Faculty of Applied Sciences DUT VIRTUAL GRADUATION AUTUMN 2020 DURBAN Graduands Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in BIOTECHNOLOGY ARUMUGAM Nanthakumar (Full Research) Title of Thesis Production of oligosaccharides from lignocellulosic biomass Summary Exploration of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of value-added compounds is gaining momentum. Biomass such as peanut shells, bambara, cowpea and sorghum are some of the indigenous crops of Southern Africa that are yet to be explored for value addition. Therefore, this study was designed to characterize these underutilized agro-residues for the enzymatic production of prebiotic xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and their application. A two-step extraction of sodium chlorite-delignified biomass yielded pure xylan from peanut shells (15.5%), bambara (12.3%), cowpea (13.6%) and sorghum (32.2%). 1 H NMR spectroscopy together with monosaccharide analyses revealed that all the xylans were glucuronoxylan and shared similar functional groups as that of hardwood glucuronoxylan. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the xylans resulted in the maximum yield of XOS at optimized parameters of 1% substrate concentration and 10 U enzyme dosage. TLC analysis of the hydrolysates from Thermomyces lanuginosus SSBP GH11 (TlGH11) xylanase was compared against GH10 and GH30 xylanases regarding their modes of action. It was observed that the properties of XOS were distinct with different xylanases and GH11 xylanase was more efficient on all the xylans without the release of xylose. MALDI - TOF MS characterization corroborated with the TLC results and showed signals for both neutral and acidic oligosaccharides. A series of computational approaches were also used to study the structure of GH10, GH11 and GH30 xylanases and their interactions with xylan. The in silico investigation suggested that TlGH11 was more suitable for coupling with xylan over GH10 and GH30 xylanases. The prebiotic efficiency of XOS was evaluated as a functional food supplement in a novel amadumbe - bambara spread and prebiotic yoghurt formulations. The physicochemical and sensory evaluation of both amadumbe-bambara spread and yoghurt confirmed that both products have improved traits with higher consumer acceptance. The candidate has published two papers and one book chapter in peer reviewed scientific journals and has presented his research in two national and four international conferences. Supervisor: Dr S K K Pillai Co-Supervisor : Prof S Singh (19)
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Faculty ofApplied Sciences
DUTVIRTUALGRADUATIONAUTUMN
2020
DURBAN Graduands
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in BIOTECHNOLOGY
ARUMUGAM Nanthakumar (Full Research)
Title of Thesis Production of oligosaccharides from lignocellulosic biomass
Summary Exploration of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of value-added compounds is gaining momentum. Biomass such as peanut
shells, bambara, cowpea and sorghum are some of the indigenous crops of Southern Africa that are yet to be explored for value
addition. Therefore, this study was designed to characterize these underutilized agro-residues for the enzymatic production of
prebiotic xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and their application. A two-step extraction of sodium chlorite-delignified biomass yielded pure
xylan from peanut shells (15.5%), bambara (12.3%), cowpea (13.6%) and sorghum (32.2%). 1H NMR spectroscopy together with
monosaccharide analyses revealed that all the xylans were glucuronoxylan and shared similar functional groups as that of hardwood
glucuronoxylan. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the xylans resulted in the maximum yield of XOS at optimized parameters of 1% substrate
concentration and 10 U enzyme dosage. TLC analysis of the hydrolysates from Thermomyces lanuginosus SSBP GH11 (TlGH11) xylanase
was compared against GH10 and GH30 xylanases regarding their modes of action. It was observed that the properties of XOS were
distinct with different xylanases and GH11 xylanase was more efficient on all the xylans without the release of xylose. MALDI- TOF
MS characterization corroborated with the TLC results and showed signals for both neutral and acidic oligosaccharides. A series of
computational approaches were also used to study the structure of GH10, GH11 and GH30 xylanases and their interactions with
xylan. The in silico investigation suggested that TlGH11 was more suitable for coupling with xylan over GH10 and GH30 xylanases.
The prebiotic efficiency of XOS was evaluated as a functional food supplement in a novel amadumbe- bambara spread and prebiotic
yoghurt formulations. The physicochemical and sensory evaluation of both amadumbe-bambara spread and yoghurt confirmed that
both products have improved traits with higher consumer acceptance.
The candidate has published two papers and one book chapter in peer reviewed scientific journals and has presented his research in
two national and four international conferences.
Supervisor: Dr S K K PillaiCo-Supervisor: Prof S Singh
(19)
MOGANY Trisha (Full Research)
Title of Thesis Extraction and purification of C-phycocyanin and genome analysis of an indigenous hypersaline cyanobacterium
Summary An indigenous halophilic cyanobacterium capable of producing C-phycocyanin (C-PC), a blue pigment with the high biotechnological
application was isolated from a hypersaline environment in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The cyanobacterium was found to have
several unique traits such as its ability to naturally produce a high amount of C-PC (45mg/g), grow at high salinity (120 g/L), fast growth
rate, survive in varying nutrient and light conditions. In this study, a comprehensive polyphasic approach viz., cell morphology, pigment
composition, and complete genome sequence analysis was employed to elucidate the taxonomic position of the isolate. Based on the
genome analysis, the strain was identified as a novel species of the genus Cyanothece, Cluster Euhalothece. The full genome sequencing
has further allowed us to understand the key genes and proteins responsible for its unique properties such as its adaptation
environmental conditions, C-PC synthesis, and stress acclimation. The protei n structure and physiochemical properties of C-PC was
further predicted based on the amino acid sequence using in silico analysis. Furthermore, a cost-effective extraction method for C-PC
with high purity was also optimized. The extracted C -PC showed high antioxidant activity (IC 50 value of 0.540 ± 0.02 mg/mL using the
DPPH assay) and was thermostable up to 45°C at a wide pH range (5.0-8.0). A high yield (>400 mg/mL) of analytical grade C -PC was
achieved, clearly showing its commercial potential for C-PC production. This research provided new knowledge significantly
contributing to the field of biotechnology.
This study has resulted in three peer-reviewed publications and was presented at one national and one international conference.
Supervisor: Prof F Bux Co-Supervisors: Prof F M Swalaha Dr S Kumari
Degree of Master of Applied Science in BIOTECHNOLOGY
MAGAGULA Nompumelelo Lina (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Enhancing production of pharmaceutically valuable alkaloids in plant cells, tissues and extracts of Catharanthus roseus Supervisor: Prof B Odhav Co-Supervisor: Dr V Mohanlall MAZIBUKO Bodine (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Laccase-mediated biotransformation of phenolic compounds for the synthesis of new antioxidants Supervisor: Prof T Kudang a OKUOFU Somiame Itseme CUM LAUDE (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Valorisation of bambara and cowpea haulms for bioethanol production Supervisor: Prof S K K Pillai Co-Supervisor: Prof S Singh ROETS Yrielle (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Bioaugmentation with Bacillus spp. for bioremediation of synthetic wastewater using a fluidized-bed bioreactor Supervisor: Prof F Bux Co-Supervisors: Dr R Lalloo Dr S Kumari
(20)
Degree of Master of Applied Science in CHEMISTRY
GNANA Gueh Charles (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Comparison of lignin yield from sugarcane bagasse pellets using liquid hot water and ionic liquid pretreatment methods Supervisor: Prof N Deenadayalu *HARILAL Calvin Carl CUM LAUDE (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Development of electrochemical immunosensors for detection of Tau protein: Computational and Experimental studies Supervisor: Prof K Bisetty Co-Supervisor: Dr S Kanchi HLOMA Phathisanani (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Development of an electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of steviol glycosides by experimental and computational methods Supervisor: Prof K Bisetty Co-Supervisors: Dr S Kanchi Dr M I Sabela
JIYANE Sphumelele Nomnotho CUM LAUDE (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Development of a third-generation electrochemical enzyme-based biosensor for a scalable detection of oxygen in power generation cells Supervisor: Prof K Bisetty Co-Supervisors: Dr S Kanchi Dr M I Sabela MAGUBANE Sibongile Elizabeth (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Fabrication of a colorimetric paper-based microfluidic sensor for residual poly-dadmac detection in water treatment Supervisor: Prof P S Mdluli Co-Supervisor: Dr M Mlambo MLUNGUZA Nomchenge Yamkelani CUM LAUDE (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Hollow fibre liquid phase microextraction of pharmaceuticals in water and Eichhornia crassipes Supervisor: Dr L M Madikizela Co-Supervisors: Prof L Chimuka Dr P N Mahlambi
(21)*Dean's Merit Award for Academic Excellence
RAMSARUP Lee-Ann CUM LAUDE (Full Research) Title of Dissertation An investigation of the voltammetric behaviour of antioxidants in flavonoids Supervisor: Prof K Bisetty Co-Supervisor: Dr S Kanchi Degree of Master of Applied Science in FOOD AND NUTRITION
DLOMO Kaite Nokuthula (Full Research) Title of DissertationFood hygiene and safety practices of food handlers in tuck shops at secondary schools in Umlazi
Supervisor: Prof C E Napier Co-Supervisors: Prof O A Ijabadeniyi Ms S I Vermeer Degree of Master of Applied Science in FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BUSU Nyasha Miriam CUM LAUDE (Full Research) Title of Dissertation:Characterisation and application of bambara protein-polysaccharide complex coacervates in encapsulation of bioactive compounds Supervisor: Prof E O Amonsou JULA Mellisa Nokulunga (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Quality and microbiological study of bambara groundnut fortified injera, a fermented flat bread Supervisor: Prof O A Ijabadeniyi *NAIKER Tremayne Sheldon CUM LAUDE (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Effects of processing on the characteristics of flour and protein isolates produced from Lablab purpureus Supervisor: Prof J J Mellem Co-Supervisors: Prof E O Amonsou Prof H Baijnath PILLAY Yovani (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Profiling and antibiotic resistance of lactic acid bacteria isolated from commercial aMasi samples Supervisor: Prof O A Ijabadeniyi Co-Supervisor: Prof F M Swalaha
(22)*Dean's Merit Award for Academic Excellence
RAMKISSON Shanece CUM LAUDE (Full Research) Title of Dissertation Anticancer and antioxidant potential of Amaranthus cruentus protein and its hydrolysates Supervisor: Prof J J Mellem Co-Supervisor: Dr S Venter Advanced Diploma in NAUTICAL STUDIES
MNCWABE Nokwanda MNDAWENI Xolisile Lerato MOODLEY Sarah Lee MTHEMBU Siyabonga Abel MYENDE Zanele NAIK Kami CUM LAUDE NGUBENI Sibonakaliso Mazwi PILLAY Adel RADEBE Sinqobile Zibuyile SEETHAL Sariksha SIBIYA Ndumiso Praisegod THUSI Thandolwethu Valentine ZONDI Ziningi Kwazi ZUMA Buziwe
Diploma in NAUTICAL STUDIES
BHENGU Sibonelo Frank Braen BUTHELEZI Siyanda Cyril CUSHELA Miniyakhe DLAMINI Smangaliso DUBE Lungelo Siyabonga Ian Jnr FRANCIS Jared Benjamin HERRON Tegan Kyle CUM LAUDE MAKHATHINI Fundiswa CUM LAUDE MARAIS Jamie Alyssa Chloe MBATHA Njabulo Siyanda Muntwethu MBATHA Nomkhosi Sibongakonke CUM LAUDE MDLULI Nkonzo Siphesihle MKHWANAZI Sbongumusa Colin MNCANZA Thulani MNGOMA Samukelo Mbuso MNYANDU Linda Bongeka MOKWENA Mongezi Patrick MORGAN Danne Kelly
MTHEMBU Phindile Zodwa MTHEMBU Trevor Sthembiso MYENDE Nomcebo Hlobisile MZIZI Lungile Purity Thulisile NENE Ntando Caiphus NGEMA Sakhile Zomakahle NGUBO Mondli Charles NXUMALO Lungile Precious NZAMA Siphesihle SHANGASE Njabulo Quinton SHONGWE Sphamandla Lwazi *SIMAMANE Thabiso Lawrence CUM LAUDE TULI Mondli Mduduzi XIMBA Njabulo Samkelo ZULU Nolwazi Prudence ZUNGU Nozipho ZWANE Philangezwi Muhlumuntu ZWANE Sibonelo David
(25)*Dean's Merit Award for Academic Excellence
Diploma in SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS
DHANESHARLALL Jarren Lee DLAMINI Malibongwe Oscar GOVENDER Esaivan GWALA Kwanele Ayeza GWELETA Mary Shweshwe HLANGU Siphiwe KHAN Mahomed Yaseen KHAYIYANA Lungi Luyanda KHUMALO Nozuko KHUMALO Zamantungwa KUNENE Buyisile MAHLANZE Thubelihle Pius MATYANA Unathi MGOBHOZI Njabulo MHLONGO Siphesihle Gift CUM LAUDE MNGOMEZULU Sibonelo MNIKATHI Yamkela