Innovations

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

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

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

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

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

The technology relates to an innovative process for converting waste cooking oils to biosurfactants that are applicable to various industries. The process utilises a special yeast strain to convert waste into biosurfactant at competitive concentrations. The downstream process includes a bioreactor

Given the ongoing global drive for sustainable development, the chemical and polymer industries are investigating alternative green and renewable sources for their raw materials. This technology addresses how a waste product from the agricultural and agroforestry industries can be valorized through

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

Phycocyanin is an approved natural colourant for food and cosmetic applications in both the United States and the European Union, and the scientific basis of the extraction process is sound. The patent family relates to a process for extracting phycocyanin, a blue pigment, from wet or dry Spirulina

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