Email: n.tonukari@delsu.edu.ng
- Area of Specialization: Molecular Biotechnology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Studies associating fungi with cassava have focused on postharvest processing techniques to increase the protein content and quality of ready-to-eat cassava products as well as to decrease their cyanide contents. There are a number of biotechnological industries in which fungi associated with cassava spoilage can be used for cassava digestion to release glucose. These include sugar and glucose industries, bread and alcohol industry, detergent, building product and feed industries. We have isolated and identified amylase from Aspergillus species growing on cassava products that will have useful applications in food, detergent, paper, textile, and pharmaceutical industries, where microbial a-amylases would be required for efficient and cost-effective hydrolysis of cassava starch, cassava flour and or its products. We are currently characterizating of solid state fermented cassava (Manihot esculanta Crentz) using Rhizopus oligophorus and and applying it in poultry feed production. Our results have shown that solid state fermentation can reduce and eliminate the cyanide, increase the protein content and improve the digestibility of cassava. Solid state fermented cassava can wholly replace maize (Zea mays) in broiler starter feed with a view of having a cost-effective yet nutritious and health friendly ration.
My group is also involved in medicinal plants research. In addition to characterizing various medicinal plants, we are currently focused on the determination of the genetic relatedness, antioxidant activities and antigenotoxic properties of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) collected from the different geographical locations in Nigeria. We have isolated, characterize and compared the Rubisco gene DNA sequence present in the V. amygdalina collection using various bioinformatics software. Detailed determination of the antioxidant activities and antigenotoxic properties of the V. amygdalina collection using Allium cepa is ongoing.
Nyerhovwo John Tonukari obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry, in 2000 from the Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA. He was also trained in protein analysis at the University di Napoli, Italy in 1992 and in DNA sequencing at the Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA in 1994. He is a recipient of the Thoman Fellowship (USA) (1999 – 2000) and the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship (USA) (May – October 1994). He obtained his B.Sc. in Biochemistry (First Class Honours) from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria in 1987 and M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan also in Nigeria in 1990. Prof. Tonukari is the immediate past Dean of Science (2020 to 2022), Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. Some of the other numerous positions he has occupied include: Head, Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Editor, African Journal of Biotechnology (2002 to present), Acting Director, ICT, Delta State University, Abraka (2010), Acting Director, Pre-Degree Programme, Delta State University, Abraka (2007 to 2010), Associate Scientist (Molecular Biology), East Coast Fever Vaccine Project, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya (2002 to 2004), Fungal Molecular Biologist (Strain improvement), James R. Randle Research Center, Archer Daniels Midland Co, Decatur, IL 62521, USA (October 2000 – 2002), and Research Associate, Biotechnology Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria September 1991 to 1995. Nyerhovwo Tonukari founded Academic Journals in 2002 to enable African scholars have access to high quality peer reviewed articles, and also to enable researchers across the globe have access to articles published by Africans researchers without any form of restriction. Prof. Tonukari have been a strong proponent of scientific journals adopting the open access model especially as this model of publication is the most effective way to distribute research output, bridge the information gap between developing and advanced countries and help improve research productivity worldwide. He has encouraged and assisted several African journals to adopt the open access publishing model. He is also Chairman of Tonukari Biotechnology Company, and has several publications and two patents to his credit. Prof. Tonukari is a member of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, International Society of African Biotechnologists and Bioscientists, and the Sapele Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
My Publications- Taracha, E., Glew, J., Graham, S., Mwangi, D., Honda, Y., Pelle, R., Tonukari, N. J. and Yamage M. (2005) East Coast Fever vaccine based on CTL-specific schizont antigens., World Intellectual Property Organization, Geneva PCT/US2004/030831.
https://archive.org/stream/gov.uspto.patents.application.10564397/10564397-2006-01-13-00001-FRPR_djvu.txt Vol. Pages:
- Fatland-Bloom, B., Rai, G., Rayapati, P. J. and Tonukari, N. J. (2008) Compositions and methods for manipulating carbon flux in cells., United States Patent 20060246560.
http://www.google.com.ar/patents/US20060246560 Vol. Pages:
- Avwioroko, O. J., Anigboro, A. A., Ejoh, A. S., Atanu, F. O., Okeke, M. A., & Tonukari, N. J. (2019) Characterization of a-amylases isolated from Cyperus esculentus seeds (tigernut): Biochemical features, kinetics and thermal inactivation thermodynamics. , Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878818119307066 Vol.21 Pages: 101298
- Apiamu, A., Asagba, S. O., & Tonukari, N. J. (2019) Role of Anthocleista vogelii in serum antioxidant defence system in cadmium-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats., Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s43088-019-0012-1 Vol.8 Pages: 12
- Orororo, O. C., Asagba, S. O., Tonukari, N. J., Okandeji, O. J., & Mbanugo, J. J. (2018) Cadmium-Induced Testicular Damage in Wistar Rats: Protective Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Anthocyanins, International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325382983_Cadmium-Induced_Testicular_Damage_in_Wistar_Rats_Protective_Effects_of_Hibiscus_sabdariffa_L_Anthocyanins Vol. Pages: 1-8
- Orororo, O. C., Asagba, S. O., Tonukari, N. J., Okandeji, O. J., & Mbanugo, J. J. (2018) Comparative Assessment of the Antioxidant Properties of Hibiscus sabdarrifa L Anthocyanins and its Aqueous Extract in Cadmium exposed Rats, Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326107170_Comparative_Assessment_of_the_Antioxidant_Properties_of_Hibiscus_sabdarrifa_L_Anthocyanins_and_its_Aqueous_Extract_in_Cadmium-exposed_Rats Vol.9 Pages: 836 - 843
- Orororo, O. C., Asagba, S. O., Tonukari, N. J., Okandeji, O. J., & Mbanugo, J. J. (2018) Hibiscus Sabdarrifa L. Anthocyanins-Induced Changes in Reproductive Hormones of Cadmium-Exposed Rats, International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324590784_Hibiscus_Sabdarrifa_L_Anthocyanins-Induced_Changes_in_Reproductive_Hormones_of_Cadmium-Exposed_Rats Vol.8 Pages: 308 - 311
- Avwioroko, O. J., Anigboro, A. A., Unachukwu, N. N., & Tonukari, N. J. (2018) Isolation, identification and in silico analysis of alpha-amylase gene of Aspergillus niger strain CSA35 obtained from cassava undergoing spoilage, Biochemistry and biophysics reports
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29872732 Vol.14 Pages: 35-42
- Orororo, O. C., Asagba, S. O., Tonukari, N. J., Okandeji, O. J., & Mbanugo, J. J. (2018) Effects of Hibiscus Sabdarrifa L. anthocyanins on cadmium-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats, Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325067276_Effects_of_Hibiscus_Sabdarrifa_L_anthocyanins_on_cadmium-induced_oxidative_stress_in_Wistar_rats Vol.22 Pages: 465-470
- Apiamu, A., Asagba, S. O., & Tonukari, N. J. (2018) Reporting the toxicological profile of methanolic leaf extract of Anthocleista vogelii Planch on Wistar rats, Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326370059_Reporting_the_Toxicological_Profile_of_Methanolic_Leaf_Extract_of_Anthocleista_vogelii_Planch_on_Wistar_Rats Vol.22 Pages: 887-894
- Anigboro, A. A., Avwioroko, O. J., & Tonukari, N. J. (2018) Brillantasia patula aqueous Leaf Extract Averts Hyperglycermia, Lipid Peroxidation, and Alterations in Hematological Parameters in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats, International Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering
http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo?journalid=259&doi=10.11648/j.ijbse.20180602.14 Vol.6 Pages: 43
- Aganbi, E., Onyeukwu, B. O., Avwioroko, J. O., & Tonukari, J. N. (2017) Effect of fermentation on sensory, nutritional and antioxidant properties of mixtures of aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo) and Raphia hookeri (Raffia) wine, Nig. J. Sci. Environ
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321833796_Effect_of_fermentation_on_sensory_nutritional_and_antioxidant_properties_of_mixtures_of_aqueous_extracts_of_Hibiscus_sabdariffa_zobo_and_Raphia_hookeri_raffia_wine Vol.15 Pages: 66-74
- Orororo, O. C., Tonukari, N. J., Avwioroko, O. J., & Ezedom, T. (2017) Effect of Supplementation of Animal Feed with Dried Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Peels, and Stems of Vernonia amydalina and Pennisetum purpereum on Some Biochemical Parameters in Pigs, NISEB Journal
http://ojs.klobexjournals.com/index.php/nisebj/article/view/77 Vol.14 Pages: 177-183
- Tonukari, N.J., Oliseneku, E.E., Avwioroko, O.J., Aganbi, E., Orororo, O.C. and Anigboro, A.A. (2016) A novel pig feed formulation containing Aspergillus niger CSA35 pretreated-cassava peels and its effect on growth and selected biochemical parameters of pigs, African Journal of Biotechnology
https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJB/article-abstract/79AE80E58423 Vol.15 Pages: 776-785
- Avwioroko, O.J., Anigboro, A.A. and Tonukari, N.J. (2016) Biotechnological application of cassava-degrading fungal (CDF) amylase in broiler feed formulation, Br. Biotechnol. J
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282482959_Biotechnological_Application_of_Cassava-Degrading_Fungal_CDF_Amylase_in_Broiler_Feed_Formulation Vol.10 Pages: 1-12
- N. J. Tonukari, O. J. Avwioroko, and A. A. Anigboro (2015) Effect of preservation on the chlorophyll content, phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity of two different varieties of pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves, Nigerian Journal of Technological Research
http://www.ajol.info/index.php/njtr/article/view/115672 Vol.10 Pages: 9-16
- N. J. Tonukari, T. Ezedom, C.C. Enuma, S. O. Sakpa, O. J. Avwioroko, L. Eraga, and E. Odiyoma (2015) White Gold: Cassava as an Industrial Base, American Journal of Plant Sciences
http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=55817 Vol.6 Pages: 972-979
- N. J. Tonukari, O. J. Avwioroko, T. Ezedom, and A. A. Anigboro (2015) Effect of preservation on two different varieties of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (bitter) leaves, Food and Nutrition Sciences
http://www.scirp.org/Journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=56248 Vol.6 Pages: 633-642
- O. J. Avwioroko, N. J. Tonukari, and S. O. Asagba (2015) Biochemical characterization of crude a-amylase of Aspergillus spp. associated with the spoilage of cassava (Manihot esculenta) tubers and processed products in Nigeria, Advances in Biochemistry
http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ab.20150301.14.pdf Vol.3 Pages: 15-23
- Anigboro A.A., Onakurhefe P., Tonukari N.J., Avwioroko O.J. and Egbeme E. (2014) Quantitative determination of some phytochemicals (phenol, flavonoid, saponin and alkaloid) in twenty-two Nigerian medicinal plants, Nigerian Journal of Science and Environment
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279374823_Quantitative_determination_of_some_phytochemicals_phenol_flavonoid_saponin_and_alkaloid_in_twenty-two_Nigerian_medicinal_plants Vol.13 Pages: 86 - 93
- N. J. Tonukari, O. J. Avwioroko, T. Ezedom, U. Edema, L. Eraga and A. A. Anigboro (2014) Growth of Raphia farinifera and Elaeis guineensis Wine Yeast on Cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Poultry Manure Media, Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology Journal
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276918493_Growth_of_Raphia_farinifera_and_Elaeis_guineensis_Wine_Yeast_on_Cassava_Manihot_esculenta_and_Poultry_Manure_Media Vol.14 Pages: 118 - 123
- O. J. Avwioroko and N. J. Tonukari (2014) Isolation and molecular identification of Aspergillus species associated with the spoilage of cassava in Nigeria, Nigerian Journal of Science and Environment
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279800470_Isolation_and_molecular_identification_of_Aspergillus_species_associated_with_the_spoilage_of_cassava_in_Nigeria Vol.13 Pages: 55 – 68
- S. Ighosotu and N. J. Tonukari (2013) The effects of Cassia alata L.aqueous leaf extract on the germination of Corchorus olitorius, Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development
Vol.5 Pages: 1-5
- N. J. Tonukari, O. J. Avwioroko, G. Seitonkumoh, C. C. Enuma, S. O. Sakpa, L. Eraga, T. Ezedom, Ufuoma Edema, E. Odiyoma, and A. A. Anigboro (2013) Nutritional compositions and antioxidant properties of typical Urhobo Nigerian soups, Nigerian Journal of Technological Research
http://www.ajol.info/index.php/njtr/article/view/96699 Vol.8 Pages: 1-9
- Jeroh E. and Tonukari N.J. (2011) The pH level and alkaline phosphatase activity in crude oil contaminated soil bioremediated with poultry manure and sawdust, Proceedings of the Delta State University Faculty of Science Maiden Conference
Vol.2011 Pages: 339 - 343
- Jeroh E., Tonukari N.J. and Anigboro A (2011) Glucose level and amylase activity in crude oil contaminated soil bioremediated with poultry manure and sawdust, Asian Journal of Biological Science
http://docsdrive.com/pdfs/knowledgia/ajbs/0000/23299-23299.pdf Vol. Pages: 1-6
- Tonukari, N. J. (2010) Theileria parva apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) shares conserved sequences with apicomplexan homologs, International Journal of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Research
http://www.academicjournals.org/ijbmbr/PDF/pdf2010/June/TONUKARI%20.pdf Vol.1 Pages: 36-41
- Tonukari, N. J. (2010) Theileria parva genome and CTL candidate vaccine antigens: An overview, International Journal of Genetics and Molecular Biology
http://www.academicjournals.org/ijgmb/PDF/pdf2010/May/Tonukari.pdf Vol.2 Pages: 72-77
- Osumah, L.I. and Tonukari, N. J. (2010) Production of yeast using acid-hydrolyzed cassava and poultry manure extract, African Journal of Biochemistry Research
http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBR/PDF/pdf2010/May/Osumah%20and%20Tonukari.pdf Vol.4 Pages: 119-125
- Ighosotu, S. and Tonukari, N. J. (2010) The influence of dietary intake on the serum lipid profile, body mass index and risk of cardiovascular diseases in adults on the Niger Delta region, International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism
http://www.academicjournals.org/ijnam/PDF/pdf%202010/Mar%202010/S.Ighosotu%20&%20N.J.%20Tonukari.pdf Vol.2 Pages: 40-44
- Tonukari, N. J. and Osumah, L.I. (2010) Application of acid-hydrolyzed cassava (Manihot esculenta) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) for the production of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), African Journal of Biochemistry Research
http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBR/PDF/pdf2010/Apr/Tonukari%20and%20Osumah.pdf Vol.4 Pages: 88-94
- Tonukari, N. J. and Kangethe, R.T. (2009) Cloning and expression of Theileria parva T-complex 1 protein zeta subunit ortholog, Journal of Cell and Animal Biology
http://www.academicjournals.org/jcab/PDF/Pdf2009/Oct/Tonukari%20and%20%20Kangethe%201.pdf Vol.3 Pages: 183-187
- Tonukari, N. J. (2009) Acid phosphatase activity and pH of cassava farms in different location of Delta State, Nigeria, Nigerian Journal of Science and Environment
Vol.8 Pages: 52-55
- Tonukari, N. J. and Kangethe, R.T. (2009) Isolation of Theileria parva ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) homolog. , Journal of Cell and Animal Biology
http://www.academicjournals.org/jcab/PDF/Pdf2009/Oct/Tonukari%20and%20%20Kangethe.pdf Vol.3 Pages: 179-182
- Anigboro, A. A. and Tonukari, N. J. (2008) Effect of crude oil on invertase and amylase activities in cassava leaf extract and germinating cowpea seedlings, Asian Journal of Biological Science
http://scialert.net/qredirect.php?doi=ajbs.2008.56.60&linkid=pdf Vol.1 Pages: 56-60
- Mwangi, D.M., Graham, S.P., Pelle,R, Honda,Y, Tonukari, N.J., Yamage,I.M., Glew, E.J., Villiers,E.P., de., Shah,T., Bishop,R., Abuya, E., Awino,E., Gachanja,J., Luyai,A.E., Mbwika,F., Muthiani,A.M., Ndegwa, D.M., Njahira, M., Nyanju, J.K., Onono, F.O., Osaso,J., Saya,R.M., Wildmann,C., Fraser, C.M., Maudlin., Gardner,M.J., Morzaria, S.P., Loosmore, S., Gilbert, S.C., Audonnet,J-C., Bruggen,P. van der., Nene,V., Tracha, E.L.N. (2006) Exploiting host immunity and parasite genomics to develop a robust sub unit vaccine against East Coast fever in cattle-mdash; Where are we? Rege, J.E.O. (ed); Nyamu, A.M. (ed); Sendalo,D. (ed). Tanzania Society for Animal Production, Dar es Salam; All Africa Society For animal Production, Nairobi (Kenya). The role of biotechnology in animal agriculture to address poverty in Africa: opportunities and challenges., Proceedings of the 4th all Africa conference on animal agriculture and the 31st annual meeting of the Tanzania Society for Animal Production.
Vol. Pages: 187 – 191
- Graham, S., Pelle, R., Honda, Y., Mwangi, D., Tonukari, N. J., Yamage, M., Glew, E., de Villiers E., Shah, T., Bishop, R., Abuya, E., Awino, E., Gachaja, J., Luyai, A., Mbwika, F., Muthiani, A., Ndegwa, D., Njahira, M., Nyanjui, J., Onono, F., Osaso, J., Saya, R., Wildmann, C., Fraser, C., Maudlin, I., Gardner, M., Morzaria, S., Loosmore, S., Gilbert, S., Audonnet, J., van der Bruggen, P., Nene, V. and Taracha, E. (2006) Theileria parva candidate vaccine antigens recognized by immune bovine cytotoxic T lymphocytes., Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1413922/pdf/pnas-0511273103.pdf Vol.103 Pages: 3286-3291
- Tonukari, N.J. (2005) Properties of Snf1 protein kinases – a minireview, Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Vol.20 Pages: 57-60
- Tonukari, N.J., Scott-Craig, J.S. and Walton, J.D. (2003) Isolation of the carbon catabolite repressor (CREA) gene from the plant-pathogenic fungus Cochliobolus carbonum. , DNA Sequence
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12825351 Vol.14 Pages: 103-107
- Tonukari, N.J. (2003) Enzymes and fungal virulence, Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management
http://www.bioline.org.br/abstract?ja03001 Vol.7 Pages: 5-8
- Tonukari, N.J., Scott-Craig, J.S. and Walton, J.D. (2002) Influence of carbon source on the expression of Cochliobolus carbonum xylan-degreding enzyme genes, African Journal of Biotechnology
http://www.academicjournals.org/ajb/PDF/PDF2002/DecemberPDFs2002/Tonukari%20et%20al.pdf Vol.1 Pages: 64-66
- Baidyaroy, D., Brosch, G., Ahn, J.H., Gracessle, S., Wegener, S., Tonukari, N.J., Caballero, O., Loidl, P., Walton, J.D. (2001) A gene related to yeast HOS2 histone deacetylase affects extracellular depolymerase expression and virulence in a plat pathogenic fungus, Plant Cell
http://www.plantcell.org/content/13/7/1609.full.pdf+html Vol.13 Pages: 1609 – 1624
- Tonukari, N.J., Scott-Craig, J.S. and Walton, J.D. ( 2000) Cochliobolus carbonum SNF1 gene is required for cell wall degrading enzyme expression and virulence on maize. , Plant Cell
http://www.plantcell.org/content/12/2/237 Vol.12 Pages: 237-248
- Mignouna, H., Asiedu, R., Dixon, A., Tonukari, J., Ng, N., Thottappilly, G and Ellis, T. (1998) Application of Molecular Markers in XA98484I4 Germplasm enhancement of cassava (Manihot esculenta L. Crantz) and yams (Dioscorea spp.) at IITA. Use of novel DNA fingerprinting techniques for the detection and characterization of genetic variation in vegetatively propagated crops, 85. , IAEA
Vol. Pages:
- Tonukari, N.J., Thottapilly, G., Ng, N. Q. and Mignouna, H.D. (1997) Genetic polymorphism of cassava within the Republic of Benin detected with RAPD markers., African Crop Science Journal
http://www.bioline.org.br/abstract?cs97028 Vol. 5 Pages: 219-228
- Petrilli, P. and Tonukari, N. J. (1997) PFDB: A protein families database for Macintosh computers. The effectiveness of its organization in searching for protein similarity, Journal of Protein Chemistry
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9330229 Vol.16 Pages: 713-720
- Schaal, B., Olson, P., Prinzie, T., Carvalho, L.J.C.B., Tonukari, N. J. and Hayworth, D.A. (1994) hylogenetic analysis of the genus Manihot based on molecular markers., Proceedings of the second International Scientific meeting of the Cassava Biotechnology Network
Vol. Pages: 62-70
- Osowole, O.A., Tonukari, N.J. and Uwaifo, A. O. (1992) Isolation and partial Characterization of pigeon pea protease inhibitor: its effect on the genotoxic action of aflatoxin B1., Biochem. Pharmacol.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/000629529290727Z Vol.43 Pages: 1880-1882
