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Optimized Method for Processing Avocado Seeds to Improve Selected Nutrients and Functional Values.
(Food Science and Technology Research, 2020-08-25) Runyogote, Joseph; Chacha, Musa; Ndabikunze, Bernadette; Raymond, Jofrey
Probiotic Fermentation, Boiling, Soaking, Anti-Nutrients, Vitamins, Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenols The objective of this study was to develop an optimal processing technique capable of reducing antinutrients to acceptable levels, retain nutrients and functional values of avocado seeds for human consumption. Different processing conditions for probiotic fermentation, boiling and soaking techniques were studied to establish optimal processing conditions for the seeds. The antinutrients, antioxidant activity, total phenolics and selected nutrients of avocado seeds were analyzed using analytical standard methods.All processing techniques significantly (p < 0.05) reduced over 50 % of antinutrients. The highest total phenolics and antioxidant activity (IC50) were 33.3 mgGAE/g and 0.8 mg/mL respectively which were observed at a fermentation temperature of 37 oC. Soaking and boiling reduced the analyzed minerals to about 30 % whereas probiotic fermentation retained 100 % of minerals analyzed, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. Moreover, probiotic fermentation demonstrated the best results in comparison to boiling and soaking thus, considered as an optimal processing method for improving nutritional and functional values of avocado seeds
Accumulation and distribution of mercury in agricultural soils, food crops and associated health risks: A case study of Shenda gold mine-Geita Tanzania.
(ELSEVIER, 2023-02-18) Sanga, Tumikia R.; Maseka, Kenneth K.; Ponraj, Mohanadoss; Tungaraza, Clavery; Mng’ong’o, Marco E.; Mwakalapa, Eliezer B.
Contamination of the environment and foodstuff by potentially harmful elements (PHEs) has become a serious concern due to the associated health risks to the population. In the present study total mercury (Hg) levels in soil and food crops from farms around Shenda gold mine in Geita Tanzania was determined by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (CVAFS). Generally, it was found that there was significant different of Hg content in soil and food crops (P < 0.05) among studied sites. The total Hg concentrations determined were in the ranges of; soils (0.003-0.1220 mg/kg), rice (0.0752-0.1587 mg/kg) and vegetables (0.0556-0.3439 mg/kg) all measurement were based on dry weight basis (dw). Total Hg levels in soil were compared with the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) set by Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and United Kingdom (UK). All studied soil samples were within acceptable range (2 mg/kg) set by TBS and UK (1 mg/kg). Total Hg contents in food crop samples were compared with Chinese MAC of Hg (0. 01 and 0.02 mg/kg for leafy vegetables and grains respectively in a fresh weight basis). It was observed that Hg contents in potato leaves, pumpkin leaves and Chinese cabbage were within the MAC while Hg levels in cassava leaves and rice grains exceeded the MAC. In addition, Hg associated health risks to consumers of contaminated foods for residents around Shenda gold mine were estimated. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) of Hg due to consumption of rice grain was above the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) set by FAO/WHO (1.6 mg/kg bw/week) while the EWI due to consumption of leafy vegetables were below the PTWI. Target hazard quotient (THQ) was < 1 due to consumption of vegetables while THQ value for rice was >1, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic risk to adult population from the consumption of rice grain from the study area. Therefore, people living near Shenda goldmine might be potential victim of Hg accumulation in soil and food crops, thus necessary management options have to be in place.
Bio-concentration and translocation of chromium in soil-plant system: Health risks in Usangu agro-ecosystem.
(ELSEVIER, 2023-06-10) Mng’ong’o, Marco E.; Mshora, Abubakar M.; Msigwa, Christopher; Komanya, Absalom; Shimo, Samwel
Determination and analysis of total chromium (Cr) in soil and plant tissues help estimate the associated health risk; however, this might overestimate the risk because not all Cr from the soil is transported to above-ground plant tissues, mainly the edible part of most plants. Here we present the analysis of Cr partition in soils and paddy rice plant samples which currently missing in Usangu agro-ecosystem. The bio-concentration (BF) and translocation factors (TF) estimating the distribution and partitions of Cr in plant tissues (roots, straws, and grains), and associated environmentally and health risks were determined in Usangu agro-ecosystem. The Cr concentration in soils ranged from 4.58 to 42.76 mg/kg which was within maximum permissible limits (100 mg/kg), with the total Cr in plants samples ranging from 12.88 to 57.34 mg/kg. It was found that straws and roots had higher Cr concentrations than grains indicating a less health risk in edible parts. The BF > 1 was observed in 83.3% of the studied sites indicating higher Cr uptakes by plants. Furthermore, TF < 1 was observed in 67.33% of the studied sites indicating more Cr accumulated in below-ground biomass (roots) than above-ground biomass (straws and grains) (33.33%), thus less risk to edible plant parts. This study indicates that high Cr in agricultural soils may accelerate Cr accumulation in plant tissues or above-ground plant biomass leading to health risks.
Biotechnological Innovations to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance and Advance Global Health Equity.
(MDPI, 2025-09-05) Rugarabamu, Sima; Mwanyika, Gaspary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health emergency that threatens the effectiveness of modern medicine, exacerbating healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Traditional approaches to antimicrobial development and stewardship have proven inadequate in curbing the rapid emergence and spread of resistant pathogens. This review explores cutting-edge biotechnological innovations as sustainable, precision-based solutions to combat AMR and promote global health equity. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using literature published between 2018 and 2023 from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed studies focusing on novel antimicrobial strategies were thematically analyzed, with attention to efficacy, feasibility, and translational readiness. Key innovations identified include nanotechnology-enhanced antimicrobial delivery, bacterio-phage therapy, CRISPR-Cas gene editing, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine.These strategies demonstrated substantial in vitro and in vivo efficacy, such as >90% MRSA biofilm reduction via silver nanoparticles and 95% carbapenem susceptibility restoration in E. coli using CRISPR-Cas9. When integrated with machine learning and rapid diagnostics, these approaches enable precision-targeted therapies and data-informed stewardship, offering scalable solutions adaptable to diverse healthcare systems. Antimicrobial resistance demands urgent, equitable innovation. Integrating biotechnologies like CRISPR, phage therapy, and nanomedicine with data-driven tools offers promising solutions. To ensure real-world impact, we recommend establishing regionally tailored translational research platforms and public–private partnerships as the most effective strategy to scale innovations and strengthen AMR response in low-resource settings.
Understanding the Complex Aroma Profile of Durian Fruit: A Concise Review
(Journal of Food Science, 2025-02-12) Sospeter, Eliwanzita; Ding, Phebe; Fang, Teh Huey; Misran, Azizah; Abas, Faridah; Dey, Gargi
Durian fruit (Durio sp.) is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asian countries known for its strong and unique characteristic smell. This review provides comprehensive information on durian fruit aroma, which is characterized by various volatile compounds, with esters and sulfur compounds playing a key role. Additionally, the contribution of ketones, alcohols and aldehydes to its unique aroma cannot be overlooked. The important precursors for the generation of these volatiles are branched-chain amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, the abundance and composition of aroma volatiles in durian fruit can be affected by various influencing factors, including genetic background, post-harvest handling, and processing. This review also provides the common methods used to extract and analyze durian aroma components, with solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry emerging as a suitable and precise method to extract and analyze the complex aroma chemistry of the durian fruit