PHYTOCHEMICALS AND MICROBIOLOGICAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF KUNU IN OWODE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA AND ANTIBIOTICS PROFILING OF THE BACTERIAL ISOLATES
Abstract
Kunu, a fermented cereal-based beverage widely consumed in Nigeria, is valued for its nutritional and bioactive properties but poses potential health risks due to microbial contamination. This study evaluates the microbiological safety, antibiotic resistance patterns, and phytochemical and mineral content of Kunu from Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State. Ten Kunu samples were collected from local vendors in Owode markets. Microbiological analysis involved serial dilution and plating on Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, Eosin Methylene Blue Agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, and Potato Dextrose Agar to isolate and identify bacteria and fungi. Biochemical tests and Gram staining characterized isolates, while antibiotic susceptibility was assessed via the disc diffusion method. Phytochemical profiling used qualitative and quantitative tests, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Mineral content was analyzed for calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Physicochemical properties (pH, temperature, salinity) were also measured. Kunu samples contained essential minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc) and phytochemicals (glycosides, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins), with FTIR revealing hydroxyl, carboxylic, and alkane groups, and GC-MS identifying bioactive compounds like n-hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid. Microbial loads ranged from 0.3 × 10² to 9.0 × 10³ CFU/mL, with 32 bacterial isolates (20 Gram-positive, 12 Gram-negative) including Lactobacillus spp., Enterococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., and seven fungal isolates (Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp.). Most isolates showed resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., Ampiclox, Cefotaxime) but susceptibility to Ofloxacin, Gentamycin, and Levofloxacin. The pH ranged from 4.28 to 4.60, indicating lactic acid fermentation. Kunu from Owode markets is rich in minerals and phytochemicals with potential health benefits, but significant microbial contamination and antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlight hygiene deficiencies, posing public health risks. Enhanced sanitary practices and monitoring are essential to ensure Kunu’s safety and quality.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.