Published Articles

Abstract: Aquacultures are practised in different water confinements which include plastic ponds, concrete and earthen and are known to harbour pathogens. In aquaculture (fish rearing) the use of antibiotics is on the increase where they are used as disease eradicators and as growth promoters. This study sought to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from fish ponds in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. A total number of ten water samples were collected from five different sampling points at depth 1.5 m within the ponds, close to the outlets and at the outlets from the cat-fish and tilapia-fish ponds. These samples were serially diluted, inoculated and the pure isolates were subjected to antibiotics sensitivity testing using Kirby- Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Based on the cellular, morphological and biochemical characterization nine bacterial isolates were identified and isolates found to show multiple resistances to antibiotics were further identified by molecular analysis using 16SrRNA gene detection and sequencing. The Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, nitrofurantoin, ampicillin, amoxycillin, clavulanate. gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and all the isolates were susceptible to ofloxacin. The molecular analysis revealed that the organisms which showed multiple resistances to antibiotics were Azotobacter chroococcum, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion this study has revealed the need for good management of aquaculture facilities in order to avoid zoonotic diseases. Also, monitoring of antibiotics usage in fish ponds management should be given high priority to avoid resistant genes from being transferred to other bacteria of human clinical significance.
Keywords: Aquaculture, pathogens, antibiotics, zoonotic, pond.

Abstract: New antibacterial agents are pressingly in need to combat the outgrowing incidence of bacterial resistance, which has been number one significant public health threat. The antibacterial activity and phytochemical components of Cannabis sativa and Garcinia kola against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from diabetic patients with wound infection were investigated. Pure and type isolates of S. maltophilia (ATCC 17666) were obtained from Ogun and Lagos State hospitals, while the plants used were purchased from Ago-Iwoye market, Ogun State. Disk and agar diffusion methods were used to evaluate the antibacterial profile, and the effect of the extracts on the studied isolates, respectively. The isolates of S. maltophilia were resistant to all the antibiotics tested. The effect of the two extracts on the two S. maltophilia varied based on the plant solvent, concentration, and organisms. Ethanol extracts of G. kola and C. sativa on pure/type S. maltophilia had the highest diameter zones of inhibition of 24 mm/27 mm and 19 mm/22 mm at 150 mg/ml, respectively. The type isolate had the highest diameter zones of inhibition in all concentrations of the solvent extracts except for the aqueous. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration for both plants were 75 mg/ml (type isolate), 150 mg/ml (pure isolate), and 75 mg/ml for C. Sativa alone. Some phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins were observed in the plant extracts.In conclusion, the tested plants possess antibacterial activity, hence, could be used as substitutes in the treatment and management of S. maltophilia pathogens in diabetics with wound infection, and also, in the formulation of pharmaceuticals.
Keywords: Antibiotics, antibacterial activity, diabetic wound infection, plant, extracts/phytochemicals, resistance

Abstract: This study set out to determine the influence of microbial quality of wastewater from a pharmaceutical industry on surrounding groundwater sources and antibiotic susceptibility of isolated bacteria. Wastewater and water samples were collected from the study sites and the concentrations of enteric bacteria were determined using standard microbiological technique. Physicochemical characteristics of the wastewater and water samples were determined using standard methods. Relationships between the levels of enteric bacteria in the wastewater and water samples were determined using Pearson’s correlation. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates were determined using standard disc diffusion method. The results revealed that E. coli had the highest mean concentration in the wastewater and water samples. The levels of enterococci in the wastewater samples had the most correlations with the levels of other enteric bacteria in water samples from the boreholes. Salmonella was susceptible to perfloxacin, while enterococci was susceptible to zinacef and all the isolates showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study demonstrates that the microbial quality of the boreholes were influenced by the wastewater from the pharmaceutical industry. Water from the boreholes had poor microbial quality and potential pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may pose significant risks to public health.
Keywords: Antibiogram, enteric bacteria, water quality, microbial indicators, human health

Abstract: Data on the isolated bacteria causing wound infections is currently needed in Nigeria to determine the best management practice and antibiotics to be adopted in wound infection treatment to reduce the cost, pains and improve recovery of affected patients. This work is aimed at identifying bacteria isolated from wound infections in Benue State Teaching Hospital Makurdi Nigeria. Samples were collected from ward patients. Swabs were collected from these patients using standard medical procedures and analyzed using cultured nutrient agar medium and cystine lactose electrolyte deficient agar (CLED) medium. Klebsiella spp , Streptococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were bacteria isolated from wound infections. The abundance of these bacteria causing wound infection increases from Streptococcus spp (10%), Klebsiella spp (20%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30%) to Staphylococcus aureus (40%). Both culture methods showed the same abundance pattern. Antimicrobial sensitivity pattern and inhibition of bacteria identified with wound infections were different across sampled antibiotics. However, this study revealed the bacteria responsible for wound infections and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern. The outcome could be useful in model ling antibiotics for the management of bacterial wound infections.
Keywords: Antibacterial, Klebsiella spp, sensitivity, teaching hospital, wound

Abstract: The transmission of the members of the Enterobacteriaceae family with extended spectrum has become a cause for concern. Food animals have been researched to be reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance especially in developing part of the world where there is indiscriminate prophylactic use of antibiotics in animal farming. This study investigated molecular identification and antibiotics resistance of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Enterobactericeae isolated from duck droppings. A total of twenty-two (22) isolates from forty (40) duck dropping samples in this study were Gram negative bacteria. The isolation of associated Enterobacteriaceae from the duck droppings was carried out using the standard microbiological methods, ESBL phenotypic detection was carried out using combination disc test and double disc synergism test. The major findings were the presence of multidrug resistant Citrobacter freundii 7(31.82%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 7(31.82%), Proteus spp. 3(13.64%), and Serratia marcescens 5(22.72%) to commonly used antibiotics such as ceftazidime, cefixime, nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin, augmentin and cefuroxime. Double disk synergy test showed 5(22.72%) were ESBL producers which include: Citrobacter freundi 3(42.86%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 1(14.29%) and Proteus spp. 1(33.33%). The PCR amplification of the ESBL genes in the five isolates to blaTEM ESBL gene revealed a negative result bands corresponding to blaTEM ESBL though positive for ESBL production. This could be as a result of expression of other genes like CTX, SHV, OXA and other types. This research shows that ducks are also reservoir of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae which calls for concern. There is, therefore need for more stringent measures and policies to be put in place by public health regulatory bodies to check misuse of antibiotics in food-animal farming in Nigeria.
Keywords: ESBLs, Enterobacteriaceae, duck droppings and blaTEM gene

Abstract: Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. This work was carried out from April to June, 2022 to determine the incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae among patients attending some selected Hospitals in Minna, Niger State. One hundred and twenty (120) samples collected, which includes, high vaginal swabs,81 (67.50%) , endo cervical swabs 16 (13.33%) from female patients and urethral swab, 23(19.17%) from male patients. The samples were cultured on chocolate agar modified with antibiotics. Isolation and identification of the organisms were done by standard bacteriological procedure. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates were determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar. Neisseria gonorrhoeaewas not isolated out of the 39 isolates obtained in the study as follows; Escherichia coli 13(33.3%), Staphylococcus aureus 12(30.8%), Streptococcus sp 3(7.7%) Klebsiella sp. 2(5.1%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9(23.1%). The antibiotics susceptibility testing revealed E. coli were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, septrin, and pefloxacin. Apart from E. coli, other isolates sensitive to these antibiotics includes, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella sp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp. were 100% resistant to amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, rifampin, augmentin and gentamicin. Twenty-three (23) (19.17%) positive cases of genitourinary tract infection were male, while female patients had 97(80.83%). During this research, middle aged patient from 25-30 (30.80%) and 20-24 (25.60%) were found to possess the highest prevalence of genitourinary tract infection. The findings of this study indicated that E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent isolates responsible for genitourinary tract infection due to the possession of some virulent associated features which helps them to attach to the genital tract. Proper measures should be taken to prevent further spread of this infection most especially in women and children.
Keywords: Genitourinary tract bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, patients, sexually transmitted disease.

Abstract: Megagreen is a bio stimulant, containing micronized calcite whose particles act quickly on the vegetal metabolism via foliar surface. Therefore experiment was carried out at the screen house of the College of Plant Science and Crop Production at the Federal Univer sity of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria to investigate the effect of different rates of single super phosphate and frequency of megagreen on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and yield of cowpea Vigna unguiculata L). The experiment was a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) arranged in split split plot with application of megagreen at the rates of 1.5 and 3 (kg/ha per 500 litres of water) used and applied at two frequencies and application of SSP (0 kg/ha P 2 O 5 ) and recommended rate (40 kg/h a P 2 O 5 ) applied at planting. Plant growth and reproductive parameters were measured. The soil physical and chemical properties; and analysis of ureides N and nitrates N were determined. The results showed that cowpea gave no significant response to the two treatments of SSP and megagreen in terms of the growth parameters, yield obtained, level of nitrogen retained in the soil and the ammonium nitrate in the plant sap and plant tissue. However, application of SSP and megagreen at the rate of 3 kg/ha per 500 litres of water at 2, and 3 WAP (S 1 M 2 R 1 ) also recorded more than 200 % increase in yield. The findings indicate that application of SSP and megagreen at the rate of 3 kg/ha are the preferred option to improve soil fertility and quality, and increase cowp ea yield.
Keywords: Cowpea yield, megagreen, nitrogen fixation, nodulation, single superphosphate

Abstract: Sorghum bicolor L. Moench (Guinea corn) is a cereal that is widely planted and consumed as staple in Nigeria. Mycotoxin contamination of this grain can present public health concerns to consumers especially children, where it can be fatal. This study investigated the use of fermentation as a biocontrol strategy to mitigate mycotoxins present in Sorghum bicolor grains. A total of 3 0 samples of sorghum were purchased from 3 selected markets in Abeokuta metropolis and pooled into 3 composites per market. Each pooled sample w as divided into 2 parts. One part was allowed to ferment spontaneously for 96 hours while the other part was left unfermented. These were screened for the presence of fungi using isolation method, and fungal metabolites using LC MS/MS analytical method. T he fungal species identified in non fermented sorghum were Aspergillus niger, A spergillus . flavus , Aspergillus turbingensis , and Fusarium coffeatum , while those in fermented sorghum were Pichia kudriavzii and Candida parapsilosis. Aflatoxin B1 and B2 were detected in the non fermented grains with concentration of 41.6 µg/kg 0.02 (SE) and 5.77 µ g/kg +/ 0.01 (SE) respectively, both above E U recommended limit s . In the fermented grains, AFB1 and AFB2 were drastically reduced to 5.7 7 µ g/kg and 1.54 µ g/kg respectively. High amounts of fusaric acid (421 µ g/kg) were also recorded in the fermented grains. The presence of fusaric acid in the fermented grains in high amounts could be of public health concern though moderately toxic to anim als. The reduction in AFB1 and AFB2 content in the fermented samples indicates that fermentation can be employed as a biocontrol strategy for the mitigation of mycotoxins in cereal based foods.
Keywords: Fermentation, LC-MS/MS, mycotoxins, public health, Soghum bicolor.

Abstract: The rising global threat of resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is alarming. This has necessitated the use of alternative antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by pathogens. Clay has since been under investigation for its antimicrobial and therapeutic properties. This study investigated the physicochemical quality and antimicrobial activity of some clay against some skin infection isolates. The physicochemical quality of the clay samples were determined by standard meth ods. The test organisms were multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa , antibiotic susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa , methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotic susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus spp. Clay concentrations of 12 .5%, 25% and 50% were prepared for use for determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC). Of the 10 screened clay samples for antimicrobial activity, three (3) showed activity with zones of inhibition ranging from 11 mm to 16 mm. The MIC of the clay samples ranged from 25 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml against the tested microorganisms . There was no antimicrobial activity against Aspergillus spp. for all clay samples. The MBC for other clay was >50 mg/ml. The physicochemical composition revealed that the clay were high in kaolinite, illite, sulphur, iron and aluminum. This study revealed that clay had antimicrobial activities against the test organisms, perhaps due to their physicochemical composition, suggesti ng that clay could be an alternative treatment option for skin infections caused by these organisms.
Keywords: Clay, antimicrobial activity, skin infection isolates, physicochemical composition.

Abstract: Dams have been constructed worldwide to dependably provide people with safe water to drink, which has become the practice in developed areas of Nigeria and is acknowledged as a fundamental human right and a cost effective measure for controlling disease. However, the glo bal scientific community is increasingly concerned by descriptions of these dams to be aquatic reservoirs of antibiotic resistant bacteria and/or genes. This study was aimed at the characterization of antibiotics resistant enterococci from Epe dam water in Lagos, Nigeria . Isolation was done by pour plating followed by streaking on selective agar. Isolated bacteria were identified using prescribed standard biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion te chnique against using clinically relevant antibiotics. The 66.66% of Enterococcus faecalis , 27.77% of Enterococcus faecium , and 5.57% of Enterococcus gallinarum were isolated from the sample s . Isolates displayed varying high levels of resistance against te st antibiotics. Enterococcus faecalis proved to be resistant to z innacef (Z), a moxicillin (AM), r ocephin (R), and s treptomycin (S), Enterococcus faecium was resistant to z innacef (Z), a moxicillin (AM), and s treptomycin (SXT) while Enterococcus gallinarum is resistant to p efloxacin (PEF), gentamycin (GN), zinnacef (Z), a moxicillin (AM), and s treptomycin (S). Hence, this study ascertains that dam waters are reservoirs of multiple antibiotics resistant Enterococci. Therefore, there is a need to improve hygie ne conditions in the sampled water environment.
Keywords: Dam water, antibiotics resistant, Enterococci, reservoir, isolates.

Abstract: Multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been known to cause infections among hospitalised patients leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Carbapenems are usually deployed for treating these infections. This work focused on molecular characterisation and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of wound infections due to Pseudomonas species from four major hospitals within Maiduguri, Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty non-duplicate wound specimens were collected from surgical units of four hospitals within Maiduguri metropolis between February 2020 and October 2020. The samples were analysed for Pseudomonas species and molecularly identified using standard methods. Pseudomonas species constituted 72 (17.1%) of the isolates, with P. aeruginosa being responsible for 68 (94.4%); the remaining were P. putida 2(2.8%) and P. fluorescens 2(2.8%). The highest prevalence of 36.8% was in the 21-40-year age group, with 66% being males. (P<0.05). Resistance was documented at 100%, 83.6%, 35.3% 29.4%, 27.9% and 4.4% for ceftazidime, aztreonam, meropenem, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactam, respectively. Genotypic characterisation of the P. aeruginosa isolates was positive for blaVIM, blaIMP. An alarmingly high level of carbapenem resistance was discovered among Pseudomonas species from our study population, with the presence of VIM and IMP. This finding will serve as a guide for empiric therapy of infected surgical wounds among our patients. To effectively tackle the menace of antimicrobial resistance, strict adherence to antimicrobial stewardship guidelines, infection prevention and control, and the need for improved surveillance; employing the One Health approach need to be universally adopted.
Keywords: Carbapenemases, insurgency, molecular characterisation, Pseudomonas species, wound infection

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the relative antibacterial activity and phytochemical properties of ethanolic and water extracts of Anacardium occidentale (cashew) stem bark. The phytochemicals were screened using qualitative methods. Qualitatively analyzed phytochemical constituents in the stem bark extracts includes carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, sterols, anthraquinone, terpens and phenol. The microorganisms assayed for the antibacterial activities using the agar well diffusion were Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, studies on the susceptibility pattern and the zones of inhibition exhibited by the extracts shows a certain degree of inhibitory effects against the test organisms. Ethanolic extract of A. occidentale stem bark was effective against B.subtilis at concentration of 100mg/ml and 50 mg/ml only, S. aureus and S. Typhi at concentration of 100 mg/ml only, and E. coli at concentration of 100 mg/ml only while in aqueous extract of A. occidentale stem bark, there was effect against S. aureus at concentration of 100 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml, followed by B. subtilis at concentration of 100 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml, S. Typhi and lastly E.coli both at the concentration of 100 mg/ml. Considering the diameter of the zone of inhibition, it was noticed that there was little or no difference between the diameters of both extracts. Although, these results suggest an important ethno-pharmaceutical potential of A. occidentaleas a source of compounds with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that can be used in the pharmaceutical industry its low activity may be due to low concentration of the extracts.
Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Anacardium occidentale, bacteria

Abstract: Infectious diseases have been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low-income countries, especially in children. The development of antibiotics led to the improvement of life expectancy by about 8 years as they could be used to treat infections that were previously life-threatening. They have also made possible complex surgeries that could otherwise kill the patients. However, a number of pathogens have developed resistance to antibiotics, rendering the drugs ineffective in treatment of infections. The level of antibiotics resistance is rising dangerously, threatening the ability to treat even common infections. Worst still, antibiotics resistance is not limited to a given locality. Resistance to antibiotics can develop in one area and spread worldwide due to interconnected trades and travels. Thus, antibiotics resistance is a global health crisis and a silent tsunami that unless urgent steps are taken, many infectious diseases that could easily be treated will become difficult to manage, leading to increase in mortality and morbidity. This paper discusses antibiotics, their mode of action, development of resistance and its effect on global health and the means of preventing/controlling resistance.
Keywords: Antibiotics, global health, resistance, infections, antibiotics misuse

Abstract: Fenugreek is an annually globally grown medicinal plant known for its various bioactive components, including antibacterial activities. It have been consumed medically for food as condiments. The proximate analysis of fenugreek seed showed that carbohydrates (37.79 %) had the highest value followed by fibre (22.48%), protein (20.76%), moisture (8.96%), fat (6.57%) and lowest value was recorded for ash (3.44%). The antibacterial activities of fenugreek oil and fenugreek seed extract (ethanol and methanol of 60 g/200 ml) was tested against pathogenic bacteria using open well diffusion and paper disc method at 10 μl, 20 μl, 40 μl, 50 μl and 100 μl concentration. The higher the concentrations, the more significant were the antibacterial activities of both fenugreek oil and seeds extracts. It was observed that the ethanolic extract was the most active against Escherichia coli with the highest zone of inhibition of 14 mm, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae with 13 mm, while Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had 12 mm each zone of inhibition. Streptococcus pyogenes had the lowest zone of inhibition of 11 mm. The findings of this study revealed that fenugreek samples extracts were potent against the test bacteria.
Keywords: Antibacterial, fenugreek, pathogenic bacteria, proximate composition.

Abstract: Ready-to-eat foods are widely available in public places including tertiary institutions. The safety of the foods is often compromised by poor hygiene and inadequate sanitary facilities and can have debilitating effects on human health. Unfortunately, the microbiological quality of foods sold at Nigerian universities is rarely routinely assessed. Food samples from the cafeteria of a Nigerian private University, the surfaces on which they are prepared and served and stool samples from the food handlers were assessed for microbiological quality using standard microbiological procedures. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Microbial counts of foods that were sampled ranged from 0.1 x 10⁶ cfu/g for hot dog to 4.13 x 10⁶ cfu/g for rice. The highest number of isolates (19/51, 37.3%) was from the hands of food handlers while the least number (6/51, 11.8%) was from swabbed surfaces. The presence of Burkholderia cepacia, Raoultella ornithinolytica and Klebsiella pneumoniae from the samples is indicative of poor microbiological safety of ready-to-eat food and suggests unhygienic practices by the food handlers. Active surveillance of ready-to-eat foods is required to ensure food safety.
Keywords: Food safety, microbiological quality, poor hygiene, sanitation, ready-to-eat foods.

Abstract: This research focuses on isolation and screening of linamarase producing microorganisms for detoxification of cyanide in cassava tubers. Linamarase is the enzyme that breaks down the toxic substance, linamarin (cyanogenic glucoside) in cassava. A total of six microorganisms were isolated and screened. Out of the six isolates, two were able to grow in a medium containing potassium cyanide (KCN) solution (800 ppm) namely Priestia flexa and Pichia kudriavzevii. These were the isolates that gave optical density (OD) readings ≥0.4 after 2 days of incubation. In conclusion, this research provides a useful information on the choice of these microorganisms for linamarase production for detoxification of cyanide in cassava tubers.
Keywords: Cassava, cyanide, detoxification, linamarase, screening.

Abstract: Fungi associated with seed coats and nibs of dried fermented F3 Amazon and CRIN Tc series cocoa beans varieties stored for 120 days at 29-34oC/RH 55-65% (low humidity condition) and 29-31oC/RH 85-95% (high humidity condition) were isolated and identified at 15-day intervals (till the end of storage) using standard methods. Percentage of occurrence of each of the isolated fungal species was also calculated. Yeasts (13.00-100.00%) and Rhizopus species (5.88-60.00%) were most consistently isolated throughout the storage period from both seed coats and nibs of the two cocoa varieties used in this study under high and low humidity storage conditions. Isolation of Fusarium spp. (4.45-37.50%) from the seed coats of F3 Amazon variety, began at the 15th day of storage, while that of Aspergillus spp. (7.69-19.28%) began on the 30th day on the seed coats of same variety under both storage conditions. Similar trend was noticed on the nibs of the same variety. The seed coats of Tc series cocoa beans also followed similar pattern. The conspicuous presence of yeasts, Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp. and Aspergillus spp. on the seed coats and nibs of both F3 Amazon and Tc series cocoa beans varieties during both low and high humidity storage showed that the fungi were both internally and externally borne on the beans and could cause infections on the beans both during dry and wet seasons. Suitable measures therefore need to be taken at the critical storage periods for production of safer cocoa beans.
Keywords: Seed coat, nibs, storage, cocoa.

Abstract: L-asparaginase is the first therapeutic enzyme with antineoplastic properties that has been studied broadly by researchers and scientists far and wide. Aspartame is a methyl ester of aspartic acid and phenylalanine dipeptides. The aim of this research was to ascertain the effect of aspartame on L- asparaginase (enzyme) activities from marine water Isolate. Soil and water samples from lagoon and ocean were collected for the isolation of Streptomyces spp. Isolation was carried out by serial dilution and pour plate method. Pure culture of actinomycetes were obtained by using the streak plate method, Identification of isolated marine actinomycetes was carried out according to Bergy’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. Production of L-asparaginase was carried out in Erlenmeyer flask containing Czapek Dox broth supplemented with L-asparaginase (1g/L), with one used as the control and the other with 0.5 g aspartame in it, as production medium for 7 days at 120 rpm and at 28 0C. Optical density (growth rate) were determined at 600 nm using the spectrophotometer. Aspartame had highest optical density of 0.3826 ± 0.0015 on day 7 of production and the least optical density of 0.094 ± 0.001 on initial day. L-asparaginase activity with aspartame was 25 𝜇mol/ml/min on day 7 and the control had activity value of 66.6666 ± 0.0524 . Conclusively, this study explains that aspartame did not support the production of L-asparaginase.
Keywords: Aspartame, L- asparaginase, spectrometrically, production, supplemented