DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Nanoparticles are particles of matter ranging from 1-100nm in diameter. In this study, nontoxic, cost-effective and eco-friendly Ag, Au and Ag - Au composite NPs were synthesized using the culture biomass of Arspergillus carbonarius and the application of the NPs in the biosynthesized NPs were utilized in the remediation of waste petroleum products. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS/5.85) rDNA techniques were used to characterize Arspergillus carbonarius. The bioreduction properties of the Ag+ and Au+ NPs were monitored by UvV is spectrophotometry. The NPs obtained were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR (Fourier Transfer Spectroscopy) methods. The intensity of the NPs peak revealed hydroxyl (OH) and carbonyl (C=O) groups
formed by the capping of the carboxylic acid moieties. The XRD peaks were compared with the Joint committee on Powered Diffraction Standard (JCPDS) card as a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal lattice structure. The Morphological structure of the Synthesized NPs revealed pores strands formed on the perisplasmic surface of the mycelia of the A. Cabonarius. The Ag, Au and AgAu exhibited potential bioremediation activity in waste engine oil cleanup. Thus, the NPs can be utilized as potential agent for remediation of petroleum products.

The search for extraterrestrial life has been of major concern to scientists as they try to seek for ways by which humans and other living organisms can survive in outer space and beyond. Therefore, studying the effects the space environment could have on living systems and, most likely, finding solutions to these problems has been of great concern to scientists. Microgravity, or the condition of almost zero-gravity, can have profound effects on living systems, including plants and humans. The study design involves subjecting maize seeds to clinorotation condition within a controlled laboratory setup. The experiment was conducted in several replicates, with conventional conditions serving as the control group. The clinostat stimulated micro gravity condition, facilitated continuous rotation of the maize seed, removing the effect of gravitational
force. The effects of microgravity on plants include changes in growth and morphology, changes in nutrient uptake, changes in response to light and changes in gene expression, while the effects on humans include changes in bone density, muscle atrophy, fluid shifts, cardiovascular changes and immune systems changes. Several plants can be used for space explorations. Maize plant can survive in a microgravity environment and can serve as a food source (providing good protein and sugar content), and provide oxygen which can be used by astronauts for long space exploration. The effect of microgravity can could impair the growth and development of the plant, but the use of stimulators like IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), SNP (sodium nitroprusside) will significantly reduce the effects of microgravity environment on zea mays during long space exploration. Understanding these effects is important for developing effective countermeasures to mitigate their negative effects and ensure the safety and health of astronauts in space.

Ekpoma rice is a native rice grown in Esan Land and it is believed to be rich in fibre, carbohydrate, protein, crude fat, and favorable nutritional content. Ekpoma rice is an important source of carbohydrate. The rice flour was stored for 0-3 months to investigate possible storage changes in the nutritional content of the rice flour. The proximate, mineral analysis and amino-acid profile was done using standard methods such as AOAC methods. Kjeldahl procedure was used to determine the crude protein in the rice. Determination of the minerals was carried out using Nitric-perchloric acid digestion and the amino-acid analysis was carried out using an amino-acid analyzer. Results show it contains (81.65-82.52%) carbohydrate, (5.53-5.89%) protein, (0.75-1%) crude fat, (0.08-0.47%) crude fibre, (0.31 0.67%), ash content, (9.60-11.00%) moisture content and (932.00-948%), nitrogen. Mineral analysis shows it is rich in phosphorus(P), potassium(K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). The amino-acid analysis shows that it is rich in both essential and non-essential amino-acids. The essential amino-acids includes lysine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, methionine, methylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. The nutritional content of Ekpoma rice bran is comparable rich bran, therefore, it can be consumed by individuals with or without health issues.

Over the years, space exploration has witnessed so many challenges especially in area of life support system which has hindered manned space craft for long space exploration. One of the major limiting factors in space life support systems is gravitational force. Plants are a vital component of life support systems in space exploration because they provide essential components for humans’ long-term extraterrestrial survival. They can be used in bio-regenerative life support systems (BLSS) as sources of food and oxygen, for the absorption of CO2, and for the recycling of waste during space missions, they can also improve the atmosphere in enclosed spaces, as well as lowering the risk of mental health for astronauts. Clinorotation, a technique that simulates microgravity conditions, has gained significant interest in plant research due to its potential implications for space agriculture and understanding terrestrial plant growth responses and biological life support systems. The design involved subjecting maize seeds to clinorotation conditions within a controlled laboratory setup. The experiment was conducted in multiple replicates, with conventional germination conditions serving as the control group. The clinorotation apparatus, designed to simulate microgravity
conditions, facilitated continuous rotation of the maize seeds, removing the effects of gravitational forces. Germination parameters, including germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, and other associated growth metrics, were meticulously measured and analyzed. Additionally, various physiological parameters, such as root and shoot lengths, were assessed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the maize seed’s germination under clinorotation stress. The results demonstrated significant variations in germination parameters between the clinorotation-exposed and control groups. The clinorotated maize seeds exhibited faster germination initiation, increased germination percentage, and altered germination rates
compared to their terrestrial counterparts. The findings from this study provide crucial insights into the effects of microgravity simulation on maize germination and early growth stages. Understanding these responses is essential for the successful cultivation of crops during prolonged space missions and the establishment of extraterrestrial habitats.

Over the years, space exploration has witnessed so many challenges especially in area of life support system which has hindered manned space craft for long space exploration. One of the major limiting factors in space life support systems is gravitational force. Plants are a vital component of life support systems in space exploration because they provide essential components for humans’ long-term extraterrestrial survival. They can be used in bio-regenerative life support systems (BLSS) as sources of food and oxygen, for the absorption of CO2, and for the recycling of waste during space missions, they can also improve the atmosphere in enclosed spaces, as well as lowering the risk of mental health for astronauts. Clinorotation, a technique that simulates microgravity conditions, has gained significant interest in plant research due to its potential implications for space agriculture and understanding terrestrial plant growth responses and biological life support systems. The design involved subjecting maize seeds to clinorotation conditions within a controlled laboratory setup. The experiment was conducted in multiple replicates, with conventional germination conditions serving as the control group. The clinorotation apparatus, designed to simulate microgravity
conditions, facilitated continuous rotation of the maize seeds, removing the effects of gravitational forces. Germination parameters, including germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, and other associated growth metrics, were meticulously measured and analyzed. Additionally, various physiological parameters, such as root and shoot lengths, were assessed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the maize seed’s germination under clinorotation stress. The results demonstrated significant variations in germination parameters between the clinorotation-exposed and control groups. The clinorotated maize seeds exhibited faster germination initiation, increased germination percentage, and altered germination rates compared to their terrestrial counterparts. The findings from this study provide crucial insights into the effects of microgravity simulation on maize germination and early growth stages. Understanding these responses is essential for the successful cultivation of crops during prolonged space missions and the establishment of extraterrestrial habitats.

The search for extraterrestrial life has been of major concern to scientists as they try to seek for ways by which humans and other living organisms can survive in outer space and beyond. Therefore, studying the effects the space environment could have on living systems and, most likely, finding solutions to these problems has been of great concern to scientists. Microgravity, or the condition of almost zero-gravity, can have profound effects on living systems, including plants and humans. The study design involves subjecting maize seeds to clinorotation condition within a controlled laboratory setup. The experiment was conducted in several replicates, with conventional conditions serving as the control group. The clinostat stimulated micro gravity condition, facilitated continuous rotation of the maize seed, removing the effect of gravitational force. The effects of microgravity on plants include changes in growth and morphology, changes in nutrient uptake, changes in response to light and changes in gene expression, while the effects on humans include changes in bone density, muscle atrophy, fluid shifts, cardiovascular changes and immune systems changes. Several plants can be used for space explorations. Maize plant can survive in a microgravity environment and can serve as a food source (providing good protein and sugar content), and provide oxygen which can be used by astronauts for long space exploration. The effect of microgravity can could impair the growth and development of the plant, but the use of stimulators like IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), SNP (sodium nitroprusside) will significantly reduce the effects of microgravity environment on zea mays during long space exploration. Understanding these effects is important for developing effective countermeasures to mitigate their negative effects and ensure the safety and health of astronauts in space

Ekpoma rice is a native rice grown in Esan Land and it is believed to be rich in fibre,
carbohydrate, protein, crude fat, and favorable nutritional content. Ekpoma rice is an
important source of carbohydrate. The rice flour was stored for 0-3 months to investigate possible storage changes in the nutritional content of the rice flour. The proximate, mineral analysis and amino-acid profile was done using standard methods such as AOAC methods.
Kjeldahl procedure was used to determine the crude protein in the rice. Determination of the minerals was carried out using Nitric-perchloric acid digestion and the amino-acid analysis was carried out using an amino-acid analyzer. Results show it contains(81.65-82.52%)
carbohydrate, (5.53-5.89%) protein, (0.75-1%) crude fat, (0.08-0.47%) crude fibre, (0.31- 0.67%), ash content, (9.60-11.00%) moisture content and (932.00-948%), nitrogen. Mineral analysis shows it is rich in phosphorus(P), potassium(K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). The amino-acid analysis shows that it rich in both essential and non-essential amino-acids. The essential amino-acids includes lysine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, methionine, methylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. The nutritional content of Ekpoma rice bran is comparable rich bran, therefore, it can be consumed by individuals with or without health issues

Milk and dairy products are an essential food for human beings and it also acts as a good medium for microorganism’s growth. Milk and its products with high biological potential, enriched nutritional values and without health risks and hazards are generally demanded for nutritional purposes. A total of 8 dairy product samples were processed for microbial and biochemical analysis, collected from different locations in Benin City. Microbial count were performed for the detection of the number of bacteria and fungi present in the various samples. The identification of fungi was carried out by the use of mycological Atlas. Analysis was done XII 1 on media, while for confirmation of bacteria, various biochemical tests were performed. Both nonpathogenic and pathogenic bacteria and fungi were identified. The highest percentage prevalence of fungi contaminant was seen in CM with a percentage of 83.3% with the least bacteria prevalence of 16.67%. The highest prevalence contaminant of bacterial was observed in PY with 60% prevalence. Milk and its product should not be exposed to atmosphere as it can also get contaminated by photogenic microorganisms. More standard research should be made on pure fermentation of milk and dairy products without any pathogenic contaminant

Maintaining steady blood glucose levels is essential for metabolic balance and overall health. This study explores the potential of bitter kola, a rich source of bioactive compounds, to regulate blood sugar levels. Despite the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, research on the acute and sub-acute impacts of bitter kola on blood glucose levels remains limited. The research utilizes various approaches, including testing for acute toxicity, evaluating normal blood sugar levels, and conducting anti-diabetic experiments on rats. It found that administering ethanol extracts of bitter kola at doses up to 5000 mg/kg is safe and can lower blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic rats, indicating its potential in managing hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, comparable to the standard drug Glibenclamide. Moreover, the extract illustrated possible liver protection abilities and showed a positive influence on lipid levels, notably lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels. Crucially, it didn't negatively affect kidney tissue, indicating its safety. These results emphasize the potential of bitter kola as a natural dietary approach in managing diabetes, providing optimism for better blood sugar control and overall health.

Solvent- impregnated sorbent extraction of tantalum is reported. Tantalum was effectively extracted with 3500C carbonized and activated with 0.5 M hydrofluoric acid and impregnated with methyl isobutyl ketone from hydrofluoric acid leached tantalite ore. The transport study of tantalum ions through a supported solvent-impregnated based sorbent (coconut shell) has been carried out using a design expert (RSM). Factors affecting extraction of tantalum was studied via pH, temperature and contact time is discussed. The final extracts of tantalum complex were directly inserted after color development in the spectrophotometer for absorbance measurement which enhances the sensitivity. It was observed that at a pH of 1, a temperature of 28oC and at a contact time of 5 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was decreased to 53.37% and it was observed that at a pH of 1, an increased temperature of 68oC and at a contact time of 30 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was increased to 91.55%. The sorbent under study can therefore be used as alternative in order to reduce the high cost of conventional adsorbent used in extraction management.