Showing papers by "Ladoke Akintola University of Technology published in 2021"

CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) for water treatment: A review of recent advances

Abstract: Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are regularly investigated and effective adsorbent materials due to their small size, high surface area, natural abundance of starting material for synthesis, low-cost production processing and non-toxic nature. In this study, the adsorption of pollutants by CuO NPs was reviewed. The goal was to synthesise recent research findings, identify knowledge gaps and predict areas for future work. Conventional chemical processes like microwave heating technique and precipitation are the most popularly employed techniques for the synthesis of CuO NPs. The highest reported adsorption capacity for CuO NPs was 3152 mg/g for fluoride showing it can remove more than 3 times its weight fluoride from the aqueous phase. The best-fit kinetics and isotherm models for adsorption using CuO NPs is the pseudo-second order model (R2 > 0.99) and Langmuir model (R2 > 0.99) respectively for dyes and heavy metals. Thermodynamics analysis revealed that the adsorption by CuO NPs process was majorly spontaneous and endothermic. CuO NPs can be reused for as much as 5 cycles with >80 % recovery of pollutants in most cases. Areas for future work include mechanistic investigations by statistical physics, competitive adsorption and column experiments. Due to the negative ecotoxicological effect of the use of CuO NPs, special care must be taken to remove/recover it from wastewater before environmental release. It is surmised that CuO NPs is an effectively used adsorbent for the mitigation of various pollutants from the aqueous environment.

The impact of reactive oxygen species in the development of cardiometabolic disorders: a review.

Abstract: Oxidative stress, an alteration in the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant buffering capacity, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders (CMD). At physiological levels, ROS functions as signalling mediators, regulates various physiological functions such as the growth, proliferation, and migration endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC); formation and development of new blood vessels; EC and SMC regulated death; vascular tone; host defence; and genomic stability. However, at excessive levels, it causes a deviation in the redox state, mediates the development of CMD. Multiple mechanisms account for the rise in the production of free radicals in the heart. These include mitochondrial dysfunction and uncoupling, increased fatty acid oxidation, exaggerated activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX), reduced antioxidant capacity, and cardiac metabolic memory. The purpose of this study is to discuss the link between oxidative stress and the aetiopathogenesis of CMD and highlight associated mechanisms. Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the development of obesity and dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and diabetes, hypertension via various mechanisms associated with ROS-led inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction.

Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Investigation of Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Garcinia kola Pulp Extract

Abstract: The properties of gold nanoparticles, such as conductivity, half-life, catalytic nature, improved solubility efficiency, chemical stability, and its mechanism in binding with bacterial cell wall to induce cell death, have increased its medicinal applications. This study investigated the antibacterial property of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized from Garcinia kola pulp extract. The ripe fruits of Garcinia kola were obtained, and the pulps were removed, air dried, pulverized, extracted, and mixed with gold chloride solution following standard procedure. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized using ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer (UV-visible), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The antibacterial examination was carried out on four clinical isolate bacteria using agar diffusion technique. The UV-visible analysis confirmed the formation of stable AuNPs at pH 7 in the wavelength region of 564 nm. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the secondary metabolites with –OH functional groups serve as the reducing agent for the synthesis of AuNPs. The morphological assessment of the synthesized AuNPs revealed spherical-shaped particles. The zones of inhibition of the synthesized AuNPs against test bacteria ranges from 3 to 13 mm while that of the control was in the range of 14 to 22 mm. This study provided an environmentally friendly approach in the synthesis of AuNPs from Garcinia kola pulps and also ascertained the medicinal application of the synthesized AuNPs as an antibacterial agent.

COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Review

Abstract: As the world continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), there is a larger hidden threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) lurking behind. AMR remains worrisome in that the pathogens causing resistant infections to thrive in hospitals and medical facilities, putting all patients at risk, irrespective of the severity of their medical conditions, further compounding the management of COVID-19. This study aims to provide overview of early findings on COVID-19 and AMR as well as to provide recommendations and lesson learned toward improving antimicrobial stewardship. We conducted a rapid narrative review of published articles by searching PubMed and Google Scholar on COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Resistance with predetermined keywords. Secondary bacterial infections play crucial roles in mortality and morbidity associated with COVID-19. Research has shown that a minority of COVID-19 patients need antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Current evidence reiterates the need not to give antibiotic therapy or prophylaxis to patients with mild COVID-19 or to patients with suspected or confirmed moderate COVID-19 illness unless it is indicated. The pandemic has also brought to the fore the deficiencies in health systems around the world. This comes with a lot of lessons, one of which is that despite the advances in medicine; we remain incredibly vulnerable to infections with limited or no standard therapies. This is worth thinking in the context of AMR, as the resistant pathogens are evolving and leading us to the era of untreatable infections. There is a necessity for continuous research into understanding and controlling infectious agents, as well as the development of newer functional antimicrobials and the need to strengthen the antimicrobial stewardship programs.

In silico investigation of saponins and tannins as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro)

Abstract: It is no longer news that a novel strain of coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 is ravaging the health sector worldwide, several attempts have been made to curtail this pandemic via repurposing of old drugs but at the present, available drugs are not adequately effective. Over the years, plant phytochemicals are increasingly becoming alternative sources of antimicrobial agents with novel mechanisms of action and limited side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Isolated saponins and tannins were evaluated for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) via Molecular Docking and it was observed that a handsome number of the phytochemicals had binding affinities much better than Remdesivir, Dexamethasone, and N3 inhibitor which were used as the standards in this study. Further investigation of drug-likeness, ADMET profile, PASS profile, oral bioavailability, bioactivity, binding mode, and molecular interactions of these phytochemicals revealed that binding affinity alone is not enough to justify the potency of a molecule in the drug discovery process, as only 4 among the screened compounds passed all the analyses and are identified as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro). This preliminary study thereby recommends Ellagic acid (− 8.4 kcal/mol), Arjunic Acid (− 8.1 kcal/mol), Theasapogenol B (− 8.1 kcal/mol), and Euscaphic Acid (− 8.0 kcal/mol) as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) with better pharmacokinetics and bioavailability compared to Remdesivir which is currently used compassionately.

Uneven power dynamics must be levelled in COVID-19 vaccines access and distribution.

Abstract: COVID-19 is one of the major global health threats of the 21st century, causing unprecedented humanitarian crises worldwide. Despite concerted efforts to curb the spread of the disease, the pandemic continues to strain healthcare systems globally and a safe, highly effective, and globally acceptable and equitable vaccination program, together with pre-existing precautionary measures, is essential to effectively contain the outbreak. We commented on the need to level any uneven power dynamics in COVID-19 vaccines access and distribution. The COVID-19 vaccines distribution must not allow for sovereignty which is tightly linked to historical imbalances in power and resources to result into discrimination between rich and poor countries. Poor countries must be supported in ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines by levelling the power dynamics that perpetuate inequality and fuel inequity. We must ensure equity, fairness and transparency in COVID-19 vaccines distribution and gain public trust in COVID-19 vaccines through participatory community engagement. COVID-19 vaccines distribution and access must be equitable and not politicized.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY WILD SUNFLOWER (Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl. A Gray) LEAF MEAL ON LAYERS PERFORMANCE AND EGG QUALITY

Abstract: The performance of layers on various dietary levels of Wild Sunflower leaf meal (SLM) was investigated. Seventy-two Nera Black with commercial layers in their fourth month of lay of were randomised into six dietary treatments comprising a commercial layer mash (CLM) 05, 10, 15 and 20% SLM. Results revealed that egg production was appreciably supported even for layers on 15 and 20% SLM diets. Feed consumption ranged from 96.27 gms in layers fed 20% SLM to 106.86 gm for birds on CLM. Feed conversion efficiency in terms of kg feed South-western Nigeria up to the Middle Belt per dozen eggs was highest for 15% SLM while CLM had the highest cost of feed consumed per dozen eggs. All diets supported a net positive There is scanty report on the feeding value body weight gain on the birds. Haugh unit, yolk index, shell thickness and egg weight were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Yolk colour was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by SLM (at all levels) over rabbits. These preliminary findings suggest either the control or CLM. There was no mortality throughout the 12 weeks experiment lasted.

Review of wax deposition in subsea oil pipeline systems and mitigation technologies in the petroleum industry

Abstract: Wax deposition in oil subsea pipeline systems is a big challenge in petroleum industry due to the frigid temperature of pipe walls that influences crystallization and wax deposition on the inner surface of the pipe over time leading to blockage. An understanding of the mechanisms and models of wax deposition process can be useful for the management and planning of mitigation strategies for deposition of solid wax crystals. This article presents major mechanisms and wax prediction models used for the estimation of wax deposition as well as technology used for mitigating wax deposition in reservoirs and flowlines.

Two-three parameters isotherm modeling, kinetics with statistical validity, desorption and thermodynamic studies of adsorption of Cu(II) ions onto zerovalent iron nanoparticles.

Abstract: Adsorption of problematic copper ions as one of the endocrine disruptive substances from aqueous solution onto nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) was studied. The high pore size 186.9268 A, pore diameter 240.753 A, and BET surface area 20.8643 m2 g−1 and pH(pzc) enlisted nZVI as an efficient nano-adsorbent for treatment of heavy metals from synthetic wastewater. SEM and EDX revealed the morphology and elemental distribution before and after adsorption. 98.31% removal efficiency was achieved at optimum adsorption operational parameters. Of all the thirteen isotherm models, equilibrium data were well fitted to Langmuir. Kinetics and mechanism data across the concentrations from 10 to 200 mg L−1 were analyzed by ten models. PSO best described kinetics data as confirmed by various statistical error validity models. The intraparticle diffusion model described that the intraparticle diffusion was not the only rate-limiting step. The adsorption mechanism was diffusion governed established by Bangham and Boyd models. Feasible, spontaneous, endothermic, and degree of randomness were reveal by the thermodynamic studies. Better desorption index and efficiency were obtained using HCl suggesting multiple mechanism processes. The performance of ZVI suggested it has a great potential for effective removal of endocrine disruptive cationic contaminant from wastewater.

Insects in food and feed systems in sub-Saharan Africa: the untapped potentials

Abstract: Insects as food and feed have the potential to alleviate food, feed and nutrition insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) against a backdrop of climate change. Such use has gained unprecedented attention in the past decade and the trend will probably continue due to the species diversity, new discoveries in the nutritional, neutraceutical and medicinal potentials of edible insect species. In order to meet the increasing demand for insects as food and feed, insect farming should complement sustainable wild insect harvesting. The ecological impact of insect farming, economics, species biological and processing aspects deserve empirical investigation. This is crucial in order to effectively guide potential insect producers and processors. Besides the use of insects in folk medicine, several industrial products including polyunsaturated and monosaturated fatty acids, peptides, enzymes, and antimicrobial compounds can be obtained from edible insects. With the teaming world population, value addition via product fortification is a practical strategy to enhance the acceptance of edible insects for human food and nutrition security. The future of insects as food and feed will witness the development of international trade and SSA governments should be ready to comply with product standardization and legislation requirements to penetrate external markets. Despite the diversity of edible insects in SSA and some commonalities there-in, not all consumers are well-informed on the inherent risks of allergens, toxicants and antinutritional compounds occurring in some edible species. Further research needs and future strategies to exploit the untapped potential of insects as food and feed in SSA are mapped out.

Molecular docking and ADMET studies of Allium cepa, Azadirachta indica and Xylopia aethiopica isolates as potential anti-viral drugs for Covid-19.

Abstract: Plants are repository of important constituents with proven efficacy against many human diseases including viral diseases. The antiviral activity of many plants including Azadirachta indica, Xylopia aethiopica and Allium cepa has been reported. The novel coronavirus disease is no exception among viral diseases in which plant compounds could serve as potent antagonist. Therefore, our study investigated the inhibitory potentials of Azadirachta indica and Xylopia aethiopica isolates against SARS-CoV-2 viral accessory proteins and the host serine protease. The protein data (SARS-CoV-2 Papain like protease (PLpro) (PDB: 6wx4), Chymotrypsin-like main protease (3CLpro) (PDB:6YB7), SARS-CoV nsp 12 (PDB: 6nus), Host cell protease (TMPRSS1) (PDB:5ce1) were obtained from the protein data bank (PDB), while the SDS format of each Ligands were obtained from Pubchem database. Molecular docking analysis was performed with Auto Dock Vina 1.5.6 and visualization of the interaction between the ligands and protein was done with discovery studio 2019. The ADMET prediction of pharmacokinetics and toxicity properties of the ligands was obtained using vNN Web Server. Our result showed that all the plant isolates demonstrated negative Gibb’s free energy, indicating good binding affinity for both the viral and host protein. Overall, twenty-three of the forty-seven isolates showed good binding affinity comparable with dexamethasone that was used as reference drug. Although many of the compounds have good binding affinity for the viral and host proteins, based on the ADMET prediction, only Azadironic acid, Nimbionone, Nimbionol and Nimocinol all from A. indica could serve as potential drug candidate with good pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile. This study provides an insight into potential inhibitors and novel drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2. Further studies will look forward into the wet laboratory validation of Azadironic acid, Nimbionone, Nimbionol and Nimocinol against corona virus disease.

Value added cassava waste management and environmental sustainability in Nigeria: A review

Abstract: Nigeria is the highest producer of cassava in the World with concomitant generation of millions of tons of solid and liquid wastes. These wastes are indiscriminately disposed into the environment causing degradation with attendant serious health hazards to both flora and fauna. There is need, therefore, to properly manage these wastes for sustainable environment. In this review, research efforts focusing on effective management of cassava solid and liquid wastes are highlighted. Laboratory-scale successes so far recorded in the application of cassava peels as adsorbent for the treatment of various grade of industrial wastewater as well as its potential use as animal supplement are analyzed. Studies showing the potentials of cassava peels and wastewater in the production of biofuels, bio-electricity via the microbial fuel cell (MFC) and value added bio-based chemical by-products are enumerated. Current research works on the viability of the dual role of cassava wastewater based microalgae cultivation; the shortcomings and suggestion for improvement of the technology are equally reviewed. However, to maximize these research findings for environmental sustainability, it is suggested that the Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders should invest more on research and development (R&D) in the area of cassava waste management and encourage investors to venture into the sector

Microalgal Nanobiotechnology and Its Applications—A Brief Overview

Abstract: Nanobiotechnology is an emerging science concerned with the integration of biological principles with nanotechnology to improve the strategies for nanoparticles synthesis and applications. Various biological routes have been adopted for the synthesis of nanoparticles such as the use of plant extracts, bacteria, fungi, algae, and metabolites of arthropods. Among these, microalgae have attracted special attention in nanobiotechnology because they are capable of bioremediating toxic metals and subsequently convert them to non-toxic form. Many microalgal species have been used for the synthesis of nanoparticles of silver, gold, iron, platinum, and palladium. The mechanism of nanoparticles formation by microalgae is not clearly understood; however, there exists several reports of synthesis either through intracellular or extracellular pathways. Intracellular synthesis of nanoparticles by microalgae seems to be better due to their high rate of metal accumulation and ability to form large amount of nanoparticles, whereas extracellular mode of synthesis is most preferred because of the simplicity in the purification process. This review summarized the modes of metallic nanoparticles synthesis by various species of microalgae and their potential applications.

An Investigation of the Anti-Parkinsonism Potential of Co-enzyme Q10 and Co-enzyme Q10 /Levodopa-carbidopa Combination in Mice.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Despite decades of research, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease remain a leading cause of disability worldwide, due to the insufficient reduction of disease burden by available medications. Recently, the benefits of dietary supplements like co-enzyme Q10 in neurodegenerative diseases have been reported. ; Aim: The protective effects of supplemental co-enzyme Q10 (CQ10) and possible additive benefits of CQ 10/Levodopa-Carbidopa (LD) in Chlorpromazine (CPZ)-induced Parkinsonism-like changes in mice were investigated. ; Methods: Male mice were assigned to ten groups of 30 mice each. Groups included: Vehicle control (fed Standard Diet (SD), and given intraperitoneal {ip} plus oral saline), LD group (fed SD, and given ip saline plus oral LD), two groups fed CQ10-supplemented diet (at 60 and 120 mg/kg of feed), and given ip plus oral saline, CPZ group (fed SD, and given ip CPZ plus oral saline), CPZ/LD group (fed SD, and given ip CPZ plus oral LD), two groups fed CQ10-supplemented diet (at 60 and 120 mg/kg of feed) and given ip CPZ plus oral saline, and another two groups fed CQ10-supplemented diet (at 60 and 120 mg/kg of feed) and given ip CPZ plus oral LD. The total duration of study was 21 days, and treatments were administered daily. Bodyweight and food intake were measured weekly, while neurobehavioural and biochemical tests were assessed at the end of the experimental period. ; Results: CQ10-supplementation was protective against CPZ-induced parkinsonism-like changes including, reduction in mortality, the reversal of retardation of open-field behaviours and reduction of catalepsy, increase in dopamine levels and decreased oxidative stress. CQ10 also showed significant improvements in these parameters when co-administered with LD. CQ10 (in groups administered CPZ/CQ10 60) showed greater benefit over LD on anxiety-related behaviours and also had additive benefits on working-memory. ; Conclusion: Dietary CQ10-supplementation was associated with demonstrable benefits in CPZinduced Parkinsonism-like changes in mice.