Dr. Maxwell Thatyana | Environmental Toxicology | Research Excellence Award

University of South Africa | South Africa

Dr. Maxwell Thatyana is a chemistry lecturer and researcher specializing in nanoscience, analytical chemistry, organic and inorganic synthesis, with strong experience in undergraduate teaching, postgraduate supervision, and laboratory management. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry (Materials Science) from the University of the Witwatersrand, where his doctoral research focused on developing novel BODIPY photosensitizers and nano-conjugates for antimicrobial and anticancer photodynamic therapy. He also completed an MSc in Chemistry (Nanoscience) at the University of Johannesburg, emphasizing nanocomposite membranes for environmental remediation, and prior training in multidisciplinary nanoscience. His academic career includes roles as postdoctoral research fellow, lecturer, and laboratory manager across several South African universities, where he taught core chemistry courses and supervised Honours, MSc, and Ph.D. students in nanomaterials synthesis and advanced environmental chemistry. His publications and book chapters address green nanotechnology, metal-based complexes in infectious diseases, eco-friendly adsorbents, and metal–organic frameworks for water purification. He has received several academic recognitions, including the Golden Key International Honor Society award and the SACI Young Chemists’ Symposium 3rd Best Oral Presenter. Dr. Thatyana is committed to advancing sustainable nanomaterial solutions for water remediation, biomedical applications, and student-centered scientific training that bridges research and innovation.

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Featured Publications

Thatyana, M., Dube, N. P., Kemboi, D., Manicum, A. L. E., et al. (2023). Advances in phytonanotechnology: A plant-mediated green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using Phyllanthus plant extracts and their antimicrobial and … Nanomaterials, 13(19), 2616.

Dube, N. P., Thatyana, M., Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, N. S., Mansour, A. M., et al. (2024). Review on the applications of selected metal-based complexes on infectious diseases. Molecules, 29(2), 406.

Ncube, N., Thatyana, M., Tancu, Y., & Mketo, N. (2024). Quantitative analysis and health risk assessment of selected heavy metals in pet food samples using ultrasound-assisted hydrogen peroxide extraction followed by ICP-OES analysis. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 192, 114915.

Thipe, V. C., Thatyana, M., Ajayi, F. R., Njobeh, P. B., & Katti, K. V. (2020). Hybrid nanomaterials for detection, detoxification, and management of mycotoxins. In Multifunctional hybrid nanomaterials for sustainable agri-food and … (pp. xx–xx). [Publisher].

Mahlaule-Glory, M. N., Moema, E. D., Thatyana, M., & Hintsho-Mbida, N. C. (2024). Adsorption studies on the removal of lead ions by magnetic cellulose nanocrystals as an eco-friendly nanoadsorbent derived from maize waste. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 1(1), 1–34.