Biocatalysis and Green Chemistry

The research cluster in biocatalysis and green chemistry covers several themes. Current areas of focus include the use of biorenewable feedstocks in the synthesis of functional molecules. Some examples are given below.

• The use of cashew nut shell phenolics as a biorenewable feedstock. Applications include the production of UV-absorbers as potential sunscreens constituents or for the protection of materials and coatings, and the synthesis of isoflavonoids and anthraquinone natural products.
• In addition, lignocellulosic feedstock such as levulinic acid are also employed in the synthesis N-heterocyclic compounds with possible applications in biomedical sciences.

Research team:

• Prof. Moira Bode| Moira.bode@wits.ac.za | Google Scholar
• Prof. Dean Brady | Dean.brady@wits.ac.za | Google Scholar
• Prof. Charles de Koning | Charles.dekoning@wits.ac.za | Google Scholar
• Dr Kennedy Ngwira | Kennedy.ngwira@wits.ac.za | Google Scholar
• Dr Memory Zimuwandeyi | Memory.zimuwandeyi@wits.ac.za
• Dr Songeziwe Ntsimango | songeziwe.ntsimango@wits.ac.za | Google Scholar