Dr Stanley Chibuzor Onwubu, a research associate in the Department of Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was recently awarded an NRF Y2 rating, a prestigious recognition granted to promising researchers under the age of 40 who have produced a sustained record of quality research outputs.
Onwubu, who holds a PhD in Dental Technology, is proud of his esteemed ranking, adding that it is all thanks to his prestigious academic journey which has been strongly rooted in biomaterials, nanotechnology, and sustainable healthcare innovation.
Dr Onwubu happily indicated that the NRF Y2 category specifically acknowledges that his research is already recognised at a national level and shows strong potential to achieve international recognition in the near future.
“This rating reflects the quality, originality, and impact of my publications, the successful supervision of high-achieving postgraduate students, and my contribution to advancing new knowledge in biomaterials, nanotechnology, and sustainable healthcare. In essence, the Y2 rating affirms that my work is not only contributing to DUT’s research profile but is also aligned with global standards of excellence. It positions me as part of the next generation of South African researchers whose outputs are expected to influence international scholarly and applied research directions,” he shared ecstatically.
Giving an overview of his academic work, Dr Onwubu explained that during his doctoral studies, he had published over 15 peer-reviewed articles, which led to him being recognised as the Top Institutional Doctoral Publisher in the doctoral category.
“To date, I have authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications spanning journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. I am equally committed to postgraduate mentorship and capacity building. Notably, all the master’s students I have co-supervised graduated cum laude and published a minimum of three peer-reviewed articles each, which underscores my dedication to excellence in research training,” he emphasised.
At DUT, Dr Onwubu’s current projects focus on the development of eco-friendly, fluoride-free desensitising toothpastes, formulated from waste-derived biomaterials such as eggshell calcium carbonate and nanohydroxyapatite. Alongside this, he facilitates data analytics training for postgraduate students across faculties, supporting research outputs and quality.
“The innovation is based on transforming eggshell waste into high-value nanomaterials, combined with other biomaterials such as titanium dioxide and nanohydroxyapatite. I was inspired to pursue this area by the dual challenges of global oral health inequalities where millions lack access to affordable oral care, and the need for sustainable waste management solutions. This work allows me to address healthcare challenges while simultaneously advancing the principles of the circular economy,” he highlighted.
In terms of his research, Dr Onwubu elaborated that his academic work aligns with the objectives as outlined in the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy.
“My research speaks directly to the pillars of ENVISION2030. Its people-centred as my oral healthcare innovations are designed to improve the quality of life in underserved communities by providing affordable alternatives to conventional products. Its innovative which shows the transformation of waste (eggshells) into high-performance biomaterials represents a novel approach to sustainability and healthcare. Most importantly, its impactful by producing tangible solutions, helps in training postgraduates, and fostering collaborations, my research contributes to DUT’s vision of being a globally recognised, innovative, and people-centred university,” he shared.
Some of the most innovative aspects of his work include waste-to-wealth innovation, converting eggshell waste into dental biomaterials reduces environmental pollution while addressing oral health needs. “Fluoride-free alternatives, where my formulations provide safe, effective desensitizing solutions in contexts where fluoride use may be limited or unsuitable. It has nanotechnology integration, using nanohydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide enhances remineralisation and desensitisation properties. These innovations advance academic knowledge in biomaterials science and also provide practical, low-cost, and sustainable oral care solutions for communities,” he explained.
A recent breakthrough for Dr Onwubu, in terms of his research was the successful development of a TRL 6 desensitising toothpaste prototype. “Laboratory evaluations show it significantly reduces dentine hypersensitivity and promotes enamel remineralisation. This finding has two major implications as it advances the field of oral biomaterials research by introducing an eco-friendly, waste-based material with clinical potential. “It has societal benefits, as it may lead to a cost-effective oral care product that can be scaled to benefit resource-limited communities in South Africa and beyond,” he shared.
Dr Onwubu sees his research contributing to the broader academic community and influencing future research directions in his field. His work contributes to the academic community by expanding the knowledge base on eco-friendly nanobiomaterials, demonstrating how circular economy principles can be embedded in oral health innovations; and training postgraduates in rigorous research and publication practices-evidenced by his master’s students graduating cum laude with multiple publications.
“In the long term, I see my research inspiring further exploration of sustainable, low-cost biomaterials and reinforcing the link between healthcare innovation and environmental stewardship,” he said.
For Dr Onwubu, he remarked that collaboration is at the core of his research. “I have worked with partners across South Africa and Nigeria, as well as through South Africa–Sweden joint research initiatives. These collaborations have enhanced access to advanced facilities, broadened the impact of findings, and provided opportunities for student exchange. Looking ahead, I am actively seeking industry collaborations to accelerate the commercialisation of my oral health innovations, ensuring that they move from the laboratory to the marketplace,” he added.
Looking ahead, Dr Onwubu’s future research goals, include advancing his toothpaste formulation to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) through pilot testing and clinical validation.
“Strengthening industry and community partnerships to scale and commercialise research outputs. Continuing to mentor and support postgraduate students, maintaining a strong pipeline of cum laude graduates with impactful publications. Also, aligning with DUT’s ENVISION2030 and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to good health and wellbeing (SDG 3), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12),” he relayed.
Dr Onwubu’s long-term vision is to be at the forefront of developing sustainable biomaterials that transform waste into healthcare solutions, reinforcing DUT’s role as a university that produces innovative, impactful, and globally relevant research.
Pictured: Dr Stanley Chibuzor Onwubu
Waheeda Peters
