BORQUAYE RESEARCH GROUP
We explore the interactions of chemical entities with biological systems and seek to understand the ensuing effects, which will potentially lead to the discovery of new therapeutics and ultimately help address problems associated with drug resistance in malaria and antimicrobial chemotherapy. We also investigate the impact of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Research
Biomolecular Computations
Molecular docking and molecular dynamics tools are used to unravel potential modes of action of bioactive compounds, predict preferred binding targets and explore events that mediate biomolecule-ligand interaction over a specified time period.
Bioactive Molecules
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Environmental Monitoring
Chemicals such as natural products, peptides, essential oils and/or small molecules are either isolated from natural sources (terrestial and marine) or designed and synthesized, then evaluated for biological activities.
Our strategy involves constant monitoring of environmental concentrations of pharmaceutical residues and heavy metals, risk evaluation and the development of robust models to predict future environmental levels and effects; and remediation strategies
Limelight
Recent Publications
Congratulations to Daniel Apraku and Kwadwo Owusu on successfully defending their MPhil. thesis respectively. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
Peptide Extract from Red Kidney Beans, Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae), Shows Promising Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Effects Get access
Molecular insights into the differential membrane targeting of maximin 1 in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells Get access
De novo peptides as potential antimicrobial agents Get access
In silico identification of α-bisabolol and letestuianin C as potential inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei trypanothione reductase Get access
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of essential oils extracted from Dialium guineense Get access
Occurrence and Ecological Risk Assessment of Pharmaceutical Residues in Effluents from Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facilities in Kumasi, Ghana Get access
Oplodiol and nitidine as potential inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase: insights from a computational study Get access
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of the Leaf and Fruit Essential Oils of the West African Plum, Vitex doniana Get access
Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antibiofilm Activities of Essential Oils of Plumeria alba (Forget-Me-Not) Get access
Applications of molecular docking in natural products-based drug discovery Get access
Featured News
Dr. Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye has been appointed as the Biedenharn Distinguished Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA. This is a major achievement and testament to his expertise in the field. As a renowned institution, Wellesley College is lucky to have such a brilliant mind joining their team. We are trilled to work and partner with you.
Congratulations to Augustine Enu Baidoo and Ophelia Duodu, and Prince Manu on your award-winning achievement as best Health and Wellbeing research poster at the TEKCONF 23 research conference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent have truly paid off.
Dr. Michael Konney Laryea visited Norvatis in Switzerland for an intensive research internship. The internship lasted for 3 months in Basel, Switzerland where he worked on High Throughput Screening to Identify Optimum Drug Load in Binary and Ternary Amorphous Solids. During his stay, he worked with Nicolas Schroder, Manan Vora, and Tudor Grecu where they were able to examine the impact of different polymers used in ternary amorphous solid dispersions, examine the best methods for solvent removal during ASD screening process, and examine the factors influencing the potential reformation of crystals in amorphous solid dispersions during storage. He acquired skills on modern ASD screening of binary and ternary system, the operation of automated platforms to improve and update regular laboratory procedures, and more. Michael described the experience as very remarkable.
Congratulations to Justice Dziedzom Amenu on your award at the UESD Sustainable Development Conference 2023. An oral presentation on the topic: CHARACTERIZATION AND RP-HPLC METHOD DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOMARKER (BERGENIN) FROM THE ROOTS OF SECURINEGA VIROSA.
We recently organized a fantastic picnic and it was a blast! We enjoyed delicious food, played fun games, and spent quality time together. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. It was a great opportunity to relax, connect, and create lasting memories. Thanks to everyone who joined us and made it an unforgettable day.
So excited to share the news! We have kicked off our summer internship program, 2023 cohort. It's an amazing opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in their field of interest. This week's events are tailored around gaining skill in Biomolecular Computations starting with with Molecular docking.
Stay tuned for updates on our talented interns and their exciting projects! #SummerInternshipProgram
#BRG23
The Borquaye Research Group's 2023 summer workshop on Molecular Docking begun with an introductory talk by core team followed by questions and answers from trainees.
#Summer2023
This year, we decided to end our Summer docking program with a feast. The participants got the opportunity to network more, feast and have fun.
We look forward to seeing you in our next workshop.
Meet Maya and Hydeia from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, USA. Maya and Hydeia are joining our research group for a summer research program. We are excited to have them on board and we look forward to the doing interesting research with them.
Join us in welcoming them to our research group.
We are thrilled to share that three of our members recently attended the Ghana Chemical Society Annual Conference held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) from May 16th to 18th, 2024.
Courage, Abigail, and Padiga presented on the topics "Molecular insight into the inhibition of Leishmania donovani O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase by cyclopropane carboxylic acid derivatives; an in silico approach", "Comparative analysis of antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and antioxidant activities of essential oils derived Annona squamosa and Myrianthus arboreus", and "An in silico approach to targeting quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa" respectively to a packed audience of experts in the field and beyond.
The conference brought together renowned professionals and researchers in chemistry, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.
The event featured insightful presentations, and discussions on cutting-edge topics in chemistry, providing a valuable learning experience for all attendees.
The conference was a huge success, with participants from both industry and academia from around the country.
Our team's presentation received positive feedback and generated interesting discussions, demonstrating the significance of our research in the scientific community. We also learned some interesting ways of doing things from other participants from different groups and institutions.
We are excited to build on the momentum from this conference, applying the knowledge and connections gained to drive innovation and progress in our work.
Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming projects and research initiatives!
Dr. Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye is appointed as the Biedenharn Distinguished Visiting Associate Professor in the Chemistry Department at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA
The team presented their research at the KNUST TEKCONF23 Research Conference and won two awards
Dr. Michael Konney Laryea visits Novartis AG, in Switzerland
UESD Sustainable Development Conference 2023.
The group organizes a picnic at Rattray Park, Kumasi
Hurray! The Borquaye Research Group begins the 2023 summer research program today.
Day one of the Molecular Docking workshop
#Summer2023
Hurry!!! We ended the 2023 cohort of the Molecular Docking workshop with a feast
Meet Maya and Hydeia from Wellesley College, MA, USA.
Ghana Chemical Society Annual Conference 2024, UCC