WADDP Team Photo
WADDP Research Team Innovating new Drug (or bioactive) Delivery Systems interfaced with Nanomedicine, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, and supported by Smart Biomaterials to design Patient-Centric therapies.
WADDP Research Team Innovating new Drug (or bioactive) Delivery Systems interfaced with Nanomedicine, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, and supported by Smart Biomaterials to design Patient-Centric therapies.
Start main page content

Research Innovators

Professor Yahya E. Choonara (BPharm; MPharm; PhD; FAAS; MASSAf; TWAS; MPS)

Director and Principal Researcher: WADDP

Head: Pharmaceutics and Contract Research

South African DSI/NRF Research Chair: Pharmaceutical Biomaterials and Polymer-Engineered Drug Delivery Technologies

Host: African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) Center of Excellence in Nanomedicine and Advanced Drug Delivery

E: yahya.choonara@wits.ac.za

 

Professor Pradeep Kumar (BPharm; MPharm; PhD)

Senior Researcher: WADDP

WADDP Graduate Participation and Operations Lead

Pharmaceutics

E: pradeep.kumar@wits.ac.za

 

Professor Lisa C. du Toit (BPharm; MPharm; PhD)

Senior Researcher: WADDP

WADDP Graduate Outputs and Careers Lead

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

E: lisa.dutoit@wits.ac.za

 

Associate Professor Thashree Marimuthu (BSc. Chem; MSc; PhD)

Senior Researcher: WADDP

WADDP Graduate Teaching and Learning Lead

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

E: thashree.marimuthu@wits.ac.za

 

Dr. Gillian Mahumane (BPharm; MPharm; PhD)

Researcher: WADDP

WADDP Graduate Communications and Marketing Lead

Pharmaceutics

E: gillian.mahumane@wits.ac.za  

 

Dr. Mershen Govender (BPharm; MPharm; PhD)

Researcher: WADDP

Graduate Lab and Special Tasks Lead

Pharmaceutics

E: mershen.govender@wits.ac.za

 

Dr. Poornima Ramburrn (BPharm; MPharm; PhD)

Researcher: WADDP

Graduate Training and Skills Lead

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

E: poornima.ramburrun@wits.ac.za

 

Dr. Hillary Mndlovu (BSc; MSc; PhD)

Researcher: WADDP

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

E: hillary.mndlovu@wits.ac.za 

Postdoctoral Fellows

 Postdoctoral Fellow

Research Area

Dr. S. Adeyemi

Intracellular Drug Transport, Precision Nanoparticles

Dr. P. Walvekar

Protein-Charged Nanosystems, Gene Therapy

Dr. H. Onohuean

Infectious Diseases in the Brain

Dr. K. Somandi

Extracellular Vesicles, Nanosomes, Nanomedicine

Dr. N. Okafor

Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticles

Dr. N. Singh

Secrotome Therapeutics

Dr. N. Ngqinayo

Peptide and Protein Therapeutics

 

PhD Candidates

 PhD Candidate

 PhD Project Keywords

L. Mapela

Polymer-Conjugates, Microbial Polysaccharides, Ocular Nanosystems

M. Nyoka

3D-Bioprinting, Neural Tissue, Biomimetism, Inorganic Nanostructures

O. Uwaezuoke

Protein Resistant Biomaterials, Ocular Intervention, Biomaterials

F. Takalani

Nanoparticles, Virus Eradication, Female Reproductive Tract, ARVs

S. Mavuso

Geo-Implants, Anti-Thrombotic Agents, Site-Specific Delivery

C. Kibungu

Electroresponsive Hydrogels, Targeted Bioactive Delivery

M. Mphaphuli

3D-Bioprinting, Bone Tuberculosis, Osteomimetism, Bioactive Targeting

Y. Mahjoub

Ocular Cancer, Surface Active Biopolymers, Nanolipids

A. Abdelgarder

Genitourinanry Syndrome, IUD, Targeted Bioactives

M. Ali

Skin Cancer, Precision Nanomedicine, Magnetic Hyperthermia

N. Sikhosana

Ocular Gene Therapy, Blindness, Nano-Targeting

B. Karithi

Glioblastoma Muliforme, 3D Bioprinting, Neuromaterials

F. Peer

Dental Biomaterials, Root Canal, Dental Pulp

L. Khoza

Nanomedicine, TB , Targeted Lung Delivery, Host Directed Therapy

K. da Silva

NeuroTrauma, Artificial ECM, 3D Bioprinting, Nanofibers

D. Essa

Injectable Nanoparticles, Prostate Cancer, Targeting

L. Leratholi

CNS Drug Delivery, Network Pharmacology, Modelling

 

Masters Candidates

 Masters Candidate

 Keywords

Z. Cassim

Probiotics, Localised Action, Intravaginal

D. Brouwer

3D-Printed, Electroconductivity, Bioscaffold

H. Cassimjee

Proteosaccharide, 3D Scaffold, Tissue Engineering

T. Sarwan

Thermo-Responsiveness, Injectable, Wound Healing

F. Mutingwende

Nanogel Carrier, Antidepressants, Oral Therapeutics

V. Chivere

Biopolymers, Oral Drug Delivery, Anti-Cancer Molecule

C. Lynch

Nanoparticles, Anti-Virals, Ocular Drug Delivery

K. de la Harpe

3D Monofilaments, Biosutures, Microvascular Surgery

T. Moqejwa

Rectal Colloids, Nanoliposomes, Cannabis, Pain Management 

J. Lekoloane

Bioresponsive, Injectable Ocugel, Cataract

A. Nana

Magnetic Nanowires, Site Specific, Testicular Cancer

E. Cohen

Copolymers, NanoDots, Parkinson's disease

K. Naik

Vitreous Substitutes, Intracocular Drug Resevoir

K. Moodley

Decalcified Blood Vessels, Site-Specific Gels

A. Suleman

Osteosarcoma, Osteomimetic Biomaterials, Scaffolds

M. Lategan

Neural Tissue Engineering, Traumatic Brain Injury

S. Ayodele

TB Pericarditis, Tissue Targeted Nanocontainers

V. Singh

Metal-Complexation, Drug Bioavailability

 

WADDP Lab Alumni

 Postdoctoral Fellow

 Research Area

Dr. Pavan Walvekar

Protein-Charged Nanosystems and Gene Therapy

Dr. P. Ubanako

Cell-Nanoparticle Communication

Dr. M. Ogunrombi

Pharmaceutical Biomaterials

Dr. N. Chirwa

Cancer Treatment using Ligand-Based Nanotechnology

Dr. V. Ndesendo

Nanostructures for Neuro-Nanopharmaceuticals

Dr. O. Adeleke

Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility of Polyamides

Dr. L. Tomar

Oral Delivery of Cytokines

Dr. C. Tyagi

Electrospinning and 3D Drug Delivery Constructs

Dr. D. Bijukumar

Chronotherapeutic Technologies

Dr. J. Mulla

Drug Delivery Systems for Genetic Disorders

Dr. D. Chejara

Microfluidics in Drug Delivery

Dr. M. Mabrouk

Polymer Signaling for Switchable Drug Delivery

Dr. R. Badhe

Polypeptide Synthesis

Dr. A. Chakraborty

Mechanical Deformation of Biomedical Systems

Dr. P. Pradeep

Synthesis of Neuroactive Molecules

Dr. P. Ramburrun

Vascular Tissue Engineering

Dr. O. Akilo

 Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery

Dr. S. Mdanda

Transdermal Peptide Delivery

Dr. S. Indermun

Electroactive Smart Biomaterials

Dr. M. Govender

Probiotic Drug Delivery, Microbiome Interactions

 

 

 PhD Candidate

 PhD Project Keywords

Dr. S. Mufamadi

Alzheimer's, Biopolymers, Site-Specific Drug Delivery

Dr. G. Cornelia

Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Dr. G. Mahumane

Nano-Reinforcement, Hydrogel, Neural Tissue Regeneration

Dr. M. Sithole

Soft Tissue Engineering, 3D Bioprinting, Wound Healing

Dr. L. Freidus

Theranostics, Cancer Therapy, 3D Bioprinting

Dr. Y. Hoosen

Nanoliposomes, Ovarian Cancer, Targeting

Dr. H. Mndlovu

Nanotechnology, Hydrogels, Wound Healing

Dr. P. Komane

Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes, Stroke

Dr. P. Kumar 

Spinal Cord Injury, Nanofibers, Neural Tissue Repair

Dr. J. Pantshwa 

Antibody Functionalized Nanomicelles, Ovarian Cancer

Dr. P. Ramburrun

Intercalated-Pristine Composites, Bioactive Release

Dr. B. Choonara

Oral Core-Melt Tablet, Gastro-Sensitive Molecules

Dr. S. Adeyemi

Drug Delivery, Oseaphageal Cancer

Dr. K. Murugan

Neogeometrical Nanoparticles, Psoriasis

Dr. M. Siyawamwaya

Extrusion-Spheronization, Drug Solubility and Permability

Dr. O. Akilo

Ferroelectric and Dielectric Polymers, Intranasal Drug Delivery

Dr. F.G Hoosein

Nanogel, Cervical Cancer

Dr. N. Mayet

Wound Healing, Responsive Biomaterials

Dr. M. Govender

Oral Delivery, Probiotics

Dr. S. Indermun 

Modified Food Grade Starch, Drug Delivery

Dr. P. Kondiah

Intracellular Drug Delivery, Motor Neuron Disease

Dr. M. Braithwaite

Interactive Gel, Vitamins and Co-Factor Delivery

Dr. S. Mufamadi

Nano-Lipobubbles, Intracranial Drug Delivery

Dr. A. Hibbins

Oral Ghost Matrix, Peptide Delivery

Dr. L.C. du Toit 

Bioresponsive Implant, Depot Drug Delivery

Dr. N. Ngwuluka

Nanocomposite, Oral Levodopa Delivery, Neuroavailability

Dr. O.A. Kolawole

Pore-Regulated Matrices, Transmucosal Drug Delivery

Dr. V. Ndesendo

Controlled Release, Intravaginal Device

Dr. M. Sithole

Soft Tissue Engineering, 3D Bioprinting, Healing

 

 

 Masters Candidate

 Masters Project Keywords

M. Anwary

Ocular, Biostimulus, Polymer-Drug Conjugate, Inflammation

P. Mahlumba

Minimally Invasive, Intravitreal Implant, Avastin

L. Mokolobate

Topical Drug Delivery, Posterior Segment, Targeted Delivery

P. Kondiah

Stimuli-Responsive, Osteogel, Bone Tissue Engineering

A. Parak

Nanovector, Cervical Cancer

S. Kola

Platelet Inspired, Drug Delivery

M. Sumaila

Liposaccharide, Iinfectious Diseases, Bioavailability

K. da Silva

3D-Printed, Artificial ECM Scaffold

R. Khan

Topical Delivery, Gas Gangrene

A. Zardad

Shape-Memory Nanoparticles

F. Mia

Controlled Release Depot

Z. Hayiyana

Eluting-Supramolecular Contact Lens-Like Device

N. Masina

Modified Food Grade Materials in Drug Delivery

S. Mavuso

Stimuli-Reponsive Topical Formulation

M. Sithole

Semi-synthetic Biopolymers for Nano-Enabled Drug Delivery

Z. Mazibuko

Nanostructures for Intracellular Drug Delivery

L. Singh

Virus-Like Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

T. Kgesa

Nanocomposite Waxes for Drug Delivery

M. Manyikana

Multi-Layered Cryogels for Transmucosal Bioactive Delivery

F. Mashingaidze

Microbicide-Loaded Intravaginal Device

M. Ngoepe

Nanosensors for Disease Prevention

D. Frank

Long-Circulating Nano-Lipobubbles for Cancer Targeting

Y. Dawood

Novel Food-Grade Delivery Vehicles

R. Moosa

Porous Dissolvable Solid Eye Drops

T. Govender

Nano-enabled Scaffold for Schizophrenic Drugs

A. Wadee

Prolonged Release Implant to target Solid Tumors

R. Shaikh

Multi-Layered Composite Membrane for Oral Drug Delivery

K. Moodley

Nano-Enabled Oral Tablet for Low Bioavailable Drugs

B. Sibeko

Thin Membranes for Modulated Chemotherapeutic Agents

D. Hazle

Prolonged Drug Delivery from Multi-Spheres in Periodontal Disease

T. Tsai 

Electroactive Device for Chronic Pain Management

Z. Khan

Multi-Layered Multi-Disc Tablet for Specialized Drug Delivery

C. Phillips

Carbon Nanotube Toxicity Assessment

S. Cooppan

Once Daily Multi-Units for Site-Specific Drug Delivery

C. Murphy

Gastroretentive Systems for Narrow Absorption Window Drugs

D. Reddy

Rapid Release Wafers

P. Bawa

Stimuli-Responsive In Situ Crosslinked Gastro-Floatable System

C. Dott

Spongy Nano-Fibre Matrices as Solid Hydrogels

S. Harilall

Neuro-Implant for AIDS Dementia Complex

N. Usai

Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Targeted Biomolecular Delivery

F. Ismail

Polyethylene Oxide as a Tool for Adjustable Drug Delivery

P. Fasinu

Improved Oral Bioavailability via Computationally Modeled Biomodulators

K. Hobbs

Rate-Modulated FDC for Mild to Moderate Pain

S. Sewlall

Triple-Layer Double-Disk Device for Phase-Controlled Drug Delivery

S. Pillay

Implantable Scaffold for Parkinson’s disease

S. Moonisami

Gastroretentive Device for NAW Drugs

S. Sibambo

Modification of Polyesters for Prolonged Drug Delivery Applications

L. du Toit

Formulation of an Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Delivery System

O.A. Kolawole

Modifying the 3D Network of Polyamides for Drug Delivery

N. Singh

Crosslinked Polyspheres for Site-Specific Drug Delivery of Neuroprotectants

R. Patel

Wafer Technology for Rate-Modulated Oramucosal Drug Delivery

W. Sibanda

Polymeric Complexes via Innovative Crosslinking for Drug Delivery

F. Agbotse

Stress-Strain Properties of Hydrophilic Polymeric Matrices

Share