Innovations

Activated Carbon: Local Production Using Local Nuts The invention describes a novel method of producing activated carbon from locally available nut shells. The invention provides a method to carry out carbonation and physical activation simultaneously via a pyrolysis process. This process produces

Biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa SB24 (rhamnolipid congeners), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ST34 (surfactin and bacillomycin L analogues and homologues) and pigmented (P1) and non-pigmented (NP1) Serratia marcescens strains (serratamolide and glucosamine derivative homologues) were

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University has developed a novel solvent-based process for extracting cannabinoids directly from plant-wax waste streams generated during industrial processing. The method uses a simple but effective combination of two immiscible solvents, one

The process consists of two continuous stages carried out under inert, vacuum conditions. In the first stage, cold feedstock is fed into a preheating vacuum oven for ex-situ desulphurization. It is heated to a controlled temperature for a set time to break sulphur–sulphur and sulphur–carbon bonds

A method has been developed by which cannabinoids are extracted from a waste wax that is formed during conventional extraction of cannabinoids from Cannabis plants. During medicinal cannabinoid extraction process, cannabinoids are extracted from the plant material into an alcohol phase, which can be

Planktonic or free-living microbes naturally adhere to the sensing surface of the BioTrac system. These biofilms are representative of the physical biofouling that occurs on surfaces in the test environment. The microbes produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a byproduct of metabolic activity. The rate of

This technology utilises the unique properties of a specific type of biosurfactant to selectively recover metals from solution. Using comparatively low concentrations of biosurfactant, the metals can be recovered (and potentially valorised), and the surfactant can even be recycled back for further

The DarkLight™ Catalyst is an advanced, biosynthesised titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalyst that functions efficiently without the need for visible or ultraviolet light. Developed through a green synthesis process using natural extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa, the material features an oxygen

The PureLite Reactor™ provides a highly efficient and customisable platform for various applications. Its energy-efficient LED light sources, advanced control systems, and versatile design give researchers precise control over photochemical reactions, making it a vital tool in environmental science

The innovation describes a process for removing lead from a liquid such as contaminated water. The liquid is brought into contact with a PbrD protein which binds lead ions present in the liquid. The bound lead ions can then be recovered, for example as an insoluble salt or compound such as lead

The technology is a membrane for treating acid mine drainage that is reproducible and can handle large discharges of acid mine drainage. It is suitable for implementation in a filtration cartridge setup that allows for the reclamation of metals which can then be recycled and used for other

CloudHarvest ™ is an innovative solution that tackles the rising frequency of droughts and water shortages caused by climate change. It offers a sustainable way to influence weather patterns and water availability in vulnerable regions. During severe droughts, cloud seeding has been proven as an