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Abstract Background Technological development has led to the wide use of mobile phones. However, the role of the hand-held device in the possible spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens considering gender variation, especially among Nigerian undergraduates is poorly understood. This study aimed to assess bacterial isolates recovered from male and female mobile phones for antibiotic resistance and determine possible factors that could facilitate their spread. Methods Forty (40) undergraduates were included in the study with gender parity. Swabs of the undergraduates’ mobile phones were cultured and bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiology methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of the isolates was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay and the results were interpreted by the Clinical Standards and Laboratory Institute (CLSI) guideline. Bacterial isolates (n = 6/21) that resisted antibiotics belonging to ≥ 3 different classes regarded as multidrug resistant (MDR) were subjected to 16 S rRNA sequencing and identified using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) algorithm. Results The total bacterial count of male (11.1 × 106 ± 4.0) CFU/mL and female (11.7 × 106 ± 6.4) CFU/mL were high though comparable. Of the 25 isolates recovered, 10 and 15 were respectively from male and female mobile phones. Staphylococcus aureus (n = 11) was the most occurring isolate followed by Escherichia coli (n = 5), and Salmonella sp. (n = 3); the rest occurred less frequently. Staphylococcus aureus obtained from male phones (n = 7) is higher than in females (n = 4) but the species diversity is greater in females (n = 7) than in males (n = 3) phones. Isolates were resistant to ampiclox and zinnacef (85.71%), erythromycin (78.57%), amoxil and augmentin (72.73%), septrim (72%), rifampicin (71.43%) while > 80% were MDR. Low levels of handwashing and non-use of hand sanitizer could be linked with phone bacterial contamination. Conclusion Frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers should be prioritized among undergraduates to curtail the spread of difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.

Human mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by 2 distinct clades (I and II) of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) (1). Clade I primarily affects children and adolescents in Central Africa, [...]

Blast disease is one of the major threats to rice production globally. This study investigates the prevalence, incidence, severity, damage index and morphological variation of blast disease in lowland rice in nine local government areas of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Ebonyi State lies within Latitudes 6°15'57"N and 6°24'70"N, Longitudes 7°42′18″E and 8°26′20″E in the derived savannah zone of Nigeria. A survey was conducted on twenty-six (26) rice farms between October and November, 2017 when the rice had reached physiological maturity and infection of rice plants with blast was evident. Data collected from the farms included; rice variety cultivated, source of the seeds, area of land under cultivation, disease incidence, severity and damage, and control measures. Data obtained on disease incidence, severity and damage index were subjected to Analysis of Variance while significant means were separated with Tukey HSD test at p

Abstract Background Orofacial neoplasms in children and young adults may differ significantly from those observed in adults. Our aim was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of histologically diagnosed orofacial neoplasms among children and young adults in Nigeria. Methods This was a multicenter cross-sectional study across geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Annual reports of clinical information and surgical biopsies submitted at the Oral Pathology Laboratory, clinic day registries, surgical day case registries and operative theatre registries were retrieved from January 2008 to March 2024. The relevant demographic data were obtained for each patient. The study subjects were categorized by age into children, adolescents and young adults. Tissue involvement was classified as soft tissue involvement, bony involvement or both soft tissue and bony involvement. The site and behaviour of the lesions were subdivided according to the ICD-10 codes. Statistical analysis was performed via the R programming language. Results A total of 1889 cases were observed during the period under review, with a mean age of 15 years. Cases were more common in females (52%) and in young adults (47%). Most cases were benign neoplasms (85%), and bony affectation (54%) was slightly predominant. Odontogenic tumours (38%) and fibro-osseous lesions (20%) were the most common category of lesions observed, whereas salivary gland tumours (2.2%) and neoplasms of epithelial origin (2.5%) were the least common. Neoplasms in children involved mostly soft tissues, whereas those in adolescents and young adults had a preference for bone (p

Abstract Background In China, decline disease with unknown etiology appeared as an epidemic among bayberry trees in the southern area of the Yangtze River. Furthermore, the use of beneficial microbes has been reported to be able to reduce the incidence of this disease, emphasizing the association of this disease with microorganisms. Therefore, it has become critical to uncover the microbiome’s function and related metabolites in remodeling the immunity of bayberry trees under biotic or abiotic stresses. Results The amplicon sequencing data revealed that decline disease significantly altered bacterial and fungal communities, and their metabolites in the four distinct niches, especially in the rhizosphere soils and roots. Furthermore, the microbial communities in the four niches correlated with the metabolites of the corresponding niches of bayberry plants, and the fungal and bacterial networks of healthy trees were shown to be more complex than those of diseased trees. In addition, the role of microbiome in the resistance of bayberry trees to the occurrence of decline disease was justified by the isolation, identification, and characterization of important microorganisms such as significantly enriched Bacillus ASV804, Pseudomonas ASV815 in healthy plants, and significantly enriched Stenotrophomonas ASV719 in diseased plants. Conclusion Overall, our study revealed that the occurrence of decline disease altered the microbiome and its metabolites in four ecological niches in particular rhizosphere soils and roots of bayberry, which provides new insight into the control of bayberry decline disease.

The research aimed to develop aluminum roofing sheets utilizing waste beverage cans, with a focus on minimizing costs and energy consumption. This initiative adhered to ASTM and ISO standard measures and procedures. Waste beverage cans underwent analysis and were compared with control sheets. Subsequently, they were manually melted, alloyed, and cast before being rolled to achieve the desired thickness and enhance specific properties. The resulting sheets were then corrugated. Upon analysis, the produced aluminum sheets exhibited promising characteristics. The corrosion penetration rate was measured at 0.045mm/yr, with a Rockwell hardness number of 55.1 and an indentation depth of 0.1498mm. Moreover, the average impact strength stood at 2.05, with a tensile strength of 71.69Mpa, yield strength of 25.65Mpa, and young modulus of 2596.43Mpa. The findings indicated a significant enhancement in the properties of the aluminum sheets manufactured from waste beverage cans. This underscored the feasibility of utilizing such cans in producing aluminum roofing sheets. Based on the results, it is recommended to further explore and refine the manufacturing process for aluminum roofing sheets from waste beverage cans. Additionally, continued adherence to ASTM and ISO standards is essential for ensuring product quality and reliability.

Against the backdrop of the warnings by some previous studies about the danger of the Yorùbá language losing domains because of the increasing dominance of English, the present study examines the broadcast languages of selected radio stations in Osun State, Nigeria, to ascertain the extent of the threat of English to Yorùbá in broadcast media domain. The investigation is carried out within the wider context of the worries being expressed by many speakers of Yorùbá about the status of the language with respect to language endangerment. It employs both quantitative and qualitative research designs rooted in content analysis, and examines 426 purposively sampled programmes of Rave FM and Gold FM. The programmes were sorted and content-analysed using charts. Of the 12 examined programme categories, English is the dominant language of 9 most important programmes, while Yorùbá is the dominant language of 3 programmes; thereby pointing to a gradual loss of the radio broadcast domain. The study recommends more value-added usage of the Yorùbá language in media domains to improve the language's vitality and inclusive audience participation.

Biofuels from bioresources are a viable renewable energy source, but high prices, the food versus fuel debate, and biodiversity loss limit the demands for bioenergy. Sourcing alternative bioresources from waste with a higher yield and energy value to produce bioenergy, as well as optimizing biofuel refining processes, are crucial for reducing production costs and increasing output to mitigate high prices and feedstock availability. The extracted bio-oil of non-edible seeds of Gmelina arborea is being investigated for transesterification into biofuels, a process that does not entirely maximize the bioenergy generated from the bioresources and generates further waste. However, pyrolysis can convert wholly the lignocellulose seed components into bioproducts with high-quality fuel properties without associated glycerol. Consequently, in this study, pyrolytic oil was produced from waste Gmelina arborea seed, the process parameters were optimized using the surface response methodology with experimental validations, the process model was established, and the pyrolytic oil was characterized. The optimum yield of 54 % at a temperature of 485 °C, a heating rate of 40 °C/min, and a particle size of 0.9 mm were established, and a corresponding regression model equation was developed. The Gmelina arborea seed biomass was revealed to have 81.95 % volatile matter with oil extractives of 44.80 %. The GC-MS analysis shows that the aliphatic hydrocarbon of a cyclic monoterpene occupies the highest concentration of 67.46 %. The fuel properties and the calorific value of 33.69 MJ/kg of the pyrolytic oil compared to ASTM standard specifications for pyrolytic liquid biofuel show suitability for commercial and industrial fuel. The absence of sulfur in the pyrolytic oil elemental analysis adds credence to its usefulness as a sustainable fuel.

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most pronounced complications that develops as a result of diabetes and it is a highly ranked caused of end-stage renal dysfunction. Anona muricata has been traditionally considered to be beneficial in treatment of diabetic complications. The present study delineates the ameliorative effect of the phenolic rich extract of Anona muricata on the expression of oxidative stress, inflammatory and renal function markers in the kidney of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in male rats. Induction of diabetes was achieved with a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight). The rats were randomly distributed into 6 groups of normal control, diabetic control, phenolic rich extract of Anona muricata (EAM) treated at (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and metformin (Glucophage). All treatments were orally administered for 28 days. Activity of antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde, kidney function markers, electrolytes and proinflammatory cytokines were conducted on the kidney. Anona muricata ameliorated the significant reduction to superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase in the diabetic rats. The increase in the levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were all attenuated. Creatinine clearance was significantly improved and other kidney function markers were regulated and other important markers regulated. The result of this study provides evidence that A. muricata may be able to manage diabetic nephropathy, through the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation, creatinine clearance and regulation of kidney function markers.

BackgroundDiabetes remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality due to various complications induced by hyperglycemia. Inhibiting Aldose Reductase (AR), an enzyme that converts glucose to sorbitol, has been studied to prevent long-term diabetic consequences. Unfortunately, drugs targeting AR have demonstrated toxicity, adverse reactions, and a lack of specificity. This study aims to explore African indigenous compounds with high specificity as potential AR inhibitors for pharmacological intervention.MethodologyA total of 7,344 compounds from the AfroDB, EANPDB, and NANPDB databases were obtained and pre-filtered using the Lipinski rule of five to generate a compound library for virtual screening against the Aldose Reductase. The top 20 compounds with the highest binding affinity were selected. Subsequently, in silico analyses such as protein-ligand interaction, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiling (ADMET), and molecular dynamics simulation coupled with binding free energy calculations were performed to identify lead compounds with high binding affinity and low toxicity.ResultsFive natural compounds, namely, (+)-pipoxide, Zinc000095485961, Naamidine A, (−)-pipoxide, and 1,6-di-o-p-hydroxybenzoyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside, were identified as potential inhibitors of aldose reductase. Molecular docking results showed that these compounds exhibited binding energies ranging from −12.3 to −10.7 kcal/mol, which were better than the standard inhibitors (zopolrestat, epalrestat, IDD594, tolrestat, and sorbinil) used in this study. The ADMET and protein-ligand interaction results revealed that these compounds interacted with key inhibiting residues through hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions and demonstrated favorable pharmacological and low toxicity profiles. Prediction of biological activity highlighted Zinc000095485961 and 1,6-di-o-p-hydroxybenzoyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside as having significant inhibitory activity against aldose reductase. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA analysis confirmed that the compounds bound to AR exhibited high stability and less conformational change to the AR-inhibitor complex.ConclusionThis study highlighted the potential inhibitory activity of 5 compounds that belong to the African region: (+)-Pipoxide, Zinc000095485961, Naamidine A, (−)-Pipoxide, and 1,6-di-o-p-hydroxybenzoyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside. These molecules inhibiting the aldose reductase, the key enzyme of the polyol pathway, can be developed as therapeutic agents to manage diabetic complications. However, we recommend in vitro and in vivo studies to confirm our findings.

Salmonellosis, a gastrointestinal disease, continues to be one of the major public health concerns worldwide. Poultry meat and eggs are recognized as the major source of Salmonella food poisoning in humans. Our study evaluated the protective efficacy of mannose-conjugated chitosan-nanoparticle (mChitosan-NP)-based subunit vaccine, consisting of immunogenic outer membrane proteins and flagella of Salmonella Enteritidis [mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP], coadministered orally with potent mucosal adjuvants to reduce the colonization of S. Enteritidis in the intestines of broiler chickens. We evaluated the adjuvant effects of three different doses of two well-known mucosal adjuvants, c-di-GMP (stimulator of interferon gene agonist) and whole cell lysate (WCL) of Mycobacterium smegmatis, to improve the efficacy of mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP vaccine. Our data reaffirmed the potent adjuvanticity of both of these adjuvants and identified their optimal dose when entrapped in mChitosan-NP to potentiate the immunogenicity and efficacy of orally delivered mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP vaccine. The physical characteristics of mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP, mChitosan-GMP/FLA-NP, and mChitosan-WCL/FLA-NP formulations revealed a high positive charge (Zeta potential +20–25 mV), size 235–260 nm, and polydispersity index 0.35–0.52, which are conducive for oral delivery. The efficacy in chickens that received oral administration with a combination of the vaccine-adjuvant formulations was evaluated by challenging with Salmonella Enteritidis. Our data showed that mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP WCL at 10 µg/dose formulation consistently reduced the S. Enteritidis load by over 0.5 log10 comparable to a commercial live vaccine at post-challenge days 4 and 10. Immunologically, we observed enhanced systemic and mucosal antibody and cellular (B cells and T-helper cells) immune responses as well as upregulation of expression of immune cytokine genes IFN-γ, TGF-β, and IL-17 in the cecal tonsils of adjuvanted mChitosan-NP Salmonella-subunit-vaccinated birds. Overall, particularly the mucosal adjuvant WCL consistently enhanced the efficacy of mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP vaccine by inducing effective immune responses.

Background Intimate partner violence IPV against men is a globally prevalent issue. IPV committed against men involves a multifaceted dynamic of personal relational and environmental influences.Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictors of IPV and help-seeking behaviours among male local government workers in Ekiti state.Methods This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design using a multistage sampling method to survey 218 respondents from six local government areas in Ekiti State. An adapted questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.Results The respondents average age was 43 years with nearly 68 aged between 36-51 years. About 79 of the participants were married with an average relationship duration of 13 years. The study identified the most common causes of IPV as misunderstandings 40.8 infidelity 46 and poverty 31.7. The study further noted that 70.2 of the respondents demonstrated a negative help-seeking behaviour while 56.0 reported IPV to religious leaders.Conclusion It is concluded that the help-seeking behaviour of men exposed to IPV is poor. Nurses and other healthcare providers should collaborate to identify men experiencing psychological symptoms as a result of IPV develop strategic interventions to eliminate predictors of IPV and provide the necessary support.

PURPOSEIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Palliative Care (ECHO-PC; ECHO Model–Based comprehensive educational and telementoring intervention) for health care professionals (HCPs) and change in patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G]) among patients with advanced cancer. We also examined the association between ECHO-PC and changes in symptom distress (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS]), patient experience and satisfaction, and caregiver distress scores.METHODSECHO-PC Clinic sessions were conducted twice a month for 1 year by an interdisciplinary team of PC clinicians at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, with participation of experts in PC in sub-Saharan Africa, using standardized curriculum on the basis of PC needs in the region. Study participants included palliative HCPs from ECHO participating programs in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. HCPs, their patients, and caregivers were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of the study for QOL (FACT-G), ESAS-Symptom Distress Score (prorated) (SDS), patient experience, satisfaction (FAMCARE-P-16-patient), and caregiver distress (FAMCARE-caregiver).RESULTSTwo hundred seventy patients completed the assessments. Fifty-eight percent was female, the mean age was 56 years, and most common cancer type was breast cancer (24.3%). Multivariate generalized linear mixed model analysis found that ECHO-PC intervention was associated with significant improvement in QOL and symptom distress (FACT-G total score, P = .0433; FACT-G physical well-being, P < .013; FACT-G emotional well-being, P = .0232, and ESAS-SDS, P < .0001). No significant changes were found in patient experience, satisfaction, and caregiver distress scores.CONCLUSIONOur preliminary study found that the ECHO-PC intervention was significantly associated with improvement in patient outcomes including QOL and symptom distress scores. Further studies are needed.

Microfluidic tools are widely used in research and manufacturing to manipulate fluids in micrometer channels. These tools are useful for detecting cell cultures, food pathogens, biomedical, energy, and disease. The affordability, versatility, biocompatibility, strength, and transparency of thermoplastics have contributed to its widespread use in the commercialization of microfluidic chips. A bibliometric study of plastic microfluidic chips was conducted using publications from the Scopus database between 1994 and 2022. The study analysed publications based on countries, journals, authorship, and keywords, while VOSviewer software was used for the visualization. Results showed that the United States and China were the most dominant article producers, accounting for almost 50 % of publications. Lab On a Chip was the most active journal, with 22.84 % of its publications involved in microfluidic chips. The network of keywords was coupled and concluded that Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polystyrene (PS), and Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) benefitted the researchers of microfluidic chips owing to their biocompatibility, durability, optically transparent, and inexpensiveness. By identifying global trends, key materials, and leading contributors in plastic microfluidic chip research, this study offers valuable insights into the most influential countries, leading journals, and primary materials. These insights are instrumental in guiding researchers, manufacturers, and academics in selecting future research directions and better material choices, particularly in the fields of biomedical diagnostics, food safety, and energy solutions.

IntroductionSevere protein clumping in the lens can block light and lead to vision issues in cataract patients. Recent studies have linked β-crystallins, which are key proteins in the lens, to the development of cataracts. Specifically, the S175G/H181Q mutation in the βB2-crystallin gene plays a major role in cataract formation.MethodsTo understand how this mutation can be activated, we utilized computational methods to predict activators from Phaseolus vulgaris. The Schrödinger platform was employed to screen bioactive compounds and simulate molecular interactions in order to analyze binding and structural changes.ResultsOur results indicated that these phytochemicals are stable near S175G/H181Q.DiscussionThese findings suggest novel approaches that could potentially be developed into effective anticataract medications through further refinement and additional testing, ultimately resulting in the creation of more potent agents for cataract treatment.

Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) is a breakthrough approach in the sustainable bioprocessing of foods that applies bioengineering techniques to enhance the accumulation of bioactive compounds in functional foods. A review of bioengineering strategies that optimize microbial growth and metabolite production in SSF systems is presented in this chapter, including novel bioreactor designs and genetic engineering of microorganisms combined with metabolic engineering. The present document also describes some of the important developments in the extraction and purification of bioactive molecules from SSF processes, with special emphasis on their potential for using waste from the food industry to reduce the environmental burden. Combining SSF with state-of-the-art biotechnological tools aids in the efficient production of high value-added compounds, placing a strong basis for economic-ecological sustainability. The document further elaborates on the optimization techniques necessary for the maximum efficiency of SSF processes, trends, and challenges in the area in the future, and case studies that illustrate their application in real life. By providing an incisive review of the present status and future directions of SSF in food bioprocessing, this contribution highlights the importance of SSF in promoting sustainable food production systems.

In this study, a biochar-metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocomposite was synthesized via ball milling to enable the simultaneous extraction of multiple contaminants from wastewater. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis revealed a significant increase in surface area after ball milling. SEM-EDS confirmed the successful synthesis, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated an amorphous structure with thermal stability up to 300 °C. FTIR and XPS analyses identified functional groups such as C=C, C-H, –COOH, C=O, –OH, C-O, and Fe-BTC. Adsorption capacity and binding properties were evaluated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, with the Freundlich model providing a better fit (R2 = 0.9579–0.9913) compared to the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.9239–0.9862). The nanocomposite exhibited maximum adsorption capacities of 74.18–85.69 mgg−1 for heavy metals and 72.99–86.21 mgg−1 for steroidal hormones. Kinetic analysis showed the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model. A leaching test confirmed the nanocomposite’s high stability, making the BC-Fe-BTC nanocomposite a promising material for wastewater treatment applications.

IntroductionTreatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a significant challenge because of its multifactorial nature and complex metabolic pathways. There is growing interest in finding new therapeutic targets that could lead to safer and more effective treatment options. Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) is a promising antidiabetic target that plays a key role in metabolic regulation, especially in glucose homeostasis and energy expenditure. TGR5 agonists are attractive candidates for T2D therapy because of their ability to improve glycemic control. This study used machine learning-based models (ML), molecular docking (MD), and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) to explore novel small molecules as potential TGR5 agonists.MethodsBioactivity data for known TGR5 agonists were obtained from the ChEMBL database. The dataset was cleaned and molecular descriptors based on Lipinski’s rule of five were selected as input features for the ML model, which was built using the Random Forest algorithm. The optimized ML model was used to screen the COCONUT database and predict potential TGR5 agonists based on their molecular features. 6,656 compounds predicted from the COCONUT database were docked within the active site of TGR5 to calculate their binding energies. The four top-scoring compounds with the lowest binding energies were selected and their activities were compared to those of the co-crystallized ligand. A 100 ns MDS was used to assess the binding stability of the compounds to TGR5.ResultsMolecular docking results showed that the lead compounds had a stronger affinity for TGR5 than the cocrystallized ligand. MDS revealed that the lead compounds were stable within the TGR5 binding pocket.DiscussionThe combination of ML, MD, and MDS provides a powerful approach for predicting new TGR5 agonists that can be optimised for T2D treatment.

Traditional fermented food condiments in Nigeria are majorly produced by using protein-rich leguminous seeds via spontaneous fermentation or back slopping. However, health risks such as the production of biogenic amines, presence of toxigenic genes and food borne pathogens remains major concerns of public health significance. Hence, the need for the production of safe condiments using non-pathogenic food-grade starter cultures. Isolation and characterization of organisms from spontaneously fermented condiments made from Parkia biglobosa, Ricinus communis, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Prosopis africana was done using standard methods. Phenotypic and biochemical characterizations was down using established protocols while molecular identification was done using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results obtained showed that the microbial load (cfu/ml) recorded from the spontaneously fermented condiments ranged from: 2.1×107-5.2×1012, 15.2×107-4.4×1010, 4.4×1010-4.4×1012 and 6.4×107-1.6×1012 for P. biglobosa, R. communis, P. macrophylla and P. africana respectively. Identification of isolates revealed Bacillus. However, 22.8% of the Bacillus isolates harboured HblA and HblD genes while 40.9 % showed bands for the presence of HblC genes. In addition, the percentage occurrence of 18.1%, 27.2% and 50% was obtained for the presence of NheA, NheB and NheC genes respectively while none of the Bacillus isolates showed bands for the presence of Cytk and EM1 genes. More so, five Bacillus isolates were identified to be non-toxigenic, showing bands only for Bac, Osbo and Spas genes which are bacteriocin producing genes. Put together, the identified non-toxigenic food-grade Bacillus species recorded in this study can be recommended as potential bacteriocin starter cultures for the fermentation of microbiologically safe food products.

This study explores the potential of converting food waste (FW) in South Africa to biogas via anaerobic digestion (AD) using the Aspen Plus Simulator version 11. The simulation modeled the AD process, focusing on hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis stages, with unconverted substrate recycling at the acetogenesis stage, employing a Non-Random Two-Liquid (NRTL) model for the polar mixture components. The FW used contained 49.86 % volatile solids (VS) of carbohydrates, 39.31 % VS of proteins, and 10.83 % VS of lipids. The results revealed that biogas yield at mesophilic temperature (37 °C) was 50 % higher than at thermophilic temperature (55 °C) with a residence time of 35 days, and methane composition was 45.98 % higher. Methane and carbon dioxide percentage compositions increased with hydraulic retention time (HRT), varying between 37.5–45.5 % and 34.3–39.9 % at mesophilic conditions. Economic analysis indicated a profitable outlook, with a payout period of 3 years, 5 months, and a 15-year positive revenue forecast. The project exhibited an internal rate of return (IRR) of 59.6629 %, suggesting strong economic viability and potential for investment. This study underscores the potential for optimized AD processes to enhance biogas production from FW in South Africa, presenting a viable, eco-friendly waste management solution.