Niche areas within AMHBI

The aim is the discovery and production of novel enzymes with unconventional reaction mechanisms have been identified as one of the key focus areas that would assist with the realisation of the development of such bio-based processes. Novel enzymes from the industrially-relevant group of bacteria, the actinobacteria (including the filamentous actinomycetes), is the focus of this research niche area, with the underexplored biodiverse environments of South Africa serving as a source for undiscovered strains.

One of the foremost research endeavours within this specialized field involves the exploration of the potential chemopreventive attributes inherent in both fermented and unfermented rooibos tea concerning protection against UVB-induced skin damage. This investigation employs a multifaceted evaluation methodology encompassing proteomic, lipidomic, and transcriptomic analyses. Concurrently, investigations are underway to ascertain the anti-inflammatory impacts of rooibos on skin and gastrointestinal well-being. Additionally, the utilization of polyphenol-enriched honeybush extracts is being studied for their ability to modulate barrier functionality and counteract pro-inflammatory activities linked to allergies in keratinocytes. This area of specialization also delves into the realm of mycotoxins, their synthesis facilitated by Fusarium, and the exploration of plausible control mechanisms involving extracts from herbal teas. Furthermore, an evaluation of drought stress conditions is being conducted utilizing an omics-based approach.

The main aim is to address the involvement of oxidative stress and/or redox imbalance in disease development and health promotion by focusing on the indigenous herbal tea, rooibos, and other medicinal plants as an innovative measure to prevent and/or delay the onset of lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Specific attention is paid to promote and ensure Research uptake of the research outcomes. The development of various innovative plant bio-based products and their application to improve human health are also included in this niche area.

This niche area focuses on conducting fundamental and applied research aimed at: i) remediating industrial effluent such as winery, tannery, textile and sugar industry wastewater via biological and physicochemical processes, ii) applying strategies to reduce the volume and toxicity of primary and secondary industrial wastewater sludge, and iii) generating energy or other value-added products (e.g. bioplastics) and/or recovering resources from wastewater or wastewater sludge. The end goal is to promote industrial uptake of technologies that show promise at laboratory and pilot-scale.

The aim is the development and validation of biomarkers to monitor the efficacy of intervention in clinical trials of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Dietary compounds exhibiting potential to prevent chronic diseases, physiological molecules related to apoptosis, cell proliferation and cellular oxidative status as well as fatty acids, will be investigated as possible biomarkers of exposure and effect.

The main aim here is to establish, develop and consolidate proteomic research in the Institute and different Focus areas across faculties at CPUT. To become an important role player in biotechnological advances, sophisticated techniques in biological research should be establish on a continued basis.