BBPSK Hosts its First Biochemistry and Biotechnology Workshop

Nairobi, Thursday April 27, 2023

KNA by Phinta Amondi

The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Professionals Society of Kenya (BBPSK) and various stakeholders have hosted the first biochemistry and biotechnology workshop themed ‘Emerging Scientific Priorities in Advancing Health Research in Africa’.

The workshop aims to incorporate adaptable emerging technologies and offer better health solutions in Africa by providing sustainable agriculture, and understanding local and international formulated policies and regulations governing genetic engineering research.

The workshop also seeks to assist in the competence of bioethics, safety and security while gaining comprehension of new fields to be applied in biological research.

Speaking during the workshop at a Nairobi Hotel, Technical University of Kenya (TUK) Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Lecturer and Biochemist James Nyarigi said that from the findings, Sub Saharan Africa had the highest number of deaths caused by malaria at 96 percent.

“During the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, 625,000 cases of malaria treatment were reported in 84 endemic countries with confirmed 619,000 deaths,” remarked Nyarigi.

He highlighted some of the severe effects caused by malaria including Cerebral Malaria, Pulmonary edema, Organ failure and Anemia among others.

Nyarigi noted that out of  40 million pregnant women across the globe, 13.3 million have suffered from malaria as a result of resistance to penicillin hence the need to expound and research more on the potential of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in a need to manage cerebral malaria.

“CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and substance that helps convert food into energy found in every cell of the body which helps in fighting damaging particles in the body known as free radicals,” the lecturer explained.

Further, Nyarigi stated that during its exploration study in its experimental design, CoQ10 had one to four months proper circulation with 80 percent improved survival rate in its analysis in protein identity observed in mice.

At the same time, University of Nairobi (UoN) Biochemistry Department Scientist and Professor Francis Mulaa advised that industrial application of enzymes should be practiced widely as enzymes are used over and over citing that it has endless opportunities if exploited and would be beneficial to all.

Mulaa observed that in more than 60 percent chemical methods, 40 percent are considered waste whereas in 98 percent enzyme conversion no wastes are incurred and they only need two to four hours unlike the twenty forced on the other end.

The three-day workshop held from April  24 till 26 attended by students and scientists from various African countries helped in promoting emerging technologies to human, animal and plant health in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology.

Courtesy; K.N.A