MMUST Set to Strengthen Biophysical Research Capacity With Acquisition of Prometheus NT.48 Protein Analysis Equipment
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has received a major boost to its biophysical and biomedical research capacity following a donation of a Promethus P48 Analytical Apparatus for protein stability measurements by the NanoTemper Technologies- Germany. The state-of-the-art analytical equipment was officially received by the Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo on 16th January 2025. This donation is courtesy of a collaboration between Dr. Philip Amuyunzu Mang’are, Prof. Juan Sabin (CEO-AFFINImeter-Santiago De Compostela, Spain and Prof. Philipp Baaske (NanoTemper Technologies- Germany).
This is an ultra-modern equipment used for advanced protein stability and biophysical analysis. The donation is part of an ongoing research initiative dubbed ‘Integrated Analysis of Mechanostructural and Protein Biophysical Properties of Tunga Penetrans Membrane Using Prometheus NT.48, ITC and UV-Vis Spectroscopy for High-Efficiency Drug Delivery.’ The project is led by Dr. Philip Amuyunzu Mang’are, a researcher at MMUST who is also the Executive President of the Society of Africa Biophysical Societies (SABS).
The Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo receives the Prometheus NT.48 equipment.
Receiving the equipment, Prof. Shibairo lauded the project team for securing cutting-edge research infrastructure, noting that the acquisition aligns with the University’s strategic agenda of strengthening research, innovation, and postgraduate training. He emphasized that such advanced instrumentation will significantly enhance MMUST’s capacity to undertake high-impact biophysical, biomedical and translational research, while also improving the institution’s global research competitiveness.
Reiterating the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, stated that the acquisition of the Prometheus NT.48 is a strategic investment in the University’s academic mission. He noted that the equipment will strengthen evidence-based research, training of postgraduate students, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
The COD Physics, Dr. Maxwell Mageto receives an equipent from the Dean SONAS-Dr. Joseph Owino.
The Dean, School of Natural Sciences, Dr. Joseph Owino, where the project is domiciled, applauded the donation, noting that the acquisition of the Prometheus NT.48 will significantly strengthen the School’s research capacity. Further, Dr. Owino stated the equipment will greatly enhance advanced protein analysis and biophysical research as well as expanding opportunities for postgraduate training. The Dean was accompanied by the COD Physics, Dr. Maxwell Mageto and the Coordinator, Productivity- Dr. Rapando Wakhu.
Dr. Philip Amuyunzu displays the Prometheus NT.48 equipment.
Commenting on the donation, Dr. Amuyunzu said the equipment is intended to support both medical and educational purposes, particularly within the School of Medicine and hospitals around. He noted that the Prometheus NT.48 will significantly enhance the University’s capacity for advanced protein analysis, adding that its acquisition places MMUST at the forefront of cutting-edge biophysical research.
The Prometheus NT.48 equipment.
Notably, the ultra-modern Prometheus NT.4, one of its kind in Africa, is expected to revolutionize advanced protein research across the continent, enhancing biophysical analysis, biomedical innovation, and high-impact translational research. Certainly, this will position MMUST as a leading regional hub for cutting-edge research in Protein Science.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
