This study aimed to investigate the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a biodegradable polymer from organic wastes by Pseudomonas oleovorans. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from acidogenic fermentations of chicken manure (VFAs-CM) and potato peels (VFAs-PP), rich in organic matter majorly acetic (49.9%), butyric (15%) and propionic acids (11.1%) were utilized as substrates for microbial processes. During 72 h of cultivations, samples were withdrawn at intervals and analyzed for cell growth parameters, PHAs accumulation and polymeric properties. The highest biopolymer accumulation (0.39 g PHAs/g DCW) was achieved at 48 h of cultivation from medium containing VFAs-PP as the sole source of carbon. On characterization, the produced biopolymers were shown to be semi-crystalline of carbonyl C=O group. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the produced biopolymers demonstrated the capability to withstand thermal degradation above prescribed temperatures at which cross-linking isomerization reaction occurs, which is a vital property denoting the thermal stability of biopolymer.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the nutritional composition, antinutritional factors and antioxidant potentials of the bioactive compounds of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) seeds and leaves. Place and Duration: The study was carried out in the department of Food Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria, between March-September, 2014 Methodology: M. oleifera leaf powder and seed flour were obtained by drying fresh leaves and seeds in a hot air dryer and milled. The seeds and leaves were characterized and analysed using standard methods. Results: The results showed that the crude protein, total ash, and crude fat contents of M. oleifera leaf were 20.29±0.41, 7.27±0.25 and 1.79±0.17% while those of the seed were 33.82±0.21, 5.17±0.41 and 38.69 ±0.38%, respectively. Calcium content of the seed (46.93±0.18 mg/100 g) was relatively low when compared with that of the leaf (521.96±0.32 mg/100 g). Zinc and iron concentration (14.72±0.12 and 8.12±0.11 mg/100g) in the seed were higher than in the leaf (12.28±0.02 and 7.86±0.62 mg/100g for Zn and Fe respectively). In the leaf and seed, alkaloids (0.428±0.13 and 0.597±0.04%), saponin (2.860±0.11 and 0.295±0.02%), and tanin (mg/g) were within the consumable limit. Phytate content of the leaf (0.4267±0.02 mg/g) and seed (0.4905 ±0.06 mg/g) were low enough to permit bioavailability of phosphate and not impair calcium and zinc bioavailability but may lower iron absorption in the body. Proportion of phosphate as phytate (11.95 and 13.73 mg/100g for leaf and seed respectively) was low indicating high bioavailability of phosphate. 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of the leaf and seed were 83.61±0.31 and 69.84±1.08% respectively implying the seed and leaf possess noteworthy antioxidants activity. Conclusion: The study implies that M. oleifera leaf and seed from South Western, Nigeria are suitable for consumption with great health benefits.