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Item Rapid Route to Lab-on-Chip (LOC) prototype fabrication with limited resources(2025-09) Scriba, Manfred R; Kakaza, Masibulele T; Maesela, Maushe E; Mandiwana, VusaniSeveral approaches to producing lab-on-chip (LOC) devices have been developed in the last 20 years, including laser cutting of acrylic sheets and laminating them with adhesive films. While this route allows for rapid manufacture of devices, it cannot be scaled up beyond a couple of prototypes. For mass production of 3D LOC devices, injection molding is required, but mold manufacturing can be very costly. In this work we briefly report laser cutting parameters and lamination approaches, as well as 3D-printed injection mold inserts that allow one to produce LOC prototypes in facilities that have limited resources. This allows these facilities to transition from a couple of demonstrators to more than 100 devices in a short time and with limited costs.Item An Africa lateral flow assay-based early recognition test for tenofovir-induced acute kidney injury (ALERT-AKI) development(2025-09) Skepu, Amanda; Nxumalo, Nolwandle P; Phiri, Priscilla SThe prevalence of (TDF)-induced Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Africa is a concern, given the widespread use of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) therapy. Current tests used to detect AKI are based on increased urinary creatinine levels and are often not sensitive and specific enough for early detection. There is a need for more sensitive and specific rapid tests for the early detection of AKI, particularly in resource-limited countries for early detection and timely intervention. In the present study, a multiplex lateral flow assay, named An Africa Lateral Flow Assay-Based Early Recognition Test for Acute Kidney Injury (ALERT-AKI), detecting a set of three unique biomarkers of TDF-induced AKI was developed with a limit of detection of 2 ug/mL to 50 ug/mL, indicating the suitability of developed test for determining the selected AKI biomarkers in a clinically relevant range. This study shows proof of concept for a multiplex lateral assay tested on clinical samples. The ALERT-AKI multiplex platform will be the first of its kind once further clinical studies are conducted, offering multiple advantages, including early detection, simplicity, rapidity, high sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and timely intervention, potentially reducing the severity and prevalence of AKI. Using a multiplexed protein biomarker rather than single protein molecules will allow for a much more accurate detection of kidney damage before it becomes significant or irreversible.Item Advancements in Catalyst Design for Biomass-Derived Bio-Oil Upgrading to Sustainable Biojet Fuel: A Comprehensive Review(2025-09) Jideani, T; Seroka, Ntalane S; Khotseng, LBiomass-derived bio-oil, produced through thermochemical methods such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction, has immense potential as a renewable feedstock for aviation fuels because of its renewable nature and the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The development of biojet fuel from renewable sources, such as biomass, is a critical step toward achieving global energy sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the advances in catalyst design to upgrade biomass-derived oil to biojet fuel. The review will also explore the mechanisms by which these catalysts operate, the optimization of catalytic processes, and the performance metrics used to evaluate their efficiency. Recent case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of catalyst design in enabling efficient and sustainable conversion of biomass-based bio-oil into high-quality fuels, advancing the viability of renewable energy sources in aviation and beyond.Item Light detection and ranging-based georeferencing of underground mining ground-penetrating radar data(2025-07) Kgarume, Thabang E; Van Schoor, Abraham M; Mpofu, Mvikel; Grobler, HThe South African mining industry has committed to achieving a state of zero harm for its workforce, with a strong emphasis on worker health and safety. Among the major safety concerns are falls of ground, a leading cause of injuries and fatalities. Ground-penetrating radar, a non-destructive geophysical method, is recognised for its ability to image structures, fractures, and geological features within the rock mass. However, ground penetrating radar data is often acquired in local coordinates, posing challenges for visualisation in mine computer-aided design or three-dimensional visualisation software. This study explores the pivotal role of light detection and ranging data in transforming ground penetrating radar data from local survey coordinates to absolute mine coordinates. A comprehensive georeferencing methodology is presented, providing the stepwise progression from the initial georeferencing of ground penetrating radar data to the ultimate integration of ground penetrating radar and light detection and ranging datasets, resulting in the creation of a ground penetrating radar-light detection and ranging three-dimensional model. The proposed approach not only facilitates the integration of but also offers a practical means of visualising the integrated datasets within commonly used computer-aided design or three-dimensional visualisation software. An essential aspect of this integration is the adoption of non-proprietary data formats, specifically American Standard Code for Information Interchange text files, ensuring broader accessibility and compatibility. The potential for integrating diverse datasets to construct insightful models of the underground mining environment is illustrated. Integration of different datasets has the potential to offer a holistic understanding of the mining environment, providing essential information to decision-makers.Item The effect of hot corrosion on mechanical properties of the tin‑doped titanium aluminide alloy(2025-01) Magogodi, S; Mathabathe, Maria N; Rikhotso‑Mbungela, Rirhandzu S; Vilane, V; Siyasiya, C; Bolokang, Amogelang SThis work investigates the hot corrosion behaviour of Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Si and Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Si-1Sn alloys under 25 wt.% NaCl and 75 wt.% Na2SO4 molten salt mixture at 900 °C. The alloys were developed through vacuum arc melting and casting. The corrosion kinetics of the alloys were measured by mass change per unit surface area. The results revealed that both alloys experienced hot corrosion attacks; however, Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Si-1Sn alloy demonstrated superior corrosion resistance and retained good mechanical properties compared to the Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Si.Item Microstructure, wear, and compressive behaviour of laser cladded hybrid TiC-SiC reinforced 16MnCr5 composites(2025-02) Kyekyere, E; Olakanmi, EO; Prasad, RVS; Botes, A; Pityana, Sisa LHybrid reinforcement composite coatings have enormous potential in improving the wear resistance and mechanical properties of components subjected to high-loading conditions. This study explored the synergic effect of TiC (20 wt% to 40 wt%) and SiC (0 to 20 wt%) contents on the geometry, phase evolution, microstructure, microhardness, wear, and compressive behaviour of 16MnCr5-TiC-SiC ternary composite coatings on A514 steel substrate. The dominant phases observed in the coatings are α-Fe, TiC, FexSiy, Fe3C, and M7C3. As the content of SiC increases, Fe3C and M7C3 phases gradually disappear due to the stabilisation of the Fe with Si. The microhardness of the coatings was substantially enhanced, with the average matrix microhardness varying between 778.6 ± 73 HV0.3 to 1003.3 ± 47 HV0.3, compared to the substrate (214.5 ± 9 HV0.3), which constitutes an increase of 263 % to 368 %. The wear resistance properties of all the coatings exhibited an improvement varying between 2.5 and 6.7 times over that of the substrate, with 5 wt% SiC/35 wt% TiC coating achieving the highest wear resistance. The high SiC content compromised the coatings' microhardness and wear resistance due to its high dissociation and subsequent graphite precipitation in the Fe alloys. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the coating with 5 % SiC was the highest (1128.2 ± 21 MPa), surpassing that of the substrate (992.4 ± 67 MPa) by 14 %. In contrast, the lowest compressive strength (525.2 ± 58 MPa) occurred in the coating with 0 % SiC due to the high volume proportion of retained carbides in the matrix, which detach from the matrix under stress, leading to deformation.Item Identification and purification of a novel bacteriophage T7 endonuclease from the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (KBR) biodiversity hotspot(2025) Pillay, Priyen; Moralo, Maabo; Mtimka, Sibongile; Shai, Taola S; Botha, Kirsty S; Kwezi, Lusisizwe; Tsekoa, Tsepo LThe four-way (Holliday) DNA junction is a key intermediate in homologous recombination, a ubiquitous process that is important in DNA repair and generation of genetic diversity. The final stages of recombination require resolution of the junction into nicked-duplex species by the action of a junction-resolving enzyme. The enzymes involved are nucleases that are highly selective for the structure of branched DNA. Here we present the isolation, expression and purification of a novel T7 endonuclease from the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (KBR), which possesses junction resolving capabilities. An initial approach was employed where the process was scaled up to 3 L with IPTG concentration of 0.1 mM at 30 °C and purified via immobilised metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). Expression titres of 20 ± 0.003 µg.L-1 culture were achieved with the amount of KBR-T7 endonuclease required per reaction ranging from as low as 10 to 100 nanograms. The solubility of the enzyme was relatively poor; however, enzyme activity was not affected. A derivative for improved solubility and efficacy was then designed from this original wild-type version, MBP-KBR-T7 and was expressed under similar conditions at 20 °C yielding 1.63 ± 0.154 mg.L-1 of formulated enzyme. This novel high value enzyme derivative is a valuable asset within the molecular reagent space as a tool for confirming both in vivo and in vitro genome editing; therefore, a means to produce it recombinantly in a scalable and technoeconomicaly viable process is highly desirable.Item Protective efficacy of a bivalent equine influenza H3N8 virus-like particle vaccine in horses(2025) O'Kennedy, Martha M; Reedy, SE; Abolnik, C; Khan, A; Smith, Tanja; Du Preez, Ilse; Olajide, E; Daly, J; Cullinane, A; Chambers, TMEquine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of wild and domesticated horses, donkeys, mules, and other Equidae. EI is caused by the Equine Influenza virus (EIV), is endemic in many countries and outbreaks still have a severe impact on the equine industry globally. Conventional EI vaccines are widely used, but a need exists for a platform that facilitates prompt manufacturing of a highly immunogenic, antigenically matched, updated vaccine product. Here we developed a plant-produced bivalent EI virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidate which lacks the viral genome and are therefore non-infectious. We conducted a pilot safety/dose response study of a plant produced bivalent VLP vaccine expressing the HA proteins of Florida clade (FC) 1 and FC2 EIV in 1:1 ratio. Groups of three EIV seronegative horses were vaccinated using four antigen levels (0 sham control, 250, 500, 1000 HAU/dose component). Two doses of vaccines were administered one month apart, and horses were observed for adverse reactions, which were minimal. Sera were collected for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) testing using FC1 and FC2 viruses. One month after the second dose, all horses were challenged with the aerosolized FC1 virus. Horses were observed daily for clinical signs, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected to quantify viral RNA using qPCR and infectious virus by titration in embryonated hens' eggs. Results showed that all vaccinated groups seroconverted prior to challenge. Post-challenge, both clinical scores and virus shedding were much reduced in all vaccinates compared to the sham-vaccinated controls. We conclude that the VLP vaccines were safe and effective in this natural host challenge model. A safe, efficacious, new-generation bivalent EI VLP vaccine produced in plants, which can promptly and regularly be antigenically matched to ensure optimal protection, will pave the way to highly competitive commercially viable vaccine products for all economic environments globally.Item N‑Succinyl chitosan and quaternary chitosan electrospun nanofibers for antiviral filters against enveloped viruses(2025) Dhlamini, Khanyisile S; Selepe, Cyril T; Ramalapa, Bathabile E; Govender, KK; Tshweu, Lesego L; Ray, Suprakas SGlobally, enveloped viruses have caused many fatalities, especially during outbreaks and pandemics. Developing antiviral filters that can reduce mortality rates caused by enveloped viruses is essential, particularly in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In this study, two chitosan derivatives─N-succinyl chitosan (NSC) and N-(2-hydroxy)propyl-3-trimethylammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC)─were synthesized. For the first time, the antiviral activity of NSC against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) was assessed. The two derivatives were further reduced to nanoscale through polyelectrolyte complexation to evaluate their combined antiviral activity for the first time. The nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated into an interconnected network of ethyl cellulose nanofibers created via electrospinning to increase surface area. These nanofibers were used to develop an antiviral filter targeting enveloped viruses. They were characterized by their morphology, surface charge, pore size, and surface area─key factors influencing their filtration effectiveness. In vitro cytotoxicity tests indicated that the filters were nontoxic to TZM-bl cells, supporting their safety. Neutralization assays demonstrated that the filters could inhibit over 70% of HIV-1 infections within 40 s. Reusability studies revealed that the filters could be used up to three times with inhibition rates exceeding 90%. The findings show that these nanoparticles and nanofiber filters are effective and safe for antiviral applications.Item Assessing the succinic acid production capabilities of Corynebacterium glutamicum using industrial feedstock(2025-06) O'Brien, Frances F; Ramchuran, Santosh O; Chunilall, VirenBackground: The study focuses on succinic acid production in synthetic and industrial media using wild type Corynebacterium glutamicum, a known carboxylic acid producer. The South African sugar industry is facing many challenges, largely due to increased competition and the implementation of a sugar levy, which has resulted in a decrease in demand. Sugarcane material was selected as a cheap and abundant carbon source to assess the succinic acid production capabilities of C. glutamicum. Results: Small-scale flask studies (700 mL) showed that glucose was the favorable sugar source when compared to xylose, recording a maximum value of 18.87 ± 1.27 g L−1 succinic acid. Evaluation of the industrial small-scale flask studies concluded that molasses was the top-performing sugarcane material in comparison to the sugarcane juice, reaching a succinic acid concentration of 20.31 ± 0.75 g L−1. The productivities achieved in the small-scale studies when using molasses was 0.56 g L−1 h−1, which was less than that recorded for the glucose-based media, at 0.67 g L−1 h−1, which was an expected outcome due to the complexity of the molasses. These studies were then successfully scaled up to 30 L biostat reactors, where the fermentations were run to mimic the micro-aerobic conditions experienced in the flasks but in a more controlled environment. Conclusion: The highest concentration of produced succinic acid was obtained when using molasses as the carbon source, reaching a maximum of 28.89 ± 0.10 g L−1. The study recognizes the potential for the South African sugar industry to diversify its product offerings through the adoption of biochemical production.Item Methodology for Assessing Drug Efficacy: Protocol for Single and Combination Drug Screening Using HeLa Cell Cultures(2025-03) Dube, Phumuzile; Monchusi, Bernice A; Takundwa, Mutsa M; Kenmogne, Vanelle L; Malise, Austin; Thimiri Govindaraj, Deepak BThis protocol outlines a detailed method for performing drug sensitivity testing (DST) on HeLa cells, focusing on both single-drug and combination-drug screening to assess cell viability. DST is integral to cancer research and functional precision medicine, providing insight into individual drug responses and facilitating the optimization of drug combinations. The protocol includes preparing and maintaining HeLa cell cultures, seeding in 96-well plates, and performing single and combination drug treatments using a low-throughput screening approach. These drug treatments aim to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness, enhance understanding of synergistic interactions, and identify optimal combinations that could minimize toxicity while overcoming resistance. Data analysis uses open-source tools, including the BREEZE pipeline and Synergy Finder, allowing for precise analysis of cell viability and drug interactions. This protocol provides a robust, reproducible framework for DST in cancer research, applicable to other cell lines, patient samples and various drug types/classes. The critical role of DST in improving clinical treatment strategies through precise, scalable drug response analysis is demonstrated.Item Nano emulsion of essential oils loaded in chitosan coating for controlling anthracnose in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) during storage(2025-08) Gumede, S; Mpai, S; Kesavan Pillai, Sreejarani; Sivakumar, DTomato fruit is susceptible to decay caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. An edible coating derived from essential oils loaded into a chitosan polysaccharide polymer is a sustainable delivery approach to improve coating versatility and stability for reduced reliance on synthetic fungicides to combat anthracnose incidence in tomatoes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of nanostructured thyme essential oil incorporated into chitosan coatings [Nano-(T)-EO-CS] against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in tomato fruits, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms contributing to its inhibitory effects. Nano-(T)-EO of (1% v/v) showed the greatest antifungal activities while achieving complete inhibition of C. gloeosporioides. At (0.8% w/v) concentration, chitosan inhibited 78% of radial mycelial growth in C. gloeosporioides. Loading Nano-(T)-EO (1% v/v) into chitosan (0.8% w/v) completely inhibited spore germination (100%). The surface electron microscopy revealed that the Nano-(T)-EO-CS coating induced significant deformation and inhibited the growth of C. gloeosporioides. Compared with the control, the Nano-(T)-EO-CS coating reduced disease incidence by 50%, whereas the commercial antifungal agent Sporekill® reduced incidence by 40% in preventively inoculated tomatoes stored at 10 °C and 85% relative humidity (RH) for 14 days after harvest, and at 18 °C for 3 days at the market shelf condition. Despite chitinase activity peaking on day 14 of cold storage, it peaked significantly on day 7 in Nano-(T)-EO-CS and Sporekill®-treated tomatoes. The Nano-(T)-EO-CS coating enhanced ferric-reducing antioxidant power and total phenol content in tomatoes for 7 and 14 d of postharvest storage. The chitosan-based edible coating loaded with thyme essential oil offers a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for improving tomato shelf life and reducing decay.Item Highly improved ethanol gas sensor sensitivity, selectivity and stability of hierarchically cube featured In2O3 structures induced by Mn and Co-doping(2025) Kgomo-Masoga, MB; Dhlamini, MS; Mhlongo, Gugu HHerein, we report a rapid detection of ethanol of hierarchically featured cube In2O3 structures induced by Mn and Co derived from hydrothermal approach. Systematic investigation and comparison of the structural, morphological, and textural features of undoped, Mn, and Co–In2O3 were probed to gain more understanding about their gas sensing performance. A sensor based on 1 mol% Mn-doped In2O3 demonstrated enhanced ethanol gas sensing characteristics with a response of 35.5 toward 50 ppm of ethanol at minimal working temperature of 80 °C, good selectivity along with quick response/recovery times of 7/161 s. The excellent gas sensing results stem from the particle-interlinked nanocubes resembled by 3-D hierarchical features, which endowed large content of reactive sites for the adsorption of ethanol gas due to high surface area and mesoporous features, which permitted ethanol gas molecules diffusion in/out of the active sensing layer.Item Detailed assessment of dynamic startup, shutdown, and flexibility of the adiabatic, gas-and water-cooled methanol fixed bed reactor: Comparison for power to methanol application(2025-07) Mbatha, Siphesihle; Cui, X; Debiagi, P; Panah, PG; Everson, RC; Musyoka, NMIntegration of intermittent renewable energy with methanol synthesis requires that the reactor and separation system be flexible and tolerant to frequent stop–start operation. In this paper, the dynamic load flexibility, start-up, and shutdown characteristics of the water-cooled, gas-cooled, and adiabatic fixed bed reactor are investigated under hot and cold start modes. Parameters such as the flow rates, compositions, reactor temperature evolution with start-up and shutdown, start-up and shutdown time, and the heat transfer characteristics of the reactor are assessed. Different standby and heat management strategies are discussed. It is shown that the load flexibility range of 20–110 % is attainable in the adiabatic and water-cooled reactor systems applied for mildly exothermic methanol synthesis. The gas-cooled reactor system can tolerate a load range of 40–110 %. The gas-cooled reactor has a shorter start-up (21 min) and shutdown time (6 min) followed by the water-cooled and thereafter adiabatic reactor when nitrogen is used for hot standby management. Using H2 during hot standby shortens the start-up time of the reactors up to 15, 30, and 36 min for the gas-cooled, water-cooled, and adiabatic reactors, respectively. While to reduce cost and alleviate safety concerns during long-duration cold standby, the use of N2 is recommended. Cold start-up can take several hours and depends on thermal transients of the catalysts and reactors. Reactors can tolerate fast ramp rates up to 2.22 %/min for load change range (up and down to 20–110 %), up to 2.7–16.67 %/min for start-up, and 0.067–16.67 %/h for shutdown. Fast ramp rates reduce the CO2 emissions during the start-up. Reactors can operate safely with no load/ramp-induced wrong-way behavior and violation of path constraints.Item Characterising the spatio-temporal patterns of water quality parameters in the cradle of humankind world heritage site using Sentinel-2 and random forest regressor(2025-07) Ngamile, S; Kganyago, M; Madonsela, Sabelo; Mvandaba, VuyelwaIntroduction: Water quality assessment is essential for monitoring and managing freshwater resources, particularly in ecologically and culturally significant areas like the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COHWHS). This study aimed to predict and map the spatio-temporal patterns of both optically and non-optically active water quality parameters within small inland water bodies located in the COHWHS. Methods: High-resolution Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI) satellite data and two random forest models (Model 1 [consisting of sensitive spectral bands] and Model 2 [consisting of spectral bands + indices]) were used alongside In-situ measurements of chlorophyll-a, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, Temperature, and electrical conductivity (EC) were integrated to establish empirical relationships and assess spatial variability across high-flow and low-flow conditions. Results: The results indicated that DO could be predicted with the highest accuracy under low-flow conditions, followed by EC. Specifically, Model 2 achieved an R2 of 0.88 and an RMSE of 1.37 for DO, while Model 1 achieved an R2 of 0.63 and an RMSE of 291.48 for EC. For optically active parameters, suspended solids showed the highest prediction accuracy under high-flow conditions using Model 2 (R2p = 0.55; RMSE = 118.19). Due to the over-pixelation of other smaller water bodies within the COHWHS in Sentinel-2 imagery, Cradlemoon Lake was selected to show distinct seasonal (high- and low-flow) and spatial variations in optically and non-optically active water quality parameters. Discussion: Variations in the results were influenced by runoff dynamics and upstream pollution: lower Temperatures and suspended solids under low-flow conditions increased DO concentrations, whereas higher suspended solid concentrations under high-flow conditions likely reduced light penetration, resulting in lower spectral reflectance and chlorophyll-a levels. These findings highlight the potential of Sentinel-2 MSI data and machine learning models for monitoring dynamic water quality variations in freshwater ecosystems.Item The effect of fiber parameters and surface treatment in caster fiber- reinforced polyester composites(2025-03) Nijandhan, K; Muralikannan, R; Thimiri Govindaraj, Deepak B; Pradeesh, ELThis investigation focused on identifying the effect of fiber parameters (fiber length, fiber weight) on the mechanical properties of pretreated caster fiber-reinforced polyester composites. The composite plates were fabricated using the hand layup technique by varying the fiber length and fiber content in polyester matrix composites. The tensile, flexural, and impact tests were conducted as per ASTM standards. Fracture mechanism was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. It is found that the highest tensile (20.8 MPa), flexural (46.4 MPa), and impact (38.2 kJ/m2) strengths of composites with 30 mm fiber length and 40% fiber wt. content. The regression equation was formulated and optimum fiber parameters for better mechanical properties were identified using response surface methodology and pattern search optimization algorithm. This study confirms that caster fiber-reinforced polyester composites were used to lightweight engineering applications.Item Agile local manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients in Africa could improve health security and economic growth(2025-08) Sagandira, Cloudius RAfter decades of dependence on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and multilateral aid, Africa faces a critical turning point, seeking to assert control over its health and economic future. Here we discuss how agile local API manufacturing offers a strategic solution to enhance health and economic security, transforming Africa’s pharmaceutical landscape for sustainable medicine access.Item Librarians to the Rescue! An LIS-Associated Workflow Model for the Rescue of Research Data at Risk(2025) Patterton, Louise H; Bothma, Theo JD; Van Deventer, Martie JThis study presents a data rescue workflow model and explores the potential roles and responsibilities of the library and information services (LIS) sector in rescuing at-risk data. The methodology was multifaceted, consisting of three distinct phases of data collection and analysis. First, content analysis was conducted on 15 purposively selected data rescue publications to identify key activities that are integral to the data rescue process. This phase resulted in the creation of an initial data rescue workflow model. Second, feedback was obtained from six experienced researchers at a South African research institute, chosen from a sample of criterion-based researchers, after they reviewed the initial model. This feedback was used to revise the model. Third, additional feedback on both the initial and revised models was gathered during a mini focus group session with three purposively selected LIS experts at the same research institute. This feedback was used to refine the model and develop a final recommended data rescue workflow model, which is presented in this study. The recommended model outlines the crucial stages, activities, and outputs of data rescue in a chronological sequence. The study’s outcomes provide new insights into data rescue and the involvement of LIS professionals, highlighting how various LIS experts can contribute to data rescue projects.Item Identifying the optimal dose of cannabidiol by intrabuccal administration in Kramnik (C3HeB/FeJ) mice(2025-06) Omotayo, OP; Bhengu, S; Venter, K; Lemmer, Yolandy , OP Bhengu; Mason, SBackground: Cannabidiol (CBD) has numerous therapeutic properties, and is used to treat neurological conditions, such as neuroinflammation. However, the optimal dose of CBD to penetrate the brain requires further investigation. The primary aim of this study was to use a mouse model and the intrabuccal route for CBD administration to determine the optimal dose at which CBD can penetrate the brain. The secondary aim was to determine whether sex is a confounding factor. Methods: Thirty adult Kramnik mice, divided equally into three groups, were administered CBD oil intrabuccally at three doses-10, 20, and 30 mg/kg, euthanized 6 h later, and whole brain, urine, and blood samples were collected. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the collected samples. Results: CBD and its three metabolites-7-carboxy cannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD), 7-hydroxy cannabidiol (7-OH-CBD) and 6-hydroxy cannabidiol (6-OH-CBD), were identified and quantified in all samples. The 10 and 20 mg/kg doses of CBD produced similar results in the brain, but the group given the 10 mg/kg dose had the least variation. The 30 mg/kg dose yielded the highest abundance of CBD and its metabolites in all samples, but also the greatest variation. Sex only became a confounding factor at 30 mg/kg. Conclusions: This study shows that the intrabuccal route of CBD administration is reliable and the 10 mg/kg dose of CBD is recommended in mice because there were good CBD metabolite concentrations in all samples, with the least variation among the doses, and sex was not a confounder at 10 mg/kg.Item The efficacy of alkaline hydrolysis on selective degradation and recovery of high-purity terephthalic acid and cotton cellulose from postconsumer polyester/cotton waste(2025-05) Baloyi, Rivalani B; Sithole, BS , Rivalani B Sithole; Moyo, MTextile waste is one of the biggest global waste problems requiring innovative and sustainable solutions. This study focused on developing a potential sustainable solution to textile waste by recycling of blended polyester/cotton fabric waste. The blends were pretreated prior to selective alkaline degradation and then vacuum filtered into constituent materials. Terephthalic acid (TPA), ethylene glycol (EG), and cotton were the constituent materials. The effects of the processing conditions and determination of optimum conditions were ascertained by analysis of the constituent materials’ properties. Electron microscopy (SEM), Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–VIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA-DSC) and viscometer were utilized in characterizing the recovered materials. The optimum processing conditions were found to be 15 % (w/v) NaOH in the presence of 1 mol BTBAC: 1 mol per repeating unit of polyester phase transfer catalyst and processing temperature and time of 80 °C and 270 mins, respectively. These conditions resulted in complete hydrolysis of the polyester in polyester/cotton blended fabrics waste achieving a TPA recovery rate of 80 % and recovery rate of 97 % for cotton fibres. The recovered cellulose had viscosities between 340 and 520 ml/g which is within the range of pulp utilized in the production of regenerated fibres. The successful separation of TPA and cotton fibres implies that the recycling of blended textiles can be accomplished contributing to sustainable textile waste management and circular economy. The research indicates significant potential for scalable textile waste solution to confront the increasing crisis of textile waste globally.