Best Paper Award for Biochemistry PhD Student

BY: .

Click here for isiZulu version

Mr Jude Akinyelu, a Biochemistry PhD student at UKZN was recently invited to present a paper at the 10^th International Conference on Advances in Science, Engineering, Technology and Healthcare (ASETH18) in Cape Town.

The conference aimed to share the latest research findings and foster relations between academia and industry. It was attended by 400 participants, including engineers, scientists, research scholars and industry players from all around the world.

Akinyelu presented his PhD research paper on Design, Characterization and In-vitro Study of Folic Acid Conjugated Chitosan Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil in Breast Cancer.

‘My PhD research focuses on the development of ligand orchestrated nano-delivery systems for precise delivery of chemotherapeutics and aims to improve the curative potential of anti-cancer agents whilst reducing the side effects associated with their usage.

‘Not only did the conference provide me with the opportunity to share my ongoing research findings, it also awarded me with the opportunity to establish professional relationships with like-minded researchers for future research collaborations,’ said Akinyelu.

He added that he was honoured to have been awarded Best Paper and acknowledged the support of a number of institutions as well as his supervisor, Professor Moganavelli Singh. 

‘I would like to acknowledge the National Research Foundation (NRF), the World Academy of Science (TWAS), UKZN, and Professor Moganavelli Singh, as well as the members of Nano-Gene and Drug Delivery Research Group (NGDD) for their assistance in getting me to the point I am at,’ Akinyelu said.

Words: Zolile Duma 

Photograph: Supplied by Jude Akinyelu