RESEARCH AREAS
Enzyme Technology
Research in this area has a two-pronged approach viz. studying the fundamental aspects associated with the production of fungal enzymes and characterisation of these enzymes as well as modification of these natural enzymes to enhance their characteristics aspects and make them better suited to their industrial applications. Learn more č
Directed Evolution of Enzymes
The project intends to
employ contemporary protein engineering technology to create an
environmentally-friendly industrial process (biobleaching) using an
enzyme that is “tweaked” for improved stability and activity. It has
potential benefit not only to the paper and pulp industry locally, but
also worldwide. It is envisaged that the modified enzymes would
outcompete the currently-used commercial enzymes, providing a viable
alternative.
Learn more
č
Plant Biotechnology
The Plant Biotechnology
group is investigating plants for:
(a) nutritional value which can improve the nutritional status of our
people
(b) bioactive compounds that can be used as pharmaceuticals or
nutraceuticals;
(c) phytochemicals for therapeutic uses; and
(d) value addition by producing novel food commodities.
Learn more
č
Wastewater Research
The wastewater group is currently
investigating:
(a) Biodiesel Production Using Algal Biomass
(b) Bioremediation of hexavalent contaminated groundwater
(c) Microbial carotenoid production from cooling tower brine effluent
(d) Monitoring Of Specific Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals In The
Environment
(e) Analysis of problematic filamentous bacteria in activated sludge
wastewater treatment
Learn more
č
