Biotechnology Journal International

Bioinformatics Analysis and Expression Profiling of the Jasmonic Acid-responsive Transcription Factor SlMYB83

Zijuan Huang, Yuanyuan Peng, Binbin Yin, Na Cui, Yang Yu, Juyong Zhao — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) stress responses are strongly regulated by jasmonic acid signaling—especially via MYB transcription factors—yet key regulators like SlMYB83 in JA-deficient spr2 mutants remain largely uncharacterized.

Aims: Based on the tomato SlMYB83 gene previously identified through transcriptome screening, this study aims to elucidate its protein structural characteristics, tissue‑specific expression patterns, and responsive relationship to jasmonic acid (JA) signaling, thereby providing a foundation for subsequent functional studies.

Study Design: A research design integrating bioinformatics prediction with gene expression analysis was adopted to systematically characterize the protein properties of SlMYB83 and its expression changes in a mutant and under exogenous hormone treatment.

Methods: Bioinformatics analyses were performed using tools such as ProtParam, SignalP-5.0, TMHMM, SOPMA, SWISS-MODEL, Plant-mPLoc, PLANTCARE, and STRING. Quantitative real‑time PCR (qRT‑PCR) was used to examine tissue‑specific expression as well as expression differences in the spr2 mutant and under MeJA treatment.

Results: SlMYB83 was characterized as a hydrophilic protein lacking signal peptide and transmembrane domains, localized to the nucleus, and containing a SANT domain. Its promoter harbored stress‑responsive elements including MeJA and ABA. The gene exhibited the highest expression in leaves and the lowest in fruits. SlMYB83 expression was significantly upregulated in the spr2 mutant but markedly downregulated following exogenous MeJA treatment.

Conclusions: This study elucidated the fundamental characteristics of the SlMYB83 protein and revealed that JA negatively regulates its expression, thereby laying a foundation for subsequent functional research.

Cultivation of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel. and Ganoderma sessile Murrill. on Rice Straw Supplemented with Cassava Peels and Wheat Bran

F. T. Awodiran, C. O. Adenipekun — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mushrooms are members of the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. Many species of mushrooms live in nature and can be cultivated on special substrates, such as agricultural wastes. Inorganic substrates for the cultivation of mushrooms may cause deleterious effects on the health of man. This necessitates the use of a cheap, environmentally friendly approach to mushroom cultivation. Previous studies on mushroom cultivation focused on the use of rice straw and wheat bran as additives, but with limited information on the use of cassava peels as additives. Therefore, this study investigated the cultivation of Pleurotus pulmonarius and Ganoderma sessile on agricultural wastes. The two mushrooms were cultivated on rice straw with cassava peels (CP) and wheat bran (WB) as additives at varying percentages (0%, 5%, 10% and 20%). The results showed that substrates and additive types with their percentage concentrations significantly (p≤0.05) influenced the mushroom proximate compositions and yield. Rice straw with cassava peel additives, irrespective of their percentage concentration, had better mushroom quality, size, and biological efficiency than wheat bran additives. Frutification was highest at 20% cassava peel additive for Pleurotus pulmonarius with a pileus length, stipe length, and stipe width of 10.7cm,12.20cm, and 13.15 cm, respectively, and G. sessile with pileus length, stipe length, and stipe width of 7.67cm, 4.52cm, and 8.00cm, respectively. Proximate analysis revealed that moisture (90.72%) and fibre (25.64%) contents were higher in 10% P. pulmonarius with cassava peel additive, with the least crude protein (4.01%) content, which are significantly different from values of other samples. Moisture content is not significantly (p>0.05) different in samples. 0% G. sessile CP, 10% G. sessile WB, and 10% P. pulmonarius have the highest protein content (33.59, 30.94, and 23.27 %, respectively) followed by 0. % G. sessile CP, 5% G. sessile CP and 10% G. sessile CP with the lowest (4.01%) observed in other groups of G. sessile. Fat content was generally low in all G. sessile and P. pulmonarius except in 10% (26.19) and 20% (24.18) P. pulmonarius WB. Fibre content is high in 10% P. pulmonarius CP at 25.63%. Carbohydrate content was generally high in all samples except 5% and 10% P. pulmonarius WB.

Effect of Natural Plant-based Bio stimulants on the Growth and Protection of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Schott)

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Schott) is an important staple crop for food security worldwide. However, its cultivation faces several constraints, including the limited availability of planting material in both quantity and quality, as well as pests, diseases (root rot) and the inaccessibility of synthetic agricultural inputs.

Aims: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of bio stimulants derived from natural plants on the growth and protection of cocoyam planting material.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Phytoprotection and Valorization of Genetic Resources of the Centre for Biotechnology, and the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Plant Physiology of Higher Teacher’s Training College, University of Yaounde 1, between March and June 2023.

Methodology: A randomized block design was applied in both environments, consisting of six treatments: four bio stimulants derived from natural plant sources (BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4), a chemical fertilizer (NPK 20.10.10) as a positive control, and water as a negative control. Red and white cocoyam planting materials were watered with bio stimulants at 25% from pre-emergence in the greenhouse to emergence under shade conditions, then their effects were evaluated and correlated with agromorphological parameters, as well as growth and defense biomarkers. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with Tukey’s test (5% significance), multi-factor analysis for growth parameters, and Pearson correlation tests.

Results: bio stimulants very significantly stimulated (P< 0.0001) seedling pre-emergence and emergence in terms of agromorphological parameters (number of shoots, stem diameter and height, number of leaves and leaf area) and the accumulation of growth- and defense-related biomarkers (total chlorophylls, total sugars, total phenols, flavonoids, total proteins, PAL, POX and PPO) compared with the positive (C+) and negative (C−) controls. In both varieties, bio stimulants increased the number of shoots by 56.75-92.71%, stem diameter by 77.92-93.33%, stem height by 65.73-96.02%, number of leaves by 72.50-90%, and leaf area by 36.05-82.52%. Biomarker contents ranged between 0.022 and 227.917 mg/g FM, while defense-related enzyme activities ranged between 0.036 and 0.407 µmol/min/mL compared with the controls. BS2 was the most effective treatment across all responses in both red and white cocoyam.

Conclusion: These results suggest that bio stimulants may stimulate plant metabolism and biological processes, while also improving nutrient uptake. They could therefore constitute an effective tool for the biofortification, the promotion of environmentally sustainable agriculture and poverty alleviation.

From Contamination to Functional Shift: Agrochemical Effects on Soil Microbial C:N:P Balance and Enzymatic Activity

Tega Lee-Ann Ataikiru, Emmanuella Oghenevavwarero Onosemuode — Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Agrochemicals, while vital for enhancing agricultural productivity, are increasingly recognized as environmental pollutants, impacting soil health and microbial ecosystems.

Aim: This study examined the microbial biomass carbon (MB-C), nitrogen (MB-N), phosphorus (MB-P), soil enzyme activities, and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition of an agrochemical-contaminated farm soil in Ogume, Kwale, Delta State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Soil samples were collected from a farm with a history of intensive agrochemical application and a control site. Microbial biomass carbon (MB-C), nitrogen (MB-N), phosphorus (MB-P), soil enzyme activities, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined using standard procedures.

Results: Results revealed that microbial biomass C, N, and P were significantly lower in contaminated soil (17.86mg/kg, 312.06 mg/kg, and 87.14 mg/kg) compared to the control (15.8mg/kg, 523.47 mg/kg, and 205.32 mg/kg). Similarly, enzyme activities were reduced in the contaminated soil; with β-glucosidase (0.562 µg PNP kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), urease (0.56 mg N NH₄ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), and phosphatase (25.46 mg PNP kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) values lower than those in the control (0.680 µg PNP kg⁻¹ h⁻¹, 0.63 mg N NH₄ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹, and 29.80 mg PNP kg⁻¹ h⁻¹). Dehydrogenase activity was marginally higher in contaminated soil (6.80 µg PNP kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) than in control soil (6.44 µg PNP kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), suggesting microbial stress adaptation. The total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) content in the contaminated soil (10.24 µmol g⁻¹) was notably lower than that of the control (12.46 µmol g⁻¹), reflecting a reduction in viable microbial biomass and potential shifts in community structure associated with agrochemical exposure. No detectable PAHs in both soil samples, implying that microbial and enzymatic alterations were primarily due to agrochemical residues rather than pyrogenic pollution.

Conclusion: This investigation contributes to a better understanding of the ecological consequences of agrochemical pollution on soil microbial communities in tropical agricultural settings, offering valuable insights for sustainable land management and bioremediation strategies.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Quercetin on Crab Allergen-Induced Responses in THP-1 Derived Macrophages

Renu Indhikkattu Chittoor, Harikumaran Thampi Balakrishnan Saraswathi — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A serious and growing food hypersensitivity, shellfish allergy is mainly brought on by allergenic proteins like arginine kinase and tropomyosin. As of right now, allergy avoidance and symptomatic therapy are the main therapeutic approaches because there is no proven cure. Although quercetin, a naturally found flavonoid with anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory qualities, has demonstrated promise in regulating allergic reactions, its precise effectiveness against crab allergens is yet unknown. The current work used in vitro experimental methods to assess quercetin's inhibitory effects on crab allergenicity. The results showed that crab has a significant probability for causing allergies. Important allergy mediators, including as β-hexosaminidase release, immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine levels, histidine decarboxylase (HDC) activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-4, were significantly reduced after quercetin treatment. These results demonstrate that quercetin effectively lowers allergic responses associated with crab allergens, indicating its potential as a naturally occurring bioactive molecule for reducing allergenic hazards. This study finds intriguing applications for enhancing food safety and developing allergy-reducing functional meals. Further studies are necessary to verify these findings in vivo and explore the broader uses of quercetin in the management of food allergies.

Graphical abstract showing allergenicity of crab and quercetins anti-allergic effect against crab proteins by in vitro study:

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic and Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates

F. A. Adewumi, J. O. Ipinlaye, A. I. Airaodion, A. O. Oluyege — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The rapid emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli isolates have become a major global public health concern, limiting the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and increasing treatment failure rates. Consequently, medicinal plants such as Ocimum gratissimum are being explored as potential alternative antimicrobial agents due to their reported antimicrobial properties.

Objective: This study investigated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of O. gratissimum against clinical multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates recovered from patients in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Methods: Fifty clinical isolates of E. coli were re-characterized and confirmed using standard microbiological and biochemical identification techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Leaf extracts of O. gratissimum were prepared using ethanol and methanol by cold maceration extraction. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion technique, while minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth dilution method. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test at p < 0.05.

Results: Among the 50 isolates, resistance was highest to ampicillin (44%) and lowest to ofloxacin (20%). Ten MDR isolates resistant to at least three antibiotic classes were selected for extract susceptibility testing. Ethanolic leaf extracts demonstrated significantly greater antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones ranging from 7–20 mm, compared with methanolic extracts, which produced inhibition zones of 7–12 mm (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.85). Similarly, ethanolic extracts exhibited significantly lower MIC values (6.25–25 mg/mL) than methanolic extracts (12.5–50 mg/mL) (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.92), indicating superior antimicrobial potency against MDR E. coli isolates.

Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate notable in vitro antibacterial activity of Ocimum gratissimum against multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates, with ethanolic extracts showing superior efficacy compared with methanolic extracts. The strong inhibitory activity observed suggests potential for further development as a source of antimicrobial compounds against resistant bacteria.

Identification and Characterisation of Shiga Toxin-producing and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in Cattle Hides Sold in Markets in Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: In Burkina Faso, bovine hide, constitutes an important component of the diet and represents a valued source of animal protein. However, the slaughtering, processing, and marketing practices associated with this product often occur under inadequate hygienic conditions, thereby exposing it to significant microbiological contamination.

Aims: This study aimed to identify and characterize Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains isolated from cattle hides sold in markets in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Study Design: This is a prospective descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was performed at Laboratory of Applied Biological Sciences, New Dawn University and Molecular Biology Laboratory based at Muraz Center affiliated to Higher Institute of Health Sciences (INSSA), Nazi Boni University, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso in 2025.

Methodology: Samples of beef hides were collected, and E. coli strains were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to the CASFM/EUCAST guidelines. Subsequently, genomic DNA was extracted using the Chelex method, and PCR amplification was carried out to detect the 16S rRNA gene, the intimin gene (eaeA), and virulence genes (stx1 and stx2).

Results: A total of twenty E. coli strains were isolated. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to cefoxitin (85%) and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (70%), while significant susceptibility was observed with meropenem (95%), kanamycin (75%), and ciprofloxacin (65%). Molecular analyses showed a prevalence of 17.6% for eaeA and 5.9% for both stx1 and stx2.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the presence of multi-resistant pathogenic E. coli strains on beef hides, emphasizing the need to strengthen microbiological surveillance, promote rational antibiotic use, and improve hygiene practices throughout the production and marketing chain.

Optimization of Culture Conditions for Arthrospira platensis Cultivation in Closed Tubular Photobioreactors

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Tubular photobioreactors (PBRs) enhance high-quality Arthrospira platensis biomass production. However, microalgae are highly susceptible to micro-environmental fluctuations, specifically the combined influence of photo-thermal stress, dissolved oxygen (DO) accumulation, and hydrodynamic shear stress.

Aims: To evaluate A. platensis growth dynamics and biochemical composition under environmental stressors to establish safe, sustainable operating limits.

Study Design: Experimental study utilizing a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) screening approach.

Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Life Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, between March and July 2025.

Methodology: The experiments investigated illumination modes, circulation velocities (0.1-0.5 m/s), and aeration cycles (9 h/day and 24 h/day).

Results: We have established an optimal safe operation window using shading roof (28-32 °C), 0.3 m/s circulation velocity and continuous aeration (24 h/day). The maximum biomass production was 3.49 g/L after 7 days, corresponding to 0.456 g/L/day, with enhanced phycocyanin (123.37 mg/g), carotenoid (4.02 mg/g), and crude protein (59.20%) contents.

Conclusion: These findings provide practical guidance for alleviating environmental stress and improving large-scale cultivation of A. platensis under tropical conditions.

Production of Copper Nanoparticle-Embedded Chitosan Hydrogel for Potential Application in Wound Management

Aminu Argungu Umar, Ibrahim Sani, Ahmad Ibrahim Bagudo, Shamsudeen Aliyu — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nanoparticle-embedded hydrogels present a novel therapeutic approach in wound management. These hydrogels are multifunctional, have efficacy and their production is practicable. Hence, this work focused on the formulation and characterization of copper nanoparticles-embedded chitosan hydrogel for potential application in wound management. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable biopolymer, was used to produce chitosan hydrogel (CH-HG), and separately synthesised copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were incorporated into the chitosan hydrogel to formulate chitosan hydrogel/copper nanoparticles (CH-HG/CuNPs) conjugate. The structural integration of copper nanoparticles within the hydrogel matrix was evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction analysis. Wound healing activity of the formulated CH-HG/CuNPs was evaluated in vivo through the wound excision model using Wister albino rats. Additionally, antimicrobial efficacy of the CH-HG/CuNPs was tested against common wound pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The results from these studies revealed that after 14 days of treatment, the percentage wound closer of 100%, 85%, 71.67%, 98.33%, and 63.33% were achieved by CH-HG/CuNPs, CH-HG, CuNPS, Standard drug, and Negative control, respectively. All the tested wound-associated pathogens were inhibited by CH-HG/CuNPs nano-system, showing inhibition zone of 23 mm, 24 mm, and 21 mm against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively. This study highlights the potential wound healing and antimicrobial attributes of a newly developed biopolymer hydrogel embedded with Cu nanoparticles. Hence, a broad prospect for the fabrication and use of CH-HG/CuNPs nano-system in wound management has been provided herein.

The Effect of the Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Senna alata on Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Albino Rats

S. M. Midawa, T. D. Tizhe, S. Y. Comfort, B. M. Zainab, S. Israel, I. S. Albert — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Senna alata is a medicinal plant in the family Fabaceae and is widely used in traditional medicine for the management of several conditions. Although the plant is commonly used, information on its haematological and biochemical effects remains limited. This study assessed the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Senna alata on body weight, haematological parameters, serum metabolites and serum enzyme activity in albino rats. Fresh leaves were collected from Mubi town, Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria, authenticated, air-dried for 14 days, powdered and extracted with absolute ethanol. Twenty albino rats were divided into four groups of five animals each. Group 1 served as the normal control and received feed and water only, while Groups 2, 3 and 4 received the ethanolic leaf extract orally at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 14 days. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analyses, and data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analysed using one-way ANOVA. The extract did not produce a serious effect on body weight, as percentage weight variation ranged from 3.01 to 4.70. Red blood cell count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were not significantly different from the control. White blood cell count increased significantly in Group 2, while platelet values decreased significantly in Groups 2 and 4. Albumin, globulin, urea and total protein showed no significant differences, whereas glucose decreased in all treated groups. ALT increased in Group 2 and ALP increased in Group 3. Overall, the extract showed no serious adverse effect at the tested doses.

Harnessing CRISPR/Cas9 for Rapid Genetic Improvement of Tomato: From Trait Enhancement to Stress Resilience

K. Lakshmi Jayaraj, Smita Nair — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally important vegetable crop, widely cultivated and consumed due to its rich nutritional profile, including vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds that contribute to human health. However, its productivity is significantly constrained by a range of biotic stresses, including bacterial, viral, fungal, nematode, and insect infestations, leading to considerable yield losses and deterioration in fruit quality. The narrow genetic base of cultivated tomato further limits the efficiency of conventional breeding programs, which are often time-consuming and labour-intensive despite their success in developing resistant cultivars. In contrast, genome editing technologies enable precise and targeted genetic modifications without the incorporation of foreign DNA. Among these, CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as a powerful and efficient tool for rapid genetic improvement in tomato. This technology has been widely applied to enhance important agronomic traits, including plant architecture, floral development (e.g., leaf morphology, stem growth, male sterility, fruit set, and parthenocarpy), fruit ripening, and quality attributes such as lycopene, carotenoids, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total soluble solids, anthocyanins, and shelf life. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9 has been successfully used to develop resistance against major diseases, including tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), powdery mildew, and late blight, as well as to improve tolerance to abiotic stresses such as heat, drought, and salinity. This review summarises recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing for enhancing agronomic traits and biotic stress resistance in tomato and highlights its potential for accelerating the development of improved tomato cultivars.