Innovations

The collection and preservation of biological material for further DNA and RNA analysis are critical to many biomedical fields, from medical diagnostics to forensics and biodiversity conservation. The Forensic DNA lab at the University of the Western Cape has developed a novel, proprietary DNA

HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact sub-Saharan Africa, where it remains a leading cause of illness and death among children. Paediatric HIV progresses at an alarming rate, with 20–30% of untreated infants succumbing to the disease within their first year. Without timely intervention

The present invention relates to methods for the identification of anti-HIV miRNAs and anti-HIV pharmaceutical compounds using high-throughput screening methods, comprising: transfecting reporter cells with a panel of miRNAs, infecting the reporter cells with HIV, screening the cells to identify

Drug regimens have not been optimised for individuals of African descent. This is due to several converging factors, including Africa’s diverse genetics, disproportionate disease burdens (and consequently a high dependency on specific drug regimens), as well as under-representation of local

This nanotech reagent significantly enhances detection sensitivity and signal consistency in POC diagnostics. Its superior performance stems from a specialised synthesis method and proprietary know-how. This expertise is essential for the reagent’s successful reproduction, formulation, and

The compound 1, 3, 6, 8–tetrahydroxy –2, 5-dimethoxyxanthone (formula (I)), having the ability to treat sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfuncion, is claimed. A process for obtaining a plant extract containing this compound, an extract and the use of this compound or extract in manufacturing a

The invention relates to a process for producing protein microparticles in dilute organic acid solutions, without the presence of an alcohol such as ethanol. The microparticles are formed by dissolving a cereal prolamin protein in a concentrated organic acid solution with agitation, followed by

Researchers at Stellenbosch University have developed a groundbreaking new polymer having permanent antimicrobial properties. The compound can be spun into nanofibers for the production of filter elements or membranes, which successfully filter out micro-organisms and eliminate harmful bacteria. A

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

This technology introduces a new class of zwitterionic polymers designed to gently break apart lipid bilayers and form stable lipid nanodiscs. These nanodiscs can capture and isolate membrane proteins in an environment that closely mimics their natural state. At the core of the invention is a

This technology makes it possible to grow tiny, three-dimensional (3D) pieces of human heart tissue, called cardiac spheroids. It models the functions of a real heart and recreates key features of cardiometabolic disease such as insulin resistance and high fat levels. What makes this technology a

This technology introduces a diagnostic method and kit that detects inflammatory diseases by measuring fibrin amyloid microclots (FAM) and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) found in patient blood. These two components often bind together to form microclot-associated NETs (MiNETs), which are