1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Bacteriocins are peptides with natural antibacterial activity, and there is a reason for their comparison to antibiotics. Many researchers propose the term “biological preservatives of foods” and stress the fact that bacteriocins are not used for clinical therapeutic purposes as antibiotics are (Cleveland, 2001). They are synthesized in the ribosomes of the bacterial cell and secreted extracellularly. Bacteriocins are most effective against Gram-positive bacteria. The spectrum of their activity varies from narrow (against one species) to broad (against several species) (Yang et al., 2012). The main advantage of bacteriocins is that their presence does not change the sensorial characteristics of foods. Their usage enables the reduction of the intensity of other means of preservation such as heat. These two characteristics make bacteriocins’ application compatible with modern consumer demands for the minimal and more natural treatment of foods (Barbosa et al., 2017). Bacteriocins can be preferably added to foods as compounds rather than cultures of bacteriocinogenic LAB because, in the latter case, LAB can ferment the carbohydrates of foods (Silva et al., 2018).
Botanically, fruits contain seeds and come from the flower of a plant, while the rest of the plant is considered as vegetable. In cooking, fruits are considered to be sweet while vegetables are savoury. However, there are several plants that are technically fruits, though they are often classified as vegetables because of their taste. For example, tomatoes fit the definition of a fruit, but, they are still commonly referred to as vegetables because of their flavor profile. Vegetables have a lot of similarities in terms of nutrition because both are high in fiber as well as antioxidants and plant compounds. They are full of vitamins and minerals for good health and contain no artificial colours or flavours. Eating a variety of fruit and vegetables everyday can help prevent overweight, obesity and constipation. They are also naturally low in sodium and fat (Rachael, 2017).
1.2 Statement of Problems
Orange seeds, African pear and paw paw seeds are normally discarded and assumed to be a waste product, but the oil from the seed of paw paw, pear and orange has been reported to be useful in pharmaceutical industries, consumerist soaps, textile and detergent industries. These has promoted for a research work to be carried out on the extraction of oil from the seed of paw paw and orange.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Studies on the Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Bacteriocin from Selected Vegetable in Sokoto Market. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the Antibacterial Activity instigating Bacteriocin in Vegetable in Sokoto Market
- To assess the Characterization the Bacteriocin from Selected Vegetable in Sokoto Market
1.4 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.5 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Studies on the Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Bacteriocin from Selected Vegetable in Sokoto Market.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.7 Definition of Terms
Bananas: Banana plant is colloquially called a banana tree, it's actually an herb distantly related to ginger, since the plant has a succulent tree stem, instead of a wood one.
Flower: Flower is the seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of reproductive organs (stamens and carpels) that are typically surrounded by a brightly coloured corolla (petals) and a green calyx (sepals).
Proximate: Proximate is used in the analysis of biological materials as a decomposition of a human-consumable good into its major constituents.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of breaking down a something into its parts to learn what they do and how they relate to one another.
