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E. Saritha ¹, T. Priyadharsini ¹, B. Varunmathi ¹, K. Swaminathan ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
2 Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN

Abstract

Biofertilizers are an alternative to mineral fertilizers for increasing soil productivity and plant growth in sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible effects of three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as biofertilizers on the growth of Cajanus cajan and Vigna radiata. The application treatments included the control (without bacterial inoculation) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Rhizobium, Phosphobacterium, and Azotobacter) in sterilized soil. Data suggested that seed inoculation of Cajanus cajan and Vigna radiata with PGPR strains increased ischolar_main length, shoot length, leaf surface area and plant height when compared with control. Present results showed that PGPR strains stimulated plants growth and could be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizer.

Keywords

Rhizobium, Phosphobacterium, Azotobacter, Biofertilizer, Cajanus cajan, Vigna radiata.

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R. Anand ¹, E. Saritha ², R. Aswini ¹, V. H. Mary Jiji ¹

Affiliations
1 Postgraduate and Research Department of Microbiology, Dr.N.G.P.Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
2 Postgraduate and Research Department of Biotechnology, Dr.N.G.P.Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN

Abstract

60 pus samples collected from Coimbatore Medical College (CMC) were processed for the isolation of Candida albicans, among which 24 (40%) were found to be positive. Anticandidal susceptibility pattern revealed that the strains were highly sensitive to fluconazole, ketoconazole; moderately sensitive to clotrimazole and but resistant to nystatin. When the same strains were evaluated for their susceptibility towards aqueous and diethyl ether herbal extracts from Allium sativum, Punica granatum, Syzium aromaticum and Cassia auriculata the results were interesting that they are highly sensitive. The maximum inhibition was found to be 49 mm with Punica granatum followed by 29mm with Allium sativum. The GC-MS analysis of both the extracts revealed the bioactive principles responsible for anticandidal activity.

Keywords

Allium sativum, Punica granatum, Syzium aromaticum, Cassia auriculata, Candida albicans.

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R. Anand ¹, E. Saritha ², V. H. Mary Jiji ¹, R. Aswini ¹

Affiliations
1 Postgraduate and Research Department of Microbiology, Dr.N.G.P.Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
2 Postgraduate and Research Department of Biotechnology, Dr.N.G.P.Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN

Abstract

Thirty wheat samples procured from storage units in different zones of Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India were processed to isolate the predominant fungal contaminants. Heterogeneous group of fungi were enumerated by standard plate count, among which four predominant organisms namely Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus tamorii, Rhizopus spp. and Fusarium spp. were identified by macroscopic and microscopic observations. Since reputed journal reports, continuously highlight the impact of mycotoxin production in wheat by Aspergillus flavus, the isolate was chosen and processed to examine the production of aflatoxin and further analysis and confirmation was done using Albino rats and analytical techniques such as thin layer chromatography, immunodiffusion and Immunoelectrophoresis. TLC revealed the presence of G2 type of mycotoxin at a concentration of 15 ppb.

Keywords

Aspergillus flavus, Mycotoxin, Aflatoxin, Immunodiffusion.

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E. Saritha ¹, R. Anand ², S. Suja ³, K. Swaminathan ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
2 Department of Microbiology, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
3 Department of Biochemistry, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN
4 Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (T.N.), IN

Abstract

A study was carried out on yeast fermentation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) using baker’s yeast (Sacchromyces cerevisiae). The fermented sugar syrup (broth) was analyzed for yeast growth, alcohol content, reducing sugar, pH, soluble solids, volatile acids and total acidity using standard protocols. Yeast growth was also monitored. Results showed that pH values decreased with increased total acidity with concomitant increase in yeast growth (biomass) and alcohol contents of the fermenting sugar syrup. There were decreases in soluble solid contents, refractive indices of the fermenting medium. The reducing sugar in the Ipomoea batatas was lowest after 48 h of saccharification using Sacchromyces cerevisiae.The value recorded was 132 to 87 mg/100ml. Volatile acids (as acetic acids), increased with alcoholic fermentation. Fermentation of sugar syrup from Ipomoea batatas is associated with physical and chemical changes that occur in other form of fermentation alongside increased in biomass. The fermented Ipomoea batatas yielded ethanol contents of 11.5 to 53.0% (v/v).

Keywords

Ipomoea batatas, Fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Alcohol, Sugar Syrup, Biomass.

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