“Prospecting for novel carbohydrate active enzymes (cazymes) from selected mushrooms cultivated on sisal processing wastes.”
Country of Study
Kenya
Institution
Pwani University
Expected Year of Completion
2025
Thematic Area
Health and Life Sciences/Agriculture
Education
Zonia holds a Master of Science in Microbiology from Pwani University, Kenya, which she completed between February 2017 and May 2021. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Biotechnology at Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya, which she started in September 2022. Zonia has completed her coursework requirements and successfully defended her research proposal. She is in her second year of PhD studies, with an expected dissertation defense date in April 2025 and graduation in November 2025.
Research Summary
Zonia’s research seeks to address the challenges of agricultural waste disposal and biofuel production by isolating novel Carbohydrate Active Enzymes (CAZymes) from mushrooms cultivated on sisal processing wastes in Kenya. With agricultural processing industries generating over 25 million tons of waste annually, conventional disposal methods like incineration contribute to environmental damage and greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to produce recombinant CAZymes using a fungal expression system and characterize their potential for efficient biomass conversion. By valorizing sisal waste through edible mushroom cultivation, the research also offers an income opportunity for local communities and contributes to sustainable development goals, such as poverty reduction, zero hunger, and affordable clean energy.
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