Stephenson Obeng Owusu, a Research Assistant at the Nature-Inspired Chemistry for Sustainability (NiCS) Lab at the Department of Chemistry has showcased his malaria drug discovery research at the 7th Commonwealth Chemistry Poster Event.
The annual event, organized by Commonwealth Chemistry in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, provides a platform for researchers across the Commonwealth to present scientific innovations that contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Owusu's research was presented under Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. Titled Integrated High-Throughput Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Identify Promising Plasmodium falciparum D-Enoyl-ACP Reductase Inhibitors for Antimalarial Drug Discovery, the study explored how computational methods can accelerate the search for new treatments for malaria.
The research addressed the growing challenge of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most severe form of malaria.
Using computer-based screening techniques, the research team analyzed more than 78,000 compounds to identify those with the potential to inhibit a key protein essential for the parasite's survival. The study identified two promising compounds for further laboratory testing and validation.
The study identified two compounds with promising antimalarial properties that demonstrated strong interactions with the target protein, making them potential candidates for further drug development.
The researchers recommend additional laboratory studies to validate the compounds and assess their safety and effectiveness as part of efforts to develop new treatments for drug-resistant malaria.
The research team included Prince Manu, Muntawakilu Padiga Seidu, Alice Adomako, Ophelia Duodu, Philip Thompson, Yvonne Adjei Kankam, and Michael Konney Laryea, all of the Department of Chemistry under the supervision of Professor Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye.
The Commonwealth Chemistry Poster Event attracts researchers from universities and research institutions across the Commonwealth, providing an international platform for sharing scientific discoveries that address global challenges in health, sustainability and development.
Owusu's participation reflects the Department of Chemistry's growing contribution to global health research and highlights the College of Science's commitment to advancing innovative research with the potential to improve lives beyond the classroom and laboratory.
