both C. olitorius L. and A. caulirhiza Del. as used in oral health practices have been found to have antibacterial activity against the cariogenic S. mutans. Further studies should be conducted to isolate bioactive compounds against S. mutans. Keywords: Antibacterial activity;Minimum inhibitory concentration; Plant extracts; Corchorus olitorius L.; Acmella caulirhiza Del.; Streptococcus mutans; Dental caries.

Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antihelminthic Properties of Ethanolic, Methanolic and Water Extracts of Pollen

Microorganisms and helminthes can cause serious diseases in humans as well as in animals. The use of antimicrobial and antihelminthic drugs have created selective pressure and caused resistance to antibiotics used against them, thus it necessitates the use of honey bee’s derived natural products. One such bee derived product is pollen, collected by worker honey bees from the flowering plants and modify it by adding its salivary secretions. The present study embodies use of pollen as antimicrobial and antihelminthic substance. Among microorganisms 4 Gram (+ve) bacteria; (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae) and 3 Gram (-ve) bacteria; (Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteric) and 2 yeasts (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were used and the methodology used disc diffusion assay and broth dilution method. The antihelminthic effect was observed among amphistomes via bioassay method under in vitro conditions. For observations three types of pollen extracts (ethanolic, methanolic and water extract) were prepared and positive controls used were; Ampicillin for antibacterial, Amphotericin B for antifungal and Albendazole for anti-helminthes. The antimicrobial activities were determined by measuring the zones of inhibition diameters in millimeters after 24 hours of incubation at optimum temperature for each microbe and also by broth dilution method. Results obtained showed that the water extract of pollen was found to be most effective against bacteria used in the present study where; Gram (+ve) bacteria were more susceptible as compared to the Gram (-ve) bacteria. It was also observed that among yeasts; Saccharomyces cerevisiae was more susceptible towards ethanolic extract of pollen while Candida albicans showed more inhibitions towards water extract of pollen. Results also demonstrated that none of the extracts of pollen was found to be effective against Helminthes (amphistomes) used in the present study.