Director: Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI), Prof Jeanine Marnewick, a guest speaker at the Cape Branch seminar series of the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) at Bellville Campus, said diet plays an important role in disease prevention, and antioxidants form an important part of “our diet”.

Marnewick, who is also a Research chair: Biotechnology at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute, presented an update on this, as a follow-up from her first talk she did in 2014. “Antioxidants remain a ‘hot’ and relevant topic attracting much attention.” The title of her talk was: Dietary antioxidants: do we really need them: an update and Rooibos perspective, as this indigenous herbal tea contains unique antioxidants and contributes significantly to our daily antioxidant intake,’ she says.

Marnewick, a NRF-rated scientist, has been in the field of medicinal plant research for more than 25 years. Her focus is on innovative prevention strategies using medicinal plants and phytochemicals aimed at non-communicable diseases, with a focus on cardiometabolic disease and cancer. Elucidating bio-activities of and substantiating health claims around the South African herbal teas, Rooibos and Honeybush and the fact that the prevalence of cancer and heart disease (both involving oxidative stress) in South Africa is increasing, stimulated her research.

The studies she and her team have conducted resulted not only in the first scientific evidence on the chemopreventive properties of Rooibos and honeybush, but also on the first clinical evidence on Rooibos and the promotion of heart health. She is the winner of the NSTF/South 32 Awards 2020 in the Category Science Communication, for leading a team that promotes rooibos as a health promoting option, supported by science.

“From all the scientific evidence thus far, it is clear that dietary antioxidants could play an important role in promoting human health, thus enjoy your daily cuppa Rooibos.”

Lecturer & Curriculum officer: Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST), Dr Vusi Mshayisa, who is also a member of the Cape branch committee, played a critical role in ensuring the event's success by bringing together DFST, SAAFoST and Agrifoods Technology Station (ATS). Mshayisa said the event was the first hybrid meeting of this nature. “At DFST, we are committed to fostering industry partnerships to enrich our student's learning experiences through engagement with professionals in the field.”

The event started with a warm welcome address by Dr George Charimba, DFST acting head of department, who underscored the significance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. Meanwhile Ndumiso Mshicileli, Manager from Agrifoods Technology Station (ATS), “our generous sponsor”, shared insights into the station's pivotal projects and their future aspirations.

Mshayisa added that he was impressed by the captivating presentation by Marnewick on dietary antioxidants. “Her expertise sparked engaging discussions among the attendees, providing valuable insights into the subject matter. Overall, the event was a success, and we hope to have more events of this nature in the future.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Elias Chipofya, a PhD candidate at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI), was awarded a prestigious travel scholarship and recently attended the 2nd School on Neuropharmacology Research and Drug Development in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The programme was organised and sponsored by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) through the African Regional Committee (ARC), in collaboration with the University of Zimbabwe's Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The school provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of fundamental pharmacological principles and practices required for researching potential neuroactive compounds. This knowledge and skillset will empower them to transform traditional natural compounds into potent therapeutic agents or preventive strategies, ultimately contributing to the development of innovative treatments and preventions for neurological disorders.

Elias, who is supervised by Dr Taskeen Docrat and Prof Jeanine L. Marnewick, expressed deep gratitude for receiving the travel scholarship, acknowledging it as a testament to his dedication and hard work in neuroscience research. “This transformative experience allowed me to learn cutting-edge techniques in neuropharmacology and network with leading experts in the field. I am excited to apply this newfound knowledge to my research on Rooibos and its potential neuroprotective effects.”

Docrat, his main supervisor, added: “The scholarship will open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, propelling his research to new heights”.

Elias' research focuses on the protective effects of Rooibos herbal tea, a topic of growing interest. With limited knowledge on how Rooibos affects the brain, his research aims to uncover the neuroprotective mechanisms of its antioxidant compounds to prevent Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. "By understanding these mechanisms, we may develop novel preventive strategies to combat neurodegenerative diseases and improve the quality of life for millions worldwide," said Docrat.

Written by CPUT News
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Postdoctoral fellow Dr Taskeen Docrat did CPUT proud at the recent Virtual Postdoctoral Research Summit.

Docrat took first prize in the category: Elevator pitch presentation for her presentation: The Abili"Tea" Of Rooibos to Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease.

She is a postdoctoral fellow at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI), under the supervision of Prof Jeanine Marnewick, and is involved in the development of in vitro Alzheimer’s models that will aid testing of potential therapeutic agents.

The summit was organised by the Postdoctoral Society at Stellenbosch University, and was open to postdocs internationally.

“This exhilarating summit showcased cutting-edge research, roundtable discussions, workshops, industry tables, satellite events as well as keynote lectures and speakers from around the world,” said Docrat.

“The protective functions of the widely consumed Rooibos herbal tea are of growing interest. Our research is unique as limited information on how Rooibos affects the brain exists. We aim to establish the neuroprotective mechanisms exerted by the antioxidant compounds in Rooibos for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.”

She said pitching her research in under three minutes was no easy task.

“You must know exactly what your main idea is and then present it clearly. Being my first elevator pitch I did not expect to scoop first place, it was an exciting experience. I am thankful to Stellenbosch University for selecting me as the first prize winner! I strongly believe in getting your research recognised beyond the walls of your lab and creating good collaborations.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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A PhD student at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute has been selected as the national lead of the South African Young Water Professionals programme (YWP-ZA).

Ashton Mpofu said he had served as national vice lead of the programme in the last term (2018-2020) and was asked to take on the lead role.

“The role entails leading an amazing diverse group of individuals who are passionate about making a difference in strategising and realising the vision of the organisation. YWP-ZA's function is empowering YWPs, growing future leaders, promoting inclusivity and addressing other multifaceted challenges faced by YWPs,” he said.

Ashton said he was humbled by the confidence and enormous support that he had received from the sector, the committee and from YWPs across the globe.

“It is an opportunity to serve and there is a big mountain to climb as we are plagued by Covid-19, high youth unemployment, poverty and lack of universal access to water and sanitation.”

Ashton, who is studying towards a PhD in Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, said his research focuses on the biological resource recovery from tannery effluents. “The study seeks to promote the adoption of a circular bioeconomy in the tannery industry”.

The Institute’s Dr Pamela Welz, who is Ashton’s supervisor, said his achievement did not come as a surprise to her.

“Ashton is a bright and hardworking individual with a strong sense of community upliftment. He has always been willing to give of his time to assist other students.”

Ashton's co-supervisor, Prof Oluwaseun Oyekola, said Ashton consistently shows great passion in his field of research. 

"He has displayed resourcefulness, being goal-oriented and ability to work independently. His organisational and practical skills are also commendable.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Postdoctoral fellow Dr Naeem Sheik Abdul recently won first place in the science poster awards of the virtual Summer School on Innovative Approaches in Science.

The event focused on cutting-edge methods to reduce and replace animal tests in toxicology and biomedical research.

Sheik Abdul is a post-doctoral fellow at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) under the supervision of Prof Jeanine Marnewick.

His winning e-poster was titled Fumonisin B1-Induced Mitochondrial Stress and Intervention by Rooibos: Old Foe New Hero.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the most food insecure regions where the majority of the population relies on maize as part of a staple diet. These commodities are often contaminated by fungal toxins such as Fumonisin B1 (FB1), which has been linked to cancer and other acute toxicities. Our study aims to assess the protective role of Rooibos extracts against FB1-induced toxicity in vitro using a liver derived cell line,” he said.

“Rooibos possesses a unique composite of phytochemicals known to encompass antioxidant and bio-active properties. The combination of metabolic activators and antioxidants found in Rooibos may be more effective in preventing and repairing cellular damage caused by toxins. The understanding of how molecular pathways are activated by Rooibos can contribute to the prevention of FB1 toxicity and can lead to the identification of a novel and economically viable approach to protecting vulnerable human populations against FB1 toxicity.”

Sheik Abdul said he did not expect the award but was extremely happy and felt a sense of pride knowing that research conducted at CPUT had been recognised on an international platform. 

The event was jointly hosted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing and the European Commission Joint Research Centre.

“Our study design fitted in well with the objectives of the summer school as it presented an excellent option to determine mitochondrial dysfunction without the use of animals while still maintaining its applicability to metabolic toxicity assessment and intervention approaches,” said Sheik Abdul.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Postdoctoral fellow Dr Naeem Sheik Abdul has added another accolade to his name – the prestigious Colgate-Palmolive Postdoctoral Award in In Vitro Toxicology.

The award supports research to advance the development of alternatives to animal testing in toxicological research.

Last year Sheik Abdul, a postdoctoral fellow at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI), won first place in the science poster awards of the virtual Summer School on Innovative Approaches in Science.

Of his most recent accolade, Sheik Abdul said: “I felt ecstatic and grateful to receive this prestigious award. The funding will be instrumental in advancing my research here at CPUT. I also felt deeply honoured to be recognised by scientists in the field who acknowledge the novelty and importance of the study. It is also very encouraging to receive this award at such an early stage in my research career.”

His project is titled: Role of Non-coding RNAs in Fumonisin B1–Induced Metabolic Toxicity: An Alternate Mechanism of Action.

“Mycotoxin contamination of staple, dietary crops, such as maize, pose a serious threat to food safety and nutrition security in Africa. Despite this, there remains a dearth of knowledge on the effects that these toxins have on metabolic pathways. The present study will look to explore and validate the impact of Fumonisin B1 (FB1) on cell energy metabolism, with a strong focus on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play important roles in regulating gene expression and regulatory loops that function in maintaining metabolic homeostasis,” he explained.

“FB1 is categorised as a class 2B carcinogen, but mechanisms relating to its tumorigenic potential are not fully elucidated. The findings from this work will advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and unravel the metabolic toxicity of this mycotoxin in relation to its cancer-promoting effects.”

Sheik Abdul said he enjoys the revolutionary process and innovative thinking that science fosters.

“As a researcher, my career aspirations are to contribute to translational research which improves human health directly. I have also had the privilege of being mentored by amazing scientists in the field who helped grow and realise that tackling problems through pro-active scientific research is the best way to provide important information about disease trends and risk factors, as well as intervention strategies.”

AMHBI Director Prof Jeanine Marnewick, said Sheik Abdul’s work was chosen for being outstanding and cutting-edge.

“The Society of Toxicology Awards Programme has been honouring the excellence of those in toxicology for the past 50 years. I am extremely proud of Naeem for setting his sights high, making the effort and achieving the goal. I know the hard work and dedication he has put in to secure this award. The competition was stiff. I wish him continued success as this achievement will definitely contribute positively to his career path as a scientist here at CPUT and looking forward to supporting him and his work here at AMHBI.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The CPUT community is mourning the passing of research stalwart Prof Wentzel “Blom” Gelderblom. Prof Gelderblom was key to cementing the role of a researcher within a university of technology and his legacy will live on in the newly formed Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) of which he was an adjunct member. Prof Gelderblom was appointed in 2014 as the first Research Chair in Biotechnology and Director of the Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology. Before joining CPUT he was Unit Director of PROMEC at the Medical Research Council.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor Chris Nhlapo lauded Prof Gelderblom for his transdisciplinary work and paving the way for future researchers. “Prof Gelderblom was key in starting the first research institute at CPUT that spanned across faculties in support of multi-and transdisciplinary research excellence. In doing so, a sturdy foundation was laid for the eventual establishment of AMHBI now in its second year of existence.” Prof Gelderblom’s colleague and the woman who took over his reigns as Research Chair in Biotechnology, Prof Jeanine Marnewick, says he leaves large shoes to fill. “Prof Gelderblom had a passion for science and was a mentor to many, although he has left our presence, his scientific legacy will live on. A truly great mind and person has passed on,” she says.

Written by Lauren Kansley
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

CPUT researchers are using phytosome nanotechnology – an emerging field – to enhance the bioavailability of Rooibos extracts in skin formulations.

Previous studies that pointed to Rooibos’ protective effect against inflammation in skin cells, is what prompted Dr Mariska Lilly, Senior Researcher of Proteomics & Molecular Biology at the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) of CPUT to probe further.

Lilly is working with:

• Dr Stefan Abel (Adjunct Scholar) at AMHBI (phytosome development)
• Dr Celeste Abrahams (Previous Postdoctoral fellow at AMHBI) (phytosome development)
• Dr Hapiloe Maranyane and Dr Tandeka Magcwebeba (Previous Postdoctoral fellows at AMHBI) contributed to determine the amount of herbal tea to use for preventing or treating inflammation, as well as in the development of biomarkers for inflammation in skin cells.

“We knew that once the skin was exposed to the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays, Rooibos extracts could remove precancerous damaged cells and block the onset of inflammation. It does so by hindering the multiplication of inflamed cells and ridding the body of them.

“Our studies went a step further. Instead of just studying one biomarker, we looked at several, and found the same to be true. Rooibos indeed has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which protects the skin from the damaging effects of the sun, changing environmental conditions and pollution. However, the concentration of the Rooibos extract must be just right.”

She says it’s the combination of polyphenols (antioxidants) – natural compounds found in Rooibos – which gives it it’s restorative ability.

“Because of their potential health benefits to humans, phytochemicals (bioactive polyphenolic compounds) in plants and herbs have been studied extensively in recent years. These compounds not only protect the plant throughout its lifecycle, but are responsible for its colour, aroma and flavour. Given their positive biological effect, higher safety margins and lower cost than synthetic agents, it has led to a significant increase in the demand for herbal products globally.”

Rooibos’ potent bioactivity against various diseases – by scavenging free radicals (harmful compounds or elements) in the body and its ability to be utilised in the production of cosmetics and dietary supplements – has caught the attention of the scientific world and the public at large. Researchers are studying its ability to heal wounds, relieve burns and other skin conditions, including eczema, acne, urticaria, pruritus, psoriasis and other bacterial and fungal skin diseases, among a host of other ailments.

Lilly explains that up until now the bioavailability (proportion of active ingredient that is absorbed by cells and that can have an effect when introduced into the body) of many plant extracts, including Rooibos, have been limited.

“But, by loading Rooibos’ polyphenolic compounds (extracts) in a novel nano-delivery system will facilitate their penetration across the skin barriers, thereby enhancing their topical bioavailability.

“Nanocarriers will not only help to protect the bioactive compounds in Rooibos from oxidation and degradation, but can improve the solubility, absorption, long-term benefits, as well as their stability (shelf life).

She explained that a phytosome is a complex made between herbal extracts and dietary phospholipid and shows improved bioavailability and absorption.

“We will use an enriched concentration of Rooibos total polyphenols packed inside a vesicle that resembles a cell.’

Before making the Rooibos phytosome available to the market, more research will be conducted to determine the right concentration of Rooibos and rate of bioavailability. This will then be followed by clinical trials in humans where phytosome prototypes will be tested in small skin biopsies.

She said the development of a scientifically data-based skin protection product is envisaged, strengthening the value and marketability of rooibos.

“This will be a tested product, with known polyphenol concentrations, and scientific data supporting its claims. What we found is that Rooibos protects against inflammation in skin cells, and chronic inflammation is one of the hallmarks of skin cancer development. The idea is to develop a pre- and after-sun lotion containing Rooibos-phytosomes that will aid in the prevention of UVB skin inflammation.”

For more information on Rooibos research, visit www.sarooibos.co.za

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) will be hosting the CPUT Biotechnology Research Symposium on September 7.

AMHBI Director, Prof Jeanine Marnewick, said the main objectives were to inform the CPUT research community about the field of microbial and health biotechnology and how it may contribute to our bio-economy through the innovation pipeline. It also aimed to introduce the research community to some of the research projects taking place in AMHBI.

The speakers include:

• Prof Don Cowan, Director - Genomics Research Institute and Director: Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics, University of Pretoria
• Prof Jürgen Pleiss, Bioinformatics Group Leader, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart
• Prof Brett Pletschke, Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Rhodes University
• Prof Sias Hamman, Professor in Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, North West University
• Dr Revel Iyer, Director - CPUT Technology Transfer Office

Click here to join: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Nzg4YjFhNTItOWE3OS00ZDFjLTk3MjQtODM1NTc0NjMxZGY4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2290bb22db-a73a-4971-b7d6-7ca3ef90cf06%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2243287890-144c-4465-ac07-b4f5895860be%22%7d

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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An article by two CPUT researchers has focused attention on the supportive role South Africa’s indigenous herbal tea, Rooibos, could play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article by Dr Naeem Sheik Abdul and Prof Jeanine Marnewick from the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute has been published in the Journal of Functional Foods.

It outlines “how Rooibos can potentially play a supportive role by modulating the risk of some of the comorbidities associated with COVID-19 in order to promote general health during infections”.

Sheik Abdul and Marnewick analysed peer-reviewed scientific studies published on Rooibos stemming from all over the world during the past 20 years and found several bioactivities being reported on, some perhaps also pertinent to the current pandemic.

“The bio-activities reported on include the antioxidant capacity of rooibos stemming from its composition of unique polyphenols and other bio-active compounds, it also reported on the anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the beneficial effect on blood glucose levels, aberrant cholesterol profiles, reshaping the gut microflora, decreasing oxidative stress and increasing the body’s own antioxidant molecule, glutathione, all aspects that have been identified as being affected in one way or another by the SARS-COV-2 virus and/or disease,” the two scientists explained.

They added that scientists from the Durban University of Technology have done computer simulation and cell culture studies and suggested the use of rooibos compounds as a promising platform for developing anti-viral drug(s) in the future.

“When considering all these Rooibos bio-activities reported on, it can be put to good use as a supportive dietary mechanism to assist our bodies to strengthen our antioxidant defences and ensuring a redox balance is maintained within our bodies. By modulating certain risks, it is proposed to promote general health.”

The scientists pointed out that Rooibos is not a substitute for any clinical treatment, but rather falls within the realm of a Functional Food, a term first coined by the Japanese in the 1980s, being a food or beverage with additional function than originally proposed.

“The next step will be to put Rooibos to the test and confirm these bio-activities within the context of the current pandemic.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Students are being encouraged to add more fruit and vegetables to their daily diet.

National Nutrition Week (NNW) runs from 9 to 15 October and Dr Mariska Lilly from the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute and member of the National Nutrition Society of South Africa, said this year’s theme is: Eat more vegetables and fruit every day.

NNW is an initiative of the national Department of Health to improve the nutrition knowledge and nutrition intake behaviour of South African people.

According to The Nutrition Society of South Africa: Western Cape Branch, students should eat more fruits and vegetables every day because fruit and vegetables contain important nutrients that prevent malnutrition and diseases like constipation, cancer, high cholesterol and diabetes.

It states that research has shown that most South Africans do not eat five fruits and vegetables every day and consume too many ultra-processed foods like chips, chocolates, biscuits and sweets. By eating these ultra-processed foods instead of fruit and vegetables as snacks students are at an increased risk of becoming sick.

Planning meals and snacks can help students to reach their veg and fruit targets. Here’s what it could look like:

• Breakfast: Add a banana or a small handful of raisins to cereal, pap, oats or yoghurt.
• Snack: Grab a handful of baby tomatoes or chop up a carrot.
• Lunch: Add 1 cup (about 1 cupped hand) of salad ingredients to your sandwich or wrap or mix in last night’s leftover veggies or cooked spinach to pap or rice.
• Snack: Grab an apple or any fruit instead of ultra-processed chips/chocolates.
• Dinner: Aim for half a plate of veggies or be sure to add frozen or grated vegetables to stews, pasta dishes or other mixed meals.

For more information go to www.nutritionweek.co.za

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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