Innovation: The innovation identified in this work is the act of converting a locally produced solid waste from corn (chaff) which is readily available and sustainable to formulate a scientific research fungal growth medium to become an added value in our research institutions.

Sector/Industry Application: Medical and research institutions

Description: Microbiological studies depends on the ability of microorganisms to be cultivated under a laboratory standards by the provision of a suitable culture medium which is environmentally favorable. Disposal of solid waste is a major environmental issue in Nigeria, hence the need to proffer solution is of great importance. Corn (Zea mays) is a cereal grain cultivated as one of the staple foods in many parts of the world. It’s used in the production of several products among them is PAP (ogi, akamu) which gives rise to a chaff (solid waste). The work is aimed at formulation and comparing of a locally produced fungal growth medium formulated from corn waste, (Corn waste glucose agar CWGA) with the commercially produced Potato dextrose agar (PDA). CWGA was compounded using 200g of corn waste powder, 20g glucose and 20g agar. Trichophyton sp, Aspergillus sp and Trichoderma sp were all cultivated on the two media for 5days at the temperature of 28oC for the determination of their growth rate, sterility test and solidification rate of the two media. Growth of Trichophyton sp was higher in PDA than CWGA in day1 with no significant difference (P > 0.05). However, Trichophyton sp was significantly higher in CWGA than PDA in day3 with significant difference (P < 0.05). Aspergillus sp growth was higher in PDA in day 1 and 2 (P > 0.05), Trichoderma sp growth was higher in PDA than CWGA in day 1 to 5, only the difference in day 2, 3 and 4 are significantly different (P < 0.05).The hyphae microscopic view of isolates from both media maintained same structure. Both media maintained good sterility and solidification time. CWGA as a locally formulated fungi medium supported the growth of fungi and should be encouraged in scientific research industries hence converting waste to wealth.

Problem: 1) To solve waste mitigation challenge in our environment 2) To convert this solid waste into value added product in our research institutions 3) To convert waste to wealth hence boosting our economy 4) To make this locally formulated product an alternative for the highly expensive commercial PDA product by subsidizing the cost implication