Prof Janice LIMSON- BioSENS Research Group

Leader of the BioSENs Biotechnology Research Group (Sensors, Energy and Nanomaterials Research Group)

Our research group is currently engaged in three core research areas:

• Biosensors • Biofuel Cells • Nanobiotechnology

This research is aimed at realizing innovative and commercialisable solutions in development of sensors and in accessing alternative energy from waste products. Taking an applied electrochemistry approach, much of the research seeks to harness the potential of nanostructured materials in realizing these goals.

Summary of research

Development of specific and sensitive sensing technology for:

• early disease detection by monitoring markers of disease in human blood
• the design of novel biorecognition agents  (aptamers) for HIV and malaria
• the study of nanomaterials for drug delivery in theranostic applications

Study of biofuel cell technology

• as a source of “green” alternative energy
• for remediation of wastewater coupled to power generation in microbial fuels
• coupled to sensors, environmental monitoring of eg phenolics

Dr Earl PRINSLOO - Stem Cell Biotechnology

Dr Earl Prinsloo's research focuses on the basic and applied sides of stem cell biology. Interests include the role of mitochondria in stem cell biology and the directed differentiation of stem cells into defined cell types. Stem cells hold great promise for the future of regenerative medicine. Understanding the regulatory balance that maintains stem cell self-renewal and differentiation will allow for the biotechnological exploitation of pluripotent stem cells. Dr Prinsloo believes in a systems biology approach to answering research questions using in silico, in vitro and ex vivo methods.

Dr Aileen Boshoff -Malaria and Trypanosomal parasites

Dr Aileen Boshoff’s research focuses on studying fundamental aspects of  molecular chaperones of parasitic origin with the aim of understanding the differences between parasitic and human systems.  Through the use of modern biotechnological techniques, the role of parasitic molecular chaperones in the establishment and survival of the malarial and trypanosomal parasites

within the human host will be elucidated. The knowledge gained will be used to enhance our comprehension of this important class of proteins and improve our understanding of

the biology of these two parasites. This may contribute to the development of novel drug targets for the treatment of malaria and African Trypanosomiasis.  Another broad objective is the application of molecular chaperones in protein biotechnology.  The overexpression of molecular chaperones can enhance expression and solubility of recombinant proteins.

Last Modified: Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:59:06 SAST