Programme: Applied Biology
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Item Performance assessment of Bayesian meta-analytic predictive model on kdr mutation in insecticide-resistant malarial vectors in sub-Saharan Africa.(Malaria Journal, 24(1),, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Taiwo, D. I.Mosquito populations’ selective pressure arising from the widespread and prolonged use of insecticides, especially pyrethroids, for both agricultural usages and public health outcomes, has immensely contributed to the emergence and heavily spread of insecticide resistance. In this study, a systematic review identified eight eligible case–control or cohort studies published between 2015 and 2025 across sub-Saharan Africa that reported both allele and/or genotype frequencies of L1014F and L1014S. The predictive performance and inferential robustness of a Bayesianw meta-analytic model were applied and evaluated on two knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, L1014F and L1014S, in the Anopheles mosquito populations. Using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling to compute pooled concordance statistics, odds ratios, and perform funnel plot asymmetry tests (Egger, Macaskill, Debray). The results revealed that L1014F showed a stronger and more consistent association with phenotypic resistance compared to L1014S, with odds ratios (OR) as high as 4.44 (95% CI 3.40–5.80). However, concordance statistics for both mutations demonstrated wide confidence intervals (L1014F: 0.141; CI − 0.095 to 0.459; L1014S: 0.169; CI − 0.399 to 0.688), indicating moderate predictive reliability. The Bayesian framework effectively synthesized complex and heterogeneous resistance data, confirming the operational relevance of KDR mutations in resistance surveillance. The global significance of these results enhances the predictive analytics in resistance management, such that resistance evolution is temporally and spatially dynamic. The integration of Bayesian modelling into existing entomological surveillance systems shifts the paradigm towards more adaptive and anticipatory management. Although data sparsity and regional heterogeneity warrant cautious interpretation, integrating ecological and thermodynamic variables into predictive models is essential for enhancing future resistance forecasting.Item A Review of Fabrication Techniques and Optimization Strategies for Microbial Biosensors(In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1342, No. 1, 2024) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Akinyele, A. F.; Benson, A. E.; Oniha, M. I.; Oziegbe, O.optimization of microbial biosensors. More so, the global biosensors market size currently valued at USD25.5 billion in 2021 is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% to USD36.7 billion in 2026. Microbial biosensors are bioanalytical systems that integrate microorganisms with a physical transducer to generate signals, thus, aiding the identification of analytes. The biosensors are fabricated through a series of steps comprising microbe selection, immobilization onto a matrix, microfabrication, calibration, and validation. The transducers integrated microorganisms generate quantifiable signals, enabling real-time monitoring of a diversity of analytes within food samples. The optimization strategies are scrutinized, with a particular focus on the integration of sundry nanoparticles, such as magnetic, gold, and quantum-dot nanoparticles, which enhance sensor performance. Distinct advantages offered by microbial biosensors promise to revolutionize food quality assessment via cost-effectiveness, rapid sample testing, and the ability to provide access to real-time data. Literature have highlighted certain limitations including interference from complex matrices, instability of microorganisms, and microbial lifespan. In assessing their economic importance, a comparative analysis is presented against conventional food analytical methods like ELISA, PCR, and HPLC; thus, highlighting the unique strengths of microbial biosensors. The future perspectives focus on the potential of the technology in addressing the need for continuous monitoring challenges, and research for further improvements in the biocompatibility of fabrication processes and longterm reusability.Item Chitosan-based nanoformulation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles(In Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications, 2024) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Aworunse, O. S.; Akinpelu, Sharon O.; Adekeye, B. T.; Abimbola, S.; Akinyemi, O. D.; Aladele, A. K.; Oyesile, O.; Ayomide, A. F.; Oniha, M. I.; Emelike, C. U.Metal nanoparticles are derived from metallic precursors, usually nanoscale metals or metal oxides, metal phosphates, or metal sulfides. Several types of nanoparticles have been generated; concentration, pH, and substrate temperature have a substantial effect on the nanoparticles’ size, shape, and dimensions (Nair et al., 2022). Due to their diverse morphology, reactivity, optical properties of catalytic activity, and high adsorption, metal nanoparticles and oxides of metal nanoparticles are at the moment receiving a lot of attention (Chouke et al., 2022). These characteristics increase their suitability for myriad of uses in environmental detection, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, the food industry, textile industry, and optoelectronics (Naseem & Durrani, 2021). Additionally, given their nanoscale size (,100 nm), metal nanoparticles and oxides of metal nanoparticles have a huge surface area of cooperation with cells, expansive reach antibacterial action, improved strength considerably under outrageous circumstances, surface properties, and compound pieces, which makes them a great contender for the (Fig. 5.1) advancement of compelling antimicrobial specialists (He et al., 2016). While zinc oxide, silver oxide, titanium dioxide, manganese oxide, oxides of cerium, oxides of magnesium, nanosized iron oxide, and zirconium oxide, together with aluminum oxide are commonly used metal oxide nanomaterials, common nanoparticles of metal include alginate, silver, platinum, zinc, titanium, iron, magnesium, copper, gold, and magnesium (Yaqoob et al., 2020). Characteristics and uses of metal nanoparticles together with oxides of metal nanoparticles are summarized in Table 5.1.Item Impact of multi-active ingredient long-lasting insecticidal nets for malaria vector control in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis(Discover Public Health 23(1), 2026) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Taiwo, D. I.Strong selective pressures on mosquitoes arise from an over-reliance on a narrow range of insecticides and the continuous increase in insecticide resistance. This increased resistance weakens the effectiveness of conventional single-ingredient vector control interventions, thus undermining the efforts to reduce malaria transmission. This study aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of multi-active ingredients interventions, which include pyrethroid combinations with pyriproxyfen, chlorfenapyr, and piperonyl butoxide (PBO), versus single-active ingredients approaches in reducing malaria prevalence and key entomological outcomes in malaria-endemic regions. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including randomised controlled trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and interventions focused on multi-active ingredient (MAI) approaches. Data on malaria prevalence, vector density, sporozoite rate, and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) were extracted. Random- and fixed-effects models were applied to evaluate the pooled effects, and heterogeneity was assessed using a diagnostic plot. Publication bias was examined using funnel and forest plots. Four studies met the inclusion criteria, which comprise a total of 135,706 households for pyrethroid-only ITNs, 117,652 for pyrethroid-pyriproxyfen, 118,518 for pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr, and 63,331 for pyrethroid-PBO interventions. Chlorfenapyr-pyrethroid combinations showed the most substantial reduction in malaria prevalence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.53; 95% CI: 0.30–0.67) and entomological inoculation rate (aOR 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07–0.31). Although pyriproxyfen and PBO combinations also reduced vector density and sporozoite rates, chlorfenapyr exhibited the highest efficacy, especially in regions with established pyrethroid resistance. Publication bias was observed, resulting in a slight overestimation of the effectiveness of MAI-LLINs interventions. MAI-LLINs approaches, particularly chlorfenapyr-pyrethroid interventions, have demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to single-active-ingredient (SAI) LLIN interventions in reducing malaria transmission metrics in sub-Saharan Africa. While the results underline the potential of MAI-LLINs strategies, further research and collaborative studies are needed to optimise MAI-LLINs deployment, assess long-term impacts on resistance, and ensure cost-effectiveness in resource-limited settings.Item Recent Advancement Toward the Application of Proteomics, Metabolomics, Genomics and Bioinformatics for the Improvement of Nanofertilizer Research(2024-11-07) Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Olusanya, Clement Shina; Yakubu, Japhet Gaius; Aworunse, Oluwadurotimi Samuel; Utazi, Ezugwu, Basil; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Eniola, K. I. T.; Yerima, Mohammed BelloThe usage of chemical fertilizers is upsetting the ecology in addition to harming human health. Biofertilizers promote plant development by boosting the delivery of nutrients or compounds that promote plant growth. Growing in popularity in the agriculture sector of developing nations is a novel strategy called nanotechnology. Plants exposed to adverse environments respond to nanoparticle stimuli by activating a variety of defense mechanisms. Biofertilizer and nanotechnology were combined to create nanobiofertilizer, which increased agricultural output and efficiency. These fertilizers offer a number of benefits over conventional fertilization techniques and can be utilized to increase agricultural output while minimizing the harmful impacts of fertilizer on the environment. The maintenance of soil moisture and plant uptake of vital nutrients are made easier by the synergistic action of nanomaterial and microbial fertilizer. Additionally, bionanofertilizers are a lowcost solution to boost soil health, plant nutrient uptake, and growth and production. A new area of research into the production of inorganic and organic bionanoparticles as environmental fertilizers has been launched through the use of bacteria, algae, yeast, fungi, actinomycetes, and plants to biosynthesize nanomaterials. The microbes used as biological fertilizers include Azotobacter, Pseudomonas sp, Bacillus sp, and Enterobacter sp. In order for these nanobiofertilizers to be produced commercially and made available to farmers, it is necessary to research and develop more suitable ones. Nanobiofertilizer is still not widely available for purchase. And the application of proteomics, metabolomics and genomics and bioinformatics in nanobiofertilizer research can provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying plant microbe interaction, nutrient delivery, and crop growth promotion. This knowledge can be exploited to optimize the composition and functionality of nanobiofertilizers, resulting in nutrient use efficiency, improved crop productivity, and environmental sustainability.Item Post-germination Application of Trichoderma asperellum for the Biocontrol of Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research Vol 9, Issue 12,, 2025) Oyesola, Olusola L.; Kinge, Tonjock R.; Kolade, Olufisayo A.; Obembe, Olawole O.Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) serves as a food source for humans and forage for animals. However, its production is affected by disease-causing fungi, of which Macrophomina phaseolina is a significant pathogen. Trichoderma was employed as a biofungicide to manage the disease in the screenhouse. Three strains of Trichoderma asperellum were isolated from the soil. The fungal spore suspensions of the Trichoderma strains were prepared, formulated into seven different treatment combinations, and applied to the cowpea potted soil five days after the germination of the cowpea to investigate their biocontrol ability on M. phaseolina and assess their effects on cowpea growth. The experiment's results showed that cowpea plants treated with T. asperellum differed significantly in plant height, stem girth, and leaf number compared to those treated with M. phaseolina alone (p < 0.05). Trt3 (54.6815 cm), Trt1 (54.0125 cm), and Trt5 (52.9375 cm) gave a higher plant height than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 44.9667 cm). Also, Trt7 (0.5413) and Trt3 (0.5258) gave a higher stem girth than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 0.3333 cm), while Trt6 (20.292) gave a higher leaf number than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 8.833). Additionally, Trt3 and Trt7 exhibited disease incidences of 22% and 67%, respectively, compared to control 1, which had a 100% incidence. Meanwhile, Trt7 showed 8% disease severity, compared to control 1, which had 100%. Therefore, post-germination Trichoderma application proved to be an effective strategy for controlling M. phaseolina, and it also has the potential to enhance cowpea biomass for sustainable food securityItem Post-germination Application of Trichoderma asperellum for the Biocontrol of Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2025) Oyesola, Olusola L.; Kinge, Tonjock R.; Kolade, Olufisayo A; Obembe, Olawole OCowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) serves as a food source for humans and forage for animals. However, its production is affected by disease-causing fungi, of which Macrophomina phaseolina is a significant pathogen. Trichoderma was employed as a biofungicide to manage the disease in the screenhouse. Three strains of Trichoderma asperellum were isolated from the soil. The fungal spore suspensions of the Trichoderma strains were prepared, formulated into seven different treatment combinations, and applied to the cowpea potted soil five days after the germination of the cowpea to investigate their biocontrol ability on M. phaseolina and assess their effects on cowpea growth. The experiment's results showed that cowpea plants treated with T. asperellum differed significantly in plant height, stem girth, and leaf number compared to those treated with M. phaseolina alone (p < 0.05). Trt3 (54.6815 cm), Trt1 (54.0125 cm), and Trt5 (52.9375 cm) gave a higher plant height than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 44.9667 cm). Also, Trt7 (0.5413) and Trt3 (0.5258) gave a higher stem girth than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 0.3333 cm), while Trt6 (20.292) gave a higher leaf number than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 8.833). Additionally, Trt3 and Trt7 exhibited disease incidences of 22% and 67%, respectively, compared to control 1, which had a 100% incidence. Meanwhile, Trt7 showed 8% disease severity, compared to control 1, which had 100%. Therefore, post-germination Trichoderma application proved to be an effective strategy for controlling M. phaseolina, and it also has the potential to enhance cowpea biomass for sustainable food security.Item Stabilization and Environmental Sustainability of Swelling Clays Soils: A Review(COVENANT JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES, VOL. 13, NO. 2, 2025) Oziegbe, Ehitua J.; Oziegbe, OlubukolaWater movement in swelling soils conforms with material continuity. This invariably justifies the differences in the gravitational potential energy during expansion and the anisotropic stresses that press the soil but allow for vertical movement. Under fluid conditions, vane efficiency exhibited by macropores is lowered by swelling of the clay, and a poorly drained soil results in surface saturation. The type of water applied to soil material tends to have an impact on the positioning of cracks in swelling clays, and thus, cracks can remain pathways for preferential flow much after they are covered at the soil surface. Over time, chemicals and chemical compounds have been utilized to further enhance the engineering properties of such soils. However, environmentally friendly biodegradable biological stabilizers are taking the place of conventional stabilizers, most especially lime and cement. Additionally, biochar amendment, which is ecofriendly, has also been found to lower the swelling index capability of expansive clay soil. Despite the dangers associated with swelling clay, it has found extensive use as adsorbents, carriers in drug delivery systems, and the building of a storage tank for the disposal of radioactive materials. In addition, swelling clays have found significant usage in the production of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) formulations. Hence this paper emphasizes the environmental impact of building large structures and road construction on swelling clay soils, highlights recent progress in the inhibition and stabilization of swelling soils to sustain the environment, and enumerates the economic importance associated with swelling clay soils.Item Trichoderma: A Review of its Mechanisms of Action in Plant Sustainable Disease Control(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science1, 2025) Oyesola, O. I.; Kinge, R. T.; Obembe, O OTrichoderma has been widely studied for its potential as a bioagent for managing plant pathogens. Trichoderma's biological control mechanisms include competition, modification of environmental conditions, antibiosis, induction of plant defensive mechanisms, mycoparasitism, and plant growth promotion. Trichoderma produces diverse metabolites that have antifungal activity. These metabolites include peptaibols, gliotoxin, and trichokonins. Trichoderma also produces β-1,3-glucanases and chitinases that can break down fungal pathogens' cell walls. In addition to direct antagonism against fungal pathogens, Trichoderma can also trigger localised or systemic resistance in plants, which is achieved through the production of elicitors such as chitin oligosaccharides and β-glucans that activate plant defence responses. Trichoderma can also form mutualistic associations with plants. Trichoderma colonises plant roots in these partnerships, enhancing growth by boosting nutrient uptake and triggering systemic resistance. As a biomanagement agent, Trichoderma offers numerous benefits compared to traditional crop protection methods, like synthetic pesticides.Item Impact of Industrialization on the Environment: Water Quality Index of Pharmaceutical Effluent Discharged in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025) Nwinyi, Obinna C.; Kayode-Afolayan, S. D.; Ahuekwe, E. F.; Oziegbe, O.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.. There has been an upsurge in the recalcitrance and bioaccumulation of some deterimental pharmaceutical by-products and heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem. This study determined the water quality index (WQI) of a pharmaceutical effluent discharged in Ota. The physicochemical parameters of the effluent were carried out using turbidimetric (NTU), nephelometric (mg/L), titrimetric (mg/L), conductivity (uS/cm) and spectrophotometric (nm) methods. The parameters assayed include pH, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature. Others include the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biogenic/organic constituents and heavy metals. The physicochemical results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency standards. These include 4.76±0.07 pH; 1.9±1.00 DO (mg/L) 12.0±1.10 chloride; 3.0±0.03 sulphates; 8.96±0.90 nitrates; 3.21±0.06 phosphates; 29 ±1.12 BOD and 339±2.10 COD. The distribution of heavy metals is in the following order: Zn > Cu > As> Ni> Pb > Cd > Hg. All the results obtained were within acceptable limits of the USEPA and WHO standards. The estimation of the overall quality of the wastewater gave a WQI of 32.54 which suggests a good water quality that is re-usable for irrigation and other purposes.