2011-NMMU-Research-Report - Research Management - Nelson ...

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NMMU Research and Innovation Report 2011 - Research Entities
The joint research proposal therefore proposed to transfer terpenoid
compounds and plant extract into so called “nanocrystals”.
This nanotechnology assists in making the compounds more
available and effective in the body. Mr Odei-Addo’s visit to Berlin
would therefore allow him to learn to prepare and optimise the
nanocrystals in Berlin. On his return to South Africa he had to
test the efficacy of the nanoemulsions that were prepared at the
Freie Universität Berlin to determine if they would further enhance
glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity as compared to marrubiin,
the diterpinoid found in Leonotis leonurus plant extracts.
Mr Odei-Addo was able to attend the Controlled Release Society
German local chapter conference in Würyburg, where he presented
the work completed in Prof Müller’s laboratory, as can be seen in
the photo on page 57.
“I gained a great deal of experience in the field of nanotechnology
using the techniques involved in nanoformulations i.e.: (1) high
pressure homogenisations, (2) laser diffractometry, (3) particle
correlation spectroscopy, (4) zeta potential, (5) X-ray, microscopy,
(6) tableting of products, and (7) Differential Scanning Calorimetry
(DSC). Of great interest were the applications of these formulations
in the field of cosmetics and medical research,” says Mr Odei-Addo.
An example of the homogenisers used is given in the figure below:
Homogenisers using high pressure to create nanoemulsions.
From left to right: Prof T Mayekiso, Prof Dr R Müller, Ms Stefanie Böhler, Mr Thomas Schad, Dr N Jooste and Dr Ranjita Shegokar.