The optimization of production of lignin-nanofiber-filled thermoplastic starch composite film for potential application in food packaging was carried using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), through the adoption of the Box-Wilson Central Composite Design (CCD) with 1 center point. The effects of filler loading on moisture absorption (MAB), tensile strength [TS], percent elongation [PE] and Young’s modulus [YM]) of the films were investigated in order to construct the desirability indices of the composite. The quality of the fitting model was expressed by the coefficient of determination, R2 and the adjusted R2. Results showed that the nanocomposite films were best fitted by a quadratic regression model with a high coefficient of determination (?2) value. The selected film has desirability of 76.80%, close to the objective function, and contained 4.81% lignin and 5.00% nanofibre. The MAB, TS, YM and PE of the selected film were 17.80 %, 21.51 MPa, 25.76 MPa and 48.81%, respectively. The addition of lignin and nanofiber to starch composite reduced the moisture absorption tendency but increased the mechanical properties of the films due to the good filler/matrix interfacial adhesion. Conclusively, results suggested that these films would be suitable for packaging application.

In vitro glucose uptake in yeast cell facilitated by Abelmoschus esculentus L. (okra seed) for management of type 2 diabetes was studied. Plant material was collected, identified, processed, and stored for further use. 80% methanol was employed for extraction and sonicated to release antidiabetic-bioactive component in solution and was filtered, concentrated, freeze-dried, and fractionated using standard techniques. Glucose uptake at an initial concentration of 5mM/L and 10mM/L by the crude extract was consistent to that of the known standard drug while at 25mM/L glucose concentration was equivalent with the crude extract. Also, at 0.625 mg/mL the linear equations, and R2 demonstrations that the crude extract was higher in dose predictability than the standard drug as presented by the equation; y = 35.754x - 57.822, and R² = 0.9502 (95%). The extract-fractions were employed to evaluate the ability of yeast cell line culture to take up glucose from the system through DPPH, FRAP, lipid peroxidation and anti-diabetes effect of extract-fraction assays. Extract-fractions were found to poses antioxidant activity high enough to inhibit stress-related diseases. The extract fractions were active as drug candidates both at low and high concentrations and were better compared with the standard drug and standard antioxidant was comparable. The high bioactive extract fractions require encapsulation with a nanoparticle as a drug candidate for type 2 diabetes patients. And an animal trial of the drug candidate may be necessary to monitor the in vivo performances of the extract fractions and subsequent human volunteered trial.