Ethanol production by co-cultures of A. niger (GS4) and S. cerevisiae (BK6) was studied using cassava starch as substrate. At 1% substrate concentration ethanol yield was 0.35g/100ml while the ethanol concentration increased to a maximum of 3.60g/100ml at 8% substrate concentration. When the culture conditions were optimized, the ethanol yield further increased to 4.30g/100ml at a temperature of 35 o C, pH 5.0, 300rpm agitation rate and reduced fermentation period of 4 days.
Fermented milk is an essential commodity in Africa and beyond. Many techniques have been developed over time for the manufacture of different forms of yoghurt products. One of these Traditional methods includes back slopping). The advantages of this method include faster fermentation rates due to reduction in lag time, and subsequent production of relevant metabolites as well as allowing for a more reliable product formation on a consistent basis. The aim of this study was to better understand, the effects of back sloping on the microbial community as well as on the organoleptic characteristics of the yoghurts produced using the method. The model from this work could be used to study the dynamics of the microbial community associated with back-slopping practices and the understanding of possible associated defects in order to allow better control over the application of the method on commercial levels. We characterized the yoghurt produced from both microbial compositional study using culture-dependent morphological examinations on MRS, M17, Nutrient Agar and Potato dextrose Agar, as well as from organoleptic point of view. The results show that back sloping up to three-fold (batch) gave increasing acceptance but decreased afterwards. Acidification activity which determines proteolysis of casein for coagulation to take place also increased up to three folds. Residual lactose, syneresis and moisture content also decreased favourably by three fold order. Therefore, back sloping could be recommended on commercial level especially in the developing countries where facilities for consistent supply of pouched starter culture are limited because, aside the above mentioned advantages, this process also favours the growth of bacteria which release antimicrobial substances thereby ensuring the growth of the same species while reducing the growth of other organisms thereby preserving the products’ quality.
Nono is a traditionally fermented milk drink commonly consumed in the Northern parts of Nigeria. It is produced through the spontaneous fermentation of raw cow milk by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), a process that could result to the contamination of the product with such pathogenic organisms as Clostridia spp. The aim of this research was therefore to determine the incidence of Clostridia species in thirty-two (32) ready-to-drink nono samples collected directly from a number of Fulani vendors in randomly selected locations within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Isolated organisms were further subjected to some morphological and biochemical characterizations using standard microbiological procedures. The results obtained indicate that fourteen ( 14) isolates were putatively identified to be Clostridium sp., out of which five (5) isolates were confirmed to be Clostridium sporogens by a BLAST analysis of their respective 16SrRNA nucleotide sequence. It was concluded that, the detection of these pathogenic strains in frequently consumed product like nono could pose a public health risk and proactive measures to prevent an outbreak of food borne illness from nono consumption, were recommended.
Many strains of fungi are known to produce mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, patulin and alternaria toxins which are secondary metabolites released into foods and food products. The incidence of these metabolites in foods especially fruits is of great human health concern due to its toxigenic potentials even at low dose levels. Of greater concerns is the consumers' attitude toward the consumption of these fruits, particularly in the areas we studied. The major aim of this research was therefore, to determine the prevalence of fungi associated with ripe, over-ripe and rotten fruits and the consumers' responses using structured questionnaire as well as empirical laboratory analysis. The fungal analysis of the vended ripe and overripe fruits was studied using standard analytical methods. Results show that fungi isolated from the fruits were Aspergillus niger, which is a potent producer of mycotoxin (37%), Fusarium sp. (8%), Mucor mucedo (18%), Aspergillus fumigatus (13%), Mucor sp. (11%), Aspergillus flavus (5%), Penicillium digitatum (4%), Rhizopus stolonifer (3%) and Phytophthora sp. (2%) in that order. This indicates that these fungi species are of economic and public health significance as they are capable of producing toxic compounds in fruits. The toxic substances can result to food poisoning or intoxication if consumed. High poverty level and lack of awareness that over-ripe fruits provide good ground for the growth and production of toxin-laden fungi are the leading factors responsible for many people eating overripe fruits according to our questionnaire. The questionnaire analyses also show that many people are unaware of the dangers associated with the consumption of over-ripe fruits. The results of this work could be used as added material for educating the masses about the dangers of consuming toxigenic materials especially unwholesome fruits.
Bread is one of the most essential food products that is universally accepted as a very convenient form of food that has desirability to all population rich or poor, rural or urban dwellers. A staple food prepared by baking dough of flour, water and/or sugar. It is a good source of nutrients, such as macronutrients and micronutrients that are all essential for human Bread like other bakery products are subject to microbial contamination and spoilage by molds irrespective of the intrinsic composition of the product. The present study was carried out to identify the fungi associated with bread spoilage sold in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria and the possible health risks. Twenty-four (24) bread products from different locations within FCT, Abuja, Nigeria covering the six regions; Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali were sampled and the molds associated with them were isolated using spread plate method. Based on the cultural and morphological characterizations using standard identification techniques, the mold namely Aspergillus sp. (29.7%), Mucor sp. (17.4%), Penicillum sp. (17.1%), Fusarium sp. (14.7%), Rhizopus sp. (8.0%), Cladosporium sp. (7.4%) Alternaria sp. (3.4%) and Geotricum sp. (2.3%) were found. The presence of mold is a signal to the possibility of mycotoxin build-up and other food safety risks. Therefore, bread manufacturer and distribution vendors need to periodically validate their preventive measures to control potential hazards associated with fungi-laden breads.
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