Students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences have conducted research into Gambian medicinal plants. Samar, Wesley, Melvin and Rafaël, who study Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, worked with mango skins, among other things, and talked about their research for Fieldlab Gambia. Samar said, “We researched various plant species, including the mango. Mangoes are everywhere in Gambia, but little is done with the skins. But it is precisely those skins that are interesting. We extracted medicinal substances from the skins and determined which could potentially replace antibiotics.”
This is important because infectious diseases caused by bacteria occur worldwide and are usually effectively treated with antibiotics. However, bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, meaning they no longer work. At Fieldlab Gambia, students searched for native plants that could serve as an alternative to existing antibiotics.
“The research was an extensive task,” Samar continues, “Literature study and complex separation techniques. In other words, first theory, then chemical experiments. What's really cool is that we found plant substances in the peels that act as antibiotics targeting two types of bacteria.”
The students enjoyed contributing to the solution of a global problem. Wesley, “We are contributing to a better economy by making maximum use of the country's own resources with new applications. In other words, a future-proof economy.”
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International collaboration
Within the Fieldlab Gambia project, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences cooperates closely with Gambian educational institutions: The University of The Gambia, MyFarm, and the Gaye Njorro Skills Academy. This multi-year initiative focuses on applied, practice-oriented research, innovation, and training in applied (bio)sciences, circular and bio-based materials, product design, and regenerative agriculture. In May, lecturers and students from the University of The Gambia visited Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences for two weeks, working closely with students and lecturers from the Biology and Medical Laboratory Research programme.
Knowledge sharing and social impact
The Future Makers Awards are presented annually by a jury to projects that involve collaboration between research, education and the professional field on at least one of four social challenges. There is an award for each of the four societal challenges that Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences stands for: Sustainable Delta, Vital Community, Smart & Social City, and Future-proof Economy.
The jury selected this project as one of the four winners because Fieldlab Gambia generates value by developing methods, sustainable materials, products, and production processes. Through up-to-date, contextually-rich, socially relevant research and education, the project contributes to a future-proof economy and vital communities in both Gambia and Rotterdam. This project is a powerful example of how Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences contributes to sustainable innovation, knowledge sharing and social impact in collaboration with international partners.