Our Publications
Explore our scientific publications and research contributions in biotechnology and medical diagnostics.
Microfluidic device: A versatile biosensor platform to multiplex aptamer-based detection of malaria biomarkers
Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a dominant infectious disease that affects Africa than the rest of the world, considering its associated cases and death rates. It's a febrile illness that produces several reliable biomarkers, for example, P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH), P. falciparum Plasmodium glutamate dehydrogenase (PfGDH), and P. falciparum histidine-rich proteins (HRP-II) in blood circulatory system that can easily be employed as targets in rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). In recent times, several DNA aptamers have been developed via SELEX technology to detect some specific malaria biomarkers (PfLDH, PvLDH, HRP-II, PfGDH) in a biosensor mode with good binding affinity properties to overcome the trend of cross-reactivity, limited sensitivity and stability problems that have been observed with immunodiagnostics. In this review, we summarized existing diagnostic methods and relevant biomarkers to suggest promising approaches to develop sensitive and species-specific multiplexed diagnostic devices enabling effective detection of malaria in complex biological matrices and surveillance in the endemic region.
Citation
Ogunmolasuyi, Adewoyin & 2, Mary A. (2024). Microfluidic device: A versatile biosensor platform to multiplex aptamer-based detection of malaria biomarkers. Malaria Journal. 23. 10.1186/s12936-024-01010-1
Distribution and Molecular Characterization of Clinically Relevant Acinetobacter Species from Selected Freshwater Sources in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Background: Several Acinetobacter species live in different ecosystems, such as soil, freshwater, wastewater, and solid wastes, which has attracted considerable research interests in public health and agriculture. Methods: We assessed the distribution of Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter nosocomialis in three freshwater resources (Great Fish, Keiskemma, and Tyhume rivers) in South Africa between April 2017–March 2018. Molecular identification of Acinetobacter species was performed using Acinetobacter-specific primers targeting the recA gene, whilst confirmed species were further delineated into A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis. Similarly, virulence genes; afa/draBC, epsA, fimH, OmpA, PAI, sfa/focDE, and traT in the two Acinetobacter species were assessed. Results: Our finding revealed that 410 (48.58%) and 23 (2.7%) of the isolates were confirmed as A. baumannii and A. nosocomalis, respectively. Additionally, three hundred and eight (75.12%) A. baumannii and three (13.04%) A. nosocomialis exhibited one or more of the virulence genes among the seven tested. OmpA was the most prevalent virulence gene in A. baumannii in freshwater sources. Conclusions: The distribution of clinically important Acinetobacter species in the freshwater sources studied suggests possible contamination such as the release of hospital wastewater and other clinical wastes into the environment thereby posing a risk to public health.
Citation
Adewoyin, M. A., Ogunmolasuyi, A. M., & Okoh, A. I. (2024). Distribution and Molecular Characterization of Clinically Relevant Acinetobacter Species from Selected Freshwater Sources in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Bacteria, 3(3), 160-170. https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria3030011
A microfluidic paper analytical device using capture aptamers for the detection of PfLDH in blood matrices
The prevalence and death rate arising from malaria infection, and emergence of other diseases showing similar symptoms to malaria require the development of malaria-specific and sensitive devices for its diagnosis. To address this, the design and fabrication of low-cost, rapid, paper-based analytical devices (µPAD) using surface-immobilized aptamers to detect the presence of a recombinant malarial biomarker— Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (rPfLDH)—is reported in this study....
Citation
Ogunmolasuyi, Adewoyin & Fogel, Ronen & Hoppe, Heinrich & Goldring, James & Limson, Janice. (2022). A microfluidic paper analytical device using capture aptamers for the detection of PfLDH in blood matrices. Malaria Journal. 21. 10.1186/s12936-022-04187-6
Co-immobilization of cellulase extracted from Schizophylum commenfr and Saccharomyces cerevisieae in the bioconversion of sugar cane bagasse to ethanol
The production of ethanol from sugar cane bagasse using co-immobilized yeast cells (saccharomyces cerevisieae Y300) and crude cellulase enzyme extracted from mushroom, Schizophylum commenfr, was studied. The yeast cell and cellulase enzyme were immobilized on activated bone for simultaneous saccharification of sugar cane bagasse and ethanol production.