Research Projects (Current and Past)
Research areas include Food Chemistry (composition and analysis), Food Biopolymers (polysaccharide/protein systems) and Rheology, Food Product Development and Sensory Evaluation, Food Safety, Nutrition and Health.
My research interests are focused in the area of polysaccharide characterization, physical chemistry of food systems, product development and nutritional improvement of foods. I have worked and continue to explore biopolymers for use as functional ingredient in food and/or pharmaceutical systems. These include physical, chemical and technological properties of polysaccharides (pectin, starch, gums) found in underutilized sources for their beneficial applications to improve livelihood and global food and nutrition security.
COLLABORATION
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Date |
Research Topic |
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2024-Date |
African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AAKTP) Grant Award (Project Number: 10097922. KTP Reference: 13910). Knowledge transfer partnership between The University of Huddersfield (UoH), UK & Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi & University of Health and Allied Science (UHAS), Ho and Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) Limited. To develop sustainable novel plant pectins from locally sourced low market value species for use in chocolate-based products. Project with Prof. Gordon Morris (UoH), Prof. Alan Smith (UoH), Dr. Fidelis Kpodo (UHAS), Dr. Frank Asante (CPC), Ms. Genevieve Pawar (CPC) and Ms. Belinda B. Ntow (KNUST, KTP Associate). |
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2024-Date |
Yam as Source of Pharmaceutical Excipient: Investigating the Potential of Pectin from Different Varieties of Yam as Disintegrant, Binder and Release Modifier in Immediate-Release and Controlled-Release Tablets (KREF9/24/163/M1). Project with Prof. (Mrs.) Mariam El Boakye-Gyasi (Department of Pharmaceutics –KNUST), Dr. Frederick W.A. Owusu (Department of Pharmaceutics –KNUST) and Dr. Paul Tandoh (Dept. of Horticulture-KNUST). |
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2023-Date |
Potential of okra pectin and tamarind xyloglucan as emulsifier in chocolate spread – Project with Dr. Eric Owusu Mensah, Prof. Faustina D. Wireko-Manu, Prof. Ibok N. Oduro and Zeenatu S. Adams (FST-KNUST). |
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2022-Date |
Assessing the Nutritional Composition and Anti-diabetic Effect of Watermelon |
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2022-Date |
Development of a cooling system for chocolate preservation to promote good health and decent jobs among local vendors – Project with Prof. Ibok N. Oduro (FST-KNUST), Zaukuu, J-L.Z. (FST-KNUST), Dr. Michael Donkor (Physics-KNUST), Dr. Akyana Britwum (Physics-KNUST) Dr. Latifatu Mohammed (CSIR-IIR), Frank A. Asante (CPC), Genevieve Pawar (CPC) and Nana Ofori Owusu (EPPL). |
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2020-Date |
Design of a pilot plant to produce Pectin extract from okra and potential application in chocolate production: KReF Award Project collaboration with Dr. Leonard D.K. De-Souza (FST-KNUST), Dr. Benjamin Afortey (Dept. of Chemical Engineering -KNUST), Dr. Robert Aidoo (Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension -KNUST), Dr. Fidelis M. Kpodo (UHAS, Ghana), Prof. Kolawole Falade (University of Ibadan, Nigeria) and Cocoa Processing Company Ltd, Tema. |
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2019-Date |
Isolation of Bioactive Pectin from the waste stream of Cucurbitaceae species for application in Dysphagia-Oriented fluid and pharmaceutical drug formulations: UHAS Research Funded Project collaboration with Dr. Fidelis M. Kpodo (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, UHAS, Ho, Ghana). |
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2018-2019 |
Okra Pectin as a drug release modifier in the formulation of controlled (extended) release matrix tablets of metformin for the management of chronic diabetes: KReF Award Project collaboration with Dr. Mariam El Boakye-Gyasi (Department of Pharmaceutics –KNUST) and Prof. Ben Banful (Horticulture, KNUST) |
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2018-2021 |
Determination of some herbicides in sweet potato: Collaboration on WAAPP Project with Mr. Seth O. Ekyem & Mr. Kwasi Offei Bonsu (CSIR- Crops Research Institute) and Prof. B.R. Voegborlo (Department of Chemistry-KNUST). |
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2017-2020 |
Characterization of starch from new cassava accessions: Collaboration with Prof. Emmanuel Bobobee (Dept. of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering-KNUST) |
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2016-2020 |
Grewia gum Project: Collaboration with Fidelis Kpodo (UHAS, Ho), Dr. Vassilis Kontogiorgos and Prof. Gordon Morris (University of Huddersfield, UK. |
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2016-2019 |
Okra Pectin Project: Collaboration with Dr. Vassilis Kontogiorgos and Dr. Gordon Morris, University of Huddersfield, UK, Prof. Ben Banful (Horticulture, KNUST) and Mr. Kwasi Offei Bonsu (CSIR- Crops Research Institute) |
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2018 |
Tomato analysis project collaboration with K.O. Bonsu and Research Team at CSIR- Crops Research Institute as part of the project on Breeding Methodology for Tomato Varieties Proposed for Release |
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2016-2017 |
Collaboration: Legumes (Beans, Groundnut) Project with Dr. James Y. Asibuo (CSIR-Crops Research Institute) |
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2012-Date |
Physicochemical evaluation of underutilized food materials (cereals, cowpea, groundnut, lima beans, cassava, sweet/potato, yam, baobab, tamarind, rain tree (Samanea saman) pod composite flour, African star fruit, African palmyra palm, ackee, watermelon, okra, mushroom, orange/lemon peels and Borututu bark flour for their beneficial applications in food product development |
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2013-Date |
Glycemic Index of Some Local Staples |