universit y of kw azulu-na tal research repor t 2008/2009 - UKZN ...

RESEARCH FOCUS AREASRESEARCH FOCUS AREAS❉ The Discipline of Biochemistry (Westville) in the School of❉ The Discipline of Microbiology (Westville) is undertaking a six-yearBiochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology investigates the use ofcollaborative research project involving the “impact of irrigationnanotechnology in foreign gene delivery (classical gene therapy),water quality on the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables”.expression and gene silencing mediated by RNA interference. TheDiscipline has a dedicated cell/tissue culture facility. The Discipline❉ The Discipline of Microbiology (Westville) also investigatesalso focuses on yeast biotechnology, biofuel production, andbioremediation of water co-contaminated with chlorinated organicbiomarkers of metal pollution.compound and heavy metals and profiling the microbial populationand diversity involved in the degradation process. The presence❉ The Discipline of Genetics in the School of Biochemistry, Geneticsof both hydrolytic and reductive dehalogenases (involved in theand Microbiology focuses on the genetics of animals. Quantitative,degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons) were identified in samplespopulation and molecular genetics technologies are employedcollected from a hydrocarbon contaminated site. This findingin unveiling the contribution that genes make to important traitsprovided strong evidence that bacteria capable of dehalogenationin animals. Molecular techniques are used to examine geneticof chlorinated hydrocarbons may colonise contaminated sitesfactors underpinning biological diversity in the field of Evolutionarywithout introduction and this is particularly important from theBiology. In the field redox systems biology, the research focus isviewpoints of toxicology and bioremediation. In addition, the totalon elucidating how the components in biological systems areDNA (metagenome) isolated from the contaminated site wasintegrated to give functional properties.sequenced by pyrosequencing. The sequence data providedinsights into the metabolic functioning of the microbial population in❉ The Discipline of Microbiology (Westville) conducts researchthe metagenome.on improving beer quality, such as profiling flavour active estermalarial drugs which can be used to track malaria drugs in a rangecompounds in beer under different fermentation and nutritionalA comparison of protein expressions of Acinetobacter calcoaceticusby Professor Cristina Trois. Its primary objective is to establish aof cells, tissues and body fluids. To understand how the diseaseconditions. The Discipline also focuses on extremophiles for theisolates LT1A and V2 during hydrocarbon degradation is also beingmultidisciplinary Renewable Energy Technology Centre whichaffects cells of the immune system during a malaria infection andisolation and identification of enzymes for use in the various industriesstudied.will: promote excellence in sustainable energy research andunder the influence of anti-malarial drug therapy, they employ X-Raysuch as paper and pulp and use as household detergents.technological development; foster scholarship and skills transfer;microanalysis. X-Ray microanalysis enables the measurement ofResearch is also carried out on biochemical and molecularand create and disseminate knowledge on renewable energy.minute changes in the concentrations of elements within individualBiofuels: biomining for novel, thermophilic enzymes forcharacterisation of bacteria isolated from wastewater treatmentOne of the main components of the project will be the developmentcells.The team has identified a malaria protein which has promisinglignocelluloses metabolism. Cloning in heterologous hosts, enzymeplant for chlorophenol degradation. Studies conducted focus onof short courses and modules for Masters students which will focusvaccine potential. The expression, location and structure of thecharacterisation. Construction of lignocelluloses-metabolisingthe genomic evolution and adaptation of phenol-degrading bacteriaon renewable energy and the different technologies associated withprotein are being studied.and ethanol fermenting strains. Construction of consortia forto lethal phenol concentrations. A virus evaluation programme ofit. There will also be a strong emphasis on research and a team oflignocelluloses bioconversion to ethanol.the Umgeni River in Durban is being carried out, as well as metalMSc and PhD students will be involved in related topics.❉ The Trypanosomiasis Laboratory within the School of Biochemistry,corrosion prevention by bio-competitive exclusion. Studies into theGenetics, and Microbiology (Pietermaritzburg) focuses on poultryBiopulping: Assessment of seasonal microflora variation andgeneration and on-site treatment of synthetic greywater for non-The I-REAP initiative plans to develop a full-scale commercially-pathogens and trypanosomes of importance in South Africa and thetheir physical and chemical effects on wood chips for the pulpingpotable application are also carried out by the Discipline.operated pilot project for the production of energy viathe anaerobicrest of Africa to develop diagnostic assays, therapeutic strategiesindustry.digestion of organic biomass, particularly agricultural waste. Theand ultimately vaccines against the diseases caused by these❉ Soil microbial response to climate changes and the implications onultimate aim of this Programme will be to make biogas-to-energy frominfectious agents. The research focuses on the molecules involvedEnzymes for industrial applications: Biomining of enzymescarbon-cycle feedbacks are being investigated by the Discipline ofwaste commercially viable in South Africa by introducing/developingin the binding of the pathogens to their host tissues, antigenicfrom extreme environments for application in renewable energyMicrobiology (Westville).appropriate technology. It will receive funding from the Nationaldifferences between different strains of pathogens and betweenproduction (biofuels) and biopulping. Gene and protein engineeringResearch Foundation’s Technology and Human Resources Programmethose of field strains and vaccine strains. Techniques in proteinto improve enzyme stability and activity. Creation of recombinant❉ The Integrated Renewable Energy Application Programme(THRIP) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).purification and characterisation, immunochemistry and molecularstrains and consortia to degrade plant biomass and produce(I-REAP) is a collaborative endeavour between Karebo Powerbiology are employed.ethanol and pulp.Projects Pty Ltd and the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is headed26 UKZN Research Report // 2008/2009 UKZN Research Report // 2008/2009 27