Metabolomics Research at the University of South Africa (UNISA)

 

 

​Gerhard Prinsloo, a professor at the University of South Africa, leads the indigenous plants research group, focusing on the commercialization and chemical profiles of indigenous plants. With over 300,000 plant species in South Africa and limited commercialization, much work is needed to exploit the beneficial compounds in these plants. Metabolomics is a useful tool to explore the chemical profile and investigate changes in these compounds, which affect the medicinal use and quality of cultivated plants. Dr. Figlan, a plant breeder, focuses on addressing global food security and developing capacity for postgraduate students and researchers in agriculture. Her research projects use multi-omics information to discover biomarkers of plant stress, toxicity, and disease, accelerating crop improvement. Dr. Sibisi's project aims to use a metabolomics approach to understand how wheat responds to infestation by the Russian wheat aphid. Dr. Nkobole's research focuses on using metabolomics to find biomarkers in indigenous crops that are linked to antidiabetic properties.