UWC’s Dr Ngwekazi at her graduation last week. Image: Shelley Christians / UWC

Food safety and health concerns are escalating worldwide, and a University of the Western Cape (UWC) graduate is helping to address them. Recently awarded a doctorate in Chemistry at UWC’s September graduation ceremony, she is advancing research that could protect society from everyday risks such as food poisoning, allergic reactions and even common headaches.

Dr Andisiwe Ngwekazi, a chemistry researcher in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, is tackling a hidden danger in our food and bodies - biogenic amines (BAs).

These naturally occurring compounds play essential roles in the body, such as supporting brain function, hormone production and cell growth. 

When consumed in excess - often through certain foods or supplements - BAs like histamine and dopamine can trigger harmful effects. Think of that pounding headache after a glass of red wine, or a sudden allergic reaction to a seemingly harmless meal. These could be signs of elevated BA levels.

Dr Ngwekazi’s research, which was supervised by UWC’s internationally acclaimed Prof Priscilla Baker, focuses on developing highly sensitive chemical sensors using a molecule called cucurbituril. This molecule acts like a tiny, selective trap that can “catch” specific substances. By combining cucurbituril with advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, she has created a sensor capable of detecting extremely low histamine levels in red wine and dopamine in synthetic human serum, down to nanomolar concentrations.

This is especially important because early and accurate detection of these compounds can help prevent health issues before they arise. Dr Ngwekazi’s work could improve food safety testing, medical diagnostics, and even personalised health monitoring tools.

The potential societal impact is significant. Imagine a future where food products are routinely screened for harmful allergens, or wearable health devices can alert users to chemical imbalances in real time. Her research brings us one step closer to that reality.

She said, “The sensor can detect levels of amines in your sweat and bloodstream, which makes it very effective.”

Her work has not gone unnoticed. She presented her findings at the prestigious Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry in 2023 and has published two peer-reviewed articles in leading international journals.