Chemical, functional, pasting and sensory properties of fried chips produced from cassava flour enriched with cowpea flour

Composite flours were produced from blends of high quality cassava flour and cowpea flour. The flours were blended in six different ratios: 75:25, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 25:75 and 100:0 which served as the control sample. The chemical, functional, pasting and sensory properties of the samples were determined. The results showed that significant differences (p<0.05) exist between the control sample and other blended samples. Sample 25:75 cassava-cowpea flour had the highest protein, ash, fat and crude fiber contents. Cyanide content of the composite flour decreased as the percentage of cowpea flour increased. The highest water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity and swelling capacity were recorded for sample containing 100% cassava flour. Blending of high quality cassava flour with cowpea flour enhanced the nutritional quality of the cassava flour through increased protein and reduced cyanide contents

Transforming Early Microbial Detection: Investigating Innovative Biosensors for Emerging Infectious Diseases

The recent global pandemic has highlighted an increase in the prevalence of communicable diseases caused by pathogens. The swift transmission of these diseases within a short timeframe presents a substantial risk to public health worldwide. The inefficiency of traditional diagnostic instruments, which need a time-consuming and complex process in the laboratory, is a significant obstacle to medical care. Currently, there is a high need for the advancement of early detection in order to rapidly diagnose infectious diseases and provide on-site results. This is crucial for prompt and early intervention to improve treatment outcomes. This also provides rapid testing and high-quality microbiological detection, comparable to laboratory standards, in a matter of minutes. Prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment optimization aid in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Currently, ongoing techniques and methods are used in the advancements of early detection through biosensors. This review examines the integration of early diagnostics with biosensors, specifically in relation to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, challenges, and the future perspective