This research group applies knowledge from studies in extreme environments to use microorganisms to degrade environmental contaminants into less toxic forms and to remediate polluted water. The group studies metal-microbe interactions for metal recovery, and the role of metals in the physiology of extreme microorganisms. A multidisciplinary approach is used to integrate engineering, IT, and biotechnology to solve industrial problems. More information

Biocatalysis research involves the improvement of catalysts used to convert alkanes, alcohols, fatty acids, or monoterpenes into value-added building blocks of pharmaceuticals, bioplastics, cosmetics, flavours, or fragrances through rational design and directed evolution, as well as metabolic engineering and process development with a strong focus on solving the three-dimensional structures of relevant biocatalysts through X-ray crystallography. More information

The research in the Milk Biochemistry group focuses on milk composition (dairy and non-dairy animals), the quantity and quality of milk in Mangaung, lactose intolerance and a possible cure, prebiotic oligosaccharides in milk, and alternative biological and technological methodologies in cheese processing. More information

The Molecular Virology group focuses on rotavirus, a zoonotic viral infection that causes potentially fatal gastroenteritis in the young of various species, including humans and livestock. The group follows a two-pronged research approach: understanding rotavirus biology and applied research involving next-generation vaccine development. More information

The importance of understanding opportunistic pathogenic yeasts belonging to the genera Candida and Cryptococcus and finding ways of combating infections are the focus of this research group. The group focuses on molecular virulence mechanisms and bioactive lipids' role in developing microbial growth control strategies by identifying novel drug targets and drugs. More information