UV Steriliser
UIRI has explored menstrual hygiene through the development of a UV sterilizer prototype that has successfully been used to sterilize sanitary pads produced by the Paper Pilot Plant. Following positive sanitizing results, mass production of the UV sterilizer is planned to support the standardization of sanitary pads.
Moisture Meter
UIRI has developed a moisture meter for measuring moisture content in grains, including coffee and maize. The technology is currently under trial under the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) programme.
Chalk, conics and fertiliser
Under the Technology Development Centre, the Minerals and Materials unit completed a study on processing plaster of Paris from gypsum. A range of products has been developed, including dustless writing chalk, ceiling conics and gypsum fertiliser.
Red Oxide
The demand for red oxide in the construction industry led the Minerals and Materials unit to study available national sources of the raw material. Hematite ore has been sourced, processed and prepared for market testing.
Coral Reefs
The Minerals and Materials unit has developed ceramic coral that imitates natural coral found in salty seas. Corals provide fish with grounds for laying eggs and a conducive environment for growth. Samples of artificial ceramic corals have been developed and await installation in the demonstration pond.
Electro-Chemical Aflatoxin Testing Kit
The portable Electro-Chemical Aflatoxin Testing Kit emerged winner in Category 1: Technologies Benefitting Rural Women Smallholder Farmers at the Sharefair: Inspiring Agricultural Change, held from 15th to 17th October 2014 at the United Nations Compound in Gigiri, Nairobi. The kit enables rural women farmers to carry out on-spot screening and detection of aflatoxins in agricultural produce.
Aloe Vera Sanitizer
UIRI has developed an affordable hand sanitizer from Aloe vera, combining sanitizing and moisturizing properties. Further analysis of the sanitizer's characteristic properties is being undertaken.
Turmeric
After undertaking a study to establish the commercial viability of exploiting the turmeric plant as a natural food additive and spice, UIRI developed product prototypes and is undertaking proximate analysis to establish competitiveness against similar products from other countries. Turmeric imparts a yellow colour on food and contains medicinal attributes that can be commercially exploited as a healthy spice.
Antibiotics and industrial enzymes
KessBiotech Inc., an incubatee company supported by the Microbiology Analytical Laboratory, isolated a high drug-producing strain and manufactured Actinomycin D using solid-state fermentation. A partially purified sample of the anti-cancer drug Actinomycin D has been produced, alongside other antibiotics and enzymes for industrial applications.
- Antibiotics produced include Bacitracin, Nisin, Subtilin, Aspergilic acid, Surfactin, 7-Aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD), Undecylprodigiosin and Acidic 3,5-dinitrosalycilic acid
- Industrial enzymes screened and isolated include Alpha-amylase, Glucosidase, Beta glucanase, Xylanase, Lipase enzymes, transacetylases, Egg lysozyme, Subtilisin, Bromelain, DNase, Proteinase K, Alcohol Dehydrogenase, Alkalophilic amylase, Alkalophilic proteinase, Cellulase, L-lactate Dehydrogenase, Pectinase, Glucose isomerase, Levansucrase and Invertase
- The enzymes support industrial processing of agricultural produce and biomass into glucose, maltose, biomaterials and biofuel
- KessBiotech Inc. has customers utilizing the enzymes produced
Activated Bentonite
UIRI initiated a study on the production of Activated Bentonite as a possible alternative to kaolin in bar soap formulation. Activated Bentonite was also mixed with body creams as an anti-acne ingredient for skin protection. Sample products have been made and await proper testing.