Innovations

Fly ash is a waste by-product generated by coal-fired electricity power stations. Due to its environmental impact, there is a growing need for safe and sustainable methods of fly ash disposal. One effective approach is the beneficiation of fly ash through the production of zeolites—a class of

This technology utilises a microchannel reactor for the decomposition of ammonia, comprising two chambers: one for exothermic combustion of ammonia to generate heat. A second chamber of the reactor with a second catalyst receives a second stream of ammonia to provide endothermic decomposition of the

The North-West University (NWU) has developed and patented a method for producing hydrogen via hydrolysis, using an activated aluminium compound. Technology Benefits: Aluminum also can be recycled after the hydrogen production process. Hydrogen can be produced under high pressure. By-products are

Many of the commonly used food preservatives and microbial agents are synthetic compounds. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in avoiding or eliminating the use of synthetic compounds and in developing and promoting the use of natural materials for use as antimicrobial agents

A novel bioreactor system that uses membranes to create a compartmentalised system where two or more species can be co-cultured without mixing of species, while ensuring rapid exchange of metabolites and proteins between compartments and shared medium composition. The system operates continuously

The CSIR has established a bioconversion platform that focuses on alternative pathways for chemical production. The platform is geared towards local production and replacing imports of bio-based platform chemicals, including lactic acid. This shift will have a direct impact on the bioeconomy. The

CEILING IN A CAN (CiC) is a patented innovation that aims to create better-living conditions for indigent people by providing an instant ceiling. This fresh technology originating from MUT involves two 5 litre cans containing different polymers. By spreading newspaper on the floor and mixing the two

Air quality is a concern worldwide. Consequently, efficient means to monitor air pollutants are critical. Current commercially available carbon-based sorbents used for sampling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air typically require solvent extraction prior to analysis, and they cannot be reused

Prosopis Glandulosa commonly referred to as Honey Mesquite, has been discovered to strengthen skeletal muscle and boost healing of contused skeletal muscle. The plant is easy and cheap to cultivate. Harvesting of the plant will not deplete any natural resources. Tests on rat models scientifically

With our society facing challenges related to sustainability i.e. resource depletion and waste accumulation, the future success of the chemical and polymer industries relies on the use of renewable feedstocks. Lignin, one of the main components of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass shows great

Toxi Trail™ is an educational board game developed at Stellenbosch University to strengthen toxicology knowledge and clinical reasoning among healthcare professionals. Building on earlier game-based learning tools, the design incorporates realistic toxicology scenarios, variable difficulty levels

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