International Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IJBB)

Kitchen Waste Valorization through Solid-State Fermentation: Opportunities for Sustainable Waste Management and Value-Added Product

Ruma Poddar — 2026-04-16

The rapid increase in municipal solid waste (MSW), driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, has resulted in significant environmental and socio-economic challenges worldwide. Among MSW components, kitchen waste (KW) represents a substantial proportion due to its organic-rich composition, making it both an environmental burden and a valuable bioresource. Improper disposal of KW contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, land and water pollution, and loss of essential resources. However, KW can be harnessed as a substrate for solid-state fermentation (SSF), enabling the production of biofuels, biofertilizers, enzymes, single-cell proteins, organic acids, and antimicrobial compounds. This paper reviews the composition and global trends of KW generation, its environmental impacts, and its valorization potential through SSF. Methodologically, the review synthesizes data from recent studies (2018–2025) that explore KW valorization, antimicrobial applications of fruit and vegetable residues, and the role of nanotechnology in sustainable bioprocessing. Findings highlight the dual challenge and opportunity of KW: while it is a major contributor to waste burdens, it also offers a promising pathway to a circular economy. The paper concludes that integrating KW valorization into national waste policies and industrial bioprocesses can significantly reduce environmental pollution, improve food security, and generate high-value products.

Perinatal Post-Natural Disaster Depression Screening Among Pregnant Women in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Rafika Oktova — 2026-04-16

Indonesia is located in a region prone to natural disasters. Natural disasters not only have physical and environmental impacts but also affect the psychological well-being of victims. Exposure to traumatic stress caused by natural disasters can exacerbate depressive symptoms, both during and after pregnancy. Approximately 6.5 – 20% of perinatal depression worldwide can contribute to postpartum depression. Up to 50% of perinatal depression cases go undiagnosed due to social stigma and the lack of mental health integration in antenatal care. This study aims to determine the occurrence of perinatal depression among pregnant women after a disaster using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in West Sumatra, Indonesia. This study used an observational design with a cross-sectional approach and was conducted from October to December 2024 in West Sumatra. Using a purposive sampling technique, the study sample consisted of 23 pregnant women who were victims of natural disasters. The results of the study showed that 44% of pregnant women in West Sumatra were at moderate risk of experiencing perinatal depression due to natural disasters, with the most common risk factors found in the 20-35 age group (74%), high school education level (48%), occupational status as a housewife (79%), family income below Regional Minimal Wage/RMW (70%), multiparity (61%), gestational age 14-27 weeks (52%), and have no history of miscarriage (78%). This study reflected the importance of integrating perinatal depression screening into antenatal care for pregnant women in disaster-prone areas.

Effectiveness of WDEP-Based Reality Counseling on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Pregnant Women Regarding Exclusive Breastfeeding at Air Dingin Public Health Center, Padang, Indonesia

Dalina Gusti — 2026-04-16

ABSTRACT

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as providing only breast milk without any additional food or drink for the first six months of life. Despite its proven benefits for infant growth, development, and disease prevention, global coverage of EBF remains suboptimal. In Indonesia, although coverage has reached 68.6%, this figure still falls short of the national target. Limited family support, particularly from husbands, as well as suboptimal maternal knowledge, attitudes, and behavior contribute to this issue. Therefore, a family-based counseling approach, such as WDEP-based reality counseling, is needed.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of WDEP-based reality counseling in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of pregnant women regarding exclusive breastfeeding. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted at Air Dingin Public Health Center, Padang, Indonesia, from December 2024 to February 2025. A total of 50 third-trimester pregnant women were selected using purposive sampling and divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received WDEP-based reality counseling involving family members, while the control group received standard antenatal counseling. Data were collected using validated and reliable questionnaires measuring knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.There were no significant differences between the groups at baseline (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior compared to the control group (p < 0.05).WDEP-based reality counseling is effective in improving pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding exclusive breastfeeding. Integrating family-based counseling into antenatal care programs is recommended to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

A Comprehensive Review of the “Test for Assessment of Articulation and Phonology in Urdu (TAAPU)

Aneela Sattar — 2026-04-16

Abstract

The Test for Assessment of Articulation and Phonology in Urdu (TAAPU) was developed to assess speech sound production in Urdu-speaking children in Pakistan. This review examines the aims, structure, psychometric properties, and clinical implications of the TAAPU and evaluates its contribution to the field of speech-language pathology. TAAPU represents an essential step toward creating linguistically and culturally appropriate diagnostic tools for Urdu-speaking populations. Although initial evidence indicates potential, there is a continued need for comprehensive reporting of reliability and validity metrics, expanded standardization across regional dialects, and additional empirical evaluation. Overall, this review highlights that TAAPU provides a critical foundation for the development of future speech assessment tools in South Asian populations.

Function of Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria in Nutrient Mobilization and Pathogen Suppression (Trichoderma spp.) during Pleurotus Ostreatus Cultivation: A Systematic Review

Gunavathy Selvarajh — 2026-04-16

Cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a significant portion of the overall mushroom crop of the planet, but it has been persistently subject to contamination by Trichoderma and wastefulness of nutrients. This is a systematic review of the multi purpose of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to act as a biocontrol agent against Trichoderma species and a nutrient mobilizer in oyster mushroom production systems. The critical review of the literature published since 2017 indicates that PSB, particularly the species of the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Paenibacillus can be used with a high probability to increase the yield of mushrooms and, simultaneously, neutralize the pathogenic species of Trichoderma in numerous ways, e.g., antibiosis, competition, and the production of antimicrobial metabolites. The review gives a summary of available data on phosphorus solubilization processes, Efficacy of biocontrol and various methods of application, and the synergistic interaction between PSB and the parameters of mushroom growth. It has been demonstrated that the strategic use of PSB can be used to improve biological performance by 15-35%, and Trichoderma-contaminated products can be reduced by 40-85% in comparison to the traditional methods. The gaps in research identified in this review have recommended areas in which future research can be conducted in a bid to maximize PSB-based integrated management strategies in a sustainable oyster mushroom production system.