Mr Nicolaas Salomane

Nicolaas holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in biochemistry from the University of Johannesburg, which he obtained in 2020.

His dissertation focused on elucidating the binding mechanism of bioactive compounds isolated from traditional medicinal plants used in South Africa to treat malaria by targeting Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70 (PfHsp70-1) functionality. During his MSc he gained expertise in recombinant protein expression, protein purification and protein characterization using Ultra-visible and Fourie Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Nicolaas joined the H3D team in November 2021 as a Research Scientist in Enzymology under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Arendse. His responsibilities include profiling compounds in biochemical assays against drug targets of interest such as Plasmodium kinase proteins.

His keen in contributing to the validation of the anti-plasmodium plants and their usage to treat malaria. Discovery of medicinal compounds to be used in Africa, thus reducing the financial pressure on healthcare systems in undeveloped regions when treating malaria and other neglected tropical diseases.