Department of Biological Sciences

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    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 Bello
    The 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.
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    Relevance of Nanotechnology in Agriculture
    (WILEY Online Library, 2024-10) Adetutu, Bello Oluwakemi; Buba, Adamu Binta; Akinhanmi, Fadekemi O.; Gana, Mordecai; Utazi, Ezugwu Basil; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Eniola, K. I. T.; Yerima, Mohammed Bello
    Nanotechnology is becoming recognized as a potent instrument capable of transforming the agricultural sector, as nanomaterials designed within the 1–100 nm scale exhibit distinctive characteristics that have the potential to augment diverse facets of food cultivation. The chapter presents various applications, such as the utilization of nanoparticle seed coatings to enhance germination and plant health, the development of nanosized smart delivery systems for precise nutrient and pesticide release, the implementation of nanocomposite greenhouse materials to augment productivity, the utilization of nanotechnology for water treatment and conservation, and the application of nanotech in food processing and storage solutions. The benefits of utilizing nanoparticles in various applications can be exemplified by specific instances such as the use of silicon nanoparticles for pesticide delivery, nanobiosensors for quality monitoring, and magnetic nanoparticles for soil remediation. Nevertheless, the potential health and environmental hazards linked to nanoparticles are also a subject of discussion, underscoring the imperative for thorough safety evaluation. The chapter presents a persuasive argument regarding the potential of nanotechnology to enhance agricultural practices, augment global production, and enhance food quality and safety in order to address the global food security challenges, provided that it is managed with caution.
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    Applications of Mushrooms as Immune Boosters
    (2026) Oniha,, Margaret Ikhiwili; Olusanya, Clement Shina; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Tsado, Priscilla Yetu; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Popoola, Oluwabukola Atinuke; Israel , Adeyomoye Olorunsola
    Mushrooms abound with bioactive constituents that promote good health, treat diseases, and boost the immune system of humans. These organic compounds include but are not restricted to protein, vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, bio-functional components, fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs), polysaccharides, terpenes, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, polyphenolic compounds, lactones, and steroids. Numerous notable mushrooms also exhibit therapeutic properties such as Agaricus subrufescens, Cordyceps sinensis, Lentinula edodes , and Hericium erinaceus among others. Primary immunomodulatory compounds present in numerous medicinal mushrooms include terpenes, flavonoids, lectins, terpenoids, fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs), and polyoses of which the latter serves as the most common natural immunomodulators from mushrooms. Varying chemical and physical components of these immunomodulating polysaccharides are obtained with significant individual effects on the bioactivity and mechanism of action. There are three core pathways associated with fundamental molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation by mushrooms and they include signal regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) through the NF-κB fundamental modulator (NEMO) composite, activation of phospholipase C-gamma (PLCγ), closely followed by calcineurin and the controlling of flagging route by which reactive oxygen species (ROS) be produced. In addition, FIPs have different functions including the inducement of antigen anchoring cells along with the discharge of cytokines including NO plus IL-12 when FIPs bind to Toll-like receptors (TLRs), promoting the propagation and distinctness of auxiliary T cells (Th0) to assemble Th1 cells together with Th2 cells, triggering of macrophages plus B cells and production of a heterogeneity of biotic determinants. Currently, research has focused on identifying antitumor components in mushroom extracts since a strong relationship exists between the human immune system and initiation of tumors, and dependence on the activation of the immune system. These compounds facilitate immune activation for cancer therapeutics, resolution of host defense-induced inflammatory reactions, and assist in the recovery of homeostasis in the recovered individuals. There are medicinal mushroom formulations that provide synergistic antitumor and immuno-modulatory functions. These functional constituents from medicinal mushrooms have been validated both from the foods and clinical assessments, hence the need for enhanced incorporation of mushrooms in foods as functional foods to achieve a robust immune system.
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    Current Advances in Aquatic and Marine Toxicology
    (Tailor and Francis, 2026) Isibor, Patrick Omoregie; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun
    Aquatic and marine toxicology is a rapidly evolving field that addresses the complex and multifaceted challenges posed by environmental pollutants and climate change. This comprehensive review highlights key areas of focus and future directions, including advanced technological applications, integrative risk assessment methodologies, emerging contaminants, and the implications of climate change. Automated liquid handling systems (ALHS) and high-content screening (HCS) are revolutionizing toxicological research by enhancing precision, throughput, and data quality. Advanced bioinformatics tools facilitate the management and analysis of large datasets, supporting the identification of toxicological patterns and comprehensive risk assessments. Integrative frameworks, such as Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) and Weight-of-Evidence (WoE) approaches, enhance the robustness of regulatory decisions by linking molecular events to adverse outcomes and combining diverse data sources. Emerging contaminants, including microplastics, nanomaterials, and pharmaceuticals, present new regulatory challenges, necessitating detailed studies on their environmental fate, bioavailability, and toxicological effects. The interplay between climate change and pollution introduces additional complexity, with research focusing on multi-stressor effects and the resilience of aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Public engagement through citizen science and educational programs enhances environmental monitoring and promotes stewardship. Future research directions emphasize integrative approaches, advanced modelling techniques, and innovative monitoring technologies to improve our understanding and management of aquatic and marine toxicology. These efforts are critical for safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of water resources in an era of unprecedented environmental change.
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    Community-Level Metrics
    (ResearchGate, 2026) Isibor, Patrick Omoregie; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo
    A complete evaluation of ecological stress responses depends on community-level assessment of diversity abundance with functional traits in aquatic systems suffering from pollution. The amount and variety of species present within a community lead to essential information about how disturbance affects ecosystems and provides evidence for habitat damages and toxicity from pollutants. Evaluating functional traits that include eating strategies together with life history features and tolerance capacity gives scientists a fundamental understanding of ecosystems and stress resilience behavior. Such attributes enable researchers to understand the ways communities transform when confronted by pollutants because the communities either select tolerant species or adopt opportunistic species to survive. A biomonitoring framework becomes more effective ecologically and sensitive when it incorporates both structural elements (richness and evenness) alongside functional measurements. Trait based approaches enable scientists to compare different ecosystems through their ability to predict both emerging contaminant and global change reactions. The combined evaluation of key species compositions with ecological functions enables community-based metrics to deliver complete assessment of ecological health, which industry and governmental organizations now integrate into environmental impact assessment and management tactics.
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    Agricultural Applications of Novel Mushroom-Based Nanopesticide
    (WILEY Online Library, 2025-03) Isibor, Patrick Omoregie; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Buba, Adamu Binta; Alhassan, Alhassan Muhammad; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun
    Nanobiopesticides derived from mushrooms offer a novel approach to tackling agricultural pests and diseases. These nanoparticles utilize bioactive compounds found in mushrooms to provide targeted pest and pathogen control. Their unique properties enhance penetration, allowing precise delivery to pests and pathogens while minimizing non-target effects. This technology reduces environmental impact and toxicity concerns associated with conventional pesticides. Synthesis methods involve green techniques, aligning with sustainable practices. Challenges include variability in effectiveness and regulatory considerations. Nevertheless, the potential benefits are vast, from effective pest management and disease suppression to improved crop yields and ecosystem health. Nanobiopesticides showcase the synergy of nature and technology, aimed at reshaping agricultural practices toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. This paper outlines the relevant literary discourse surrounding these concepts while emphasizing the significance of addressing agricultural challenges related to pests and diseases with this novel approach.
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    Application of Nanochitosan in the Detection of Pesticide Residues and Degradation
    (2020) Yakubu, Japhet Gaius; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Ilyasu, Ummulkhair Salamah; Ayanda, Opeyemi Isaac; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun
    Chemicals called pesticides are used to manage pests like weeds, rodents, and insects. They are commonly used in agriculture to safeguard animals and crops from pests and illnesses. The usage of pesticides, however, can potentially have detrimental effects on the environment and public health. Pesticides can harm non-target creatures and contaminate the soil, water, and air. In addition, exposure to pesticides can result in a variety of medical issues in people, such as cancer, neurological conditions, and reproductive issues. Chitosan is a natural polymer formed from crab shells. Nanochitosan is chitosan in a nanoscale form. It has several distinctive qualities that make it a potential material for a variety of applications, including the detection and degradation of pesticides, such as large surface area, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. There are numerous ways to detect pesticides using nanochitosan. Utilizing sensors made of nanochitosan is one typical strategy. Usually, nanochitosan is immobilized onto a substrate, like a gold electrode, or nanochitosan-based colorimetric assays are used to create these sensors. Because there is currently no environmentally benign method of pesticide remediation, scientists have looked for other ways to prevent pesticides from having a negative impact on the ecosystem. In order to degrade pesticides, nanochitosan has been used in a variety of ways. These include the usage of nanochitosan-based adsorbents, which are typically created by adding a functional group with a strong affinity for pesticides to nanochitosan. The pesticide is subsequently removed from the environment by the functional group after it attaches to it. Because nanochitosan can be impacted by environmental factors including pH and temperature, there are restrictions on its usage for bioremediation. Nanochitosan provides a number of benefits over other materials used for the detection and degradation of pesticides, notwithstanding its limits. As a result, it may be investigated to reduce the effects of pesticides on the environment.
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    Application of Nanobiofertilization for Bioremediation and Ecorestoration of Polluted Soil/Farmland
    (2024) Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Chimbekujwo, Konjerimam Ishaku; Oniha, Margaret; Omoregie, Isibor Patrick; Ayanda, Opeyemi Isaac; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Mathew, John Tsado
    Nanotechnology is a novel field of research that solves issues in relation to environmental contamination. It opens doors for an environmentally friendly substitutes without altering the ecosystem. The combination of the two methods, nanobiofertilization and bioremediation is a recently developed approach which gives hope for decontamination of the environment and restoring a livable future. It has proven to effectively absorb contaminates in a short period of time and in a friendlier manner. Microorganisms in nanobioremediation play an important role in the removal, detoxifying, degrading, and immobilization of pollutant into less toxic form. Bio- and phytoremediations are exclusively preferred approaches because of the edge it has over numerous methods like high waste cleaning abilities, its cheap, ecofriendly, and generally acceptable. This approach has exceptionally added to the tolerability and ecorestoration of the environment based on the upper hand it has over other innovations. More so, its efficacy signifies high level of pollutant removal and has lay out new prospect to tackle problem within the environment.