The Durban University of Technology (DUT) celebrates the distinguished academic career and research contributions of Chemistry Emeritus Professor Krishna Bisetty, whose more than three decades of scholarship have advanced scientific innovation, strengthened postgraduate development and expanded international research collaboration. An NRF B2-rated researcher, Professor Bisetty has built an impressive research legacy in computational chemistry, electrochemical sensing and biosensor technologies, contributing to scientific solutions with applications in healthcare, food safety and environmental sustainability.
His career reflects a sustained commitment to research excellence, innovation and the development of future generations of scholars. Through his research leadership, academic service, postgraduate supervision and international partnerships, he has contributed to strengthening DUT’s research capacity and advancing knowledge that responds to real-world challenges.
Professor Bisetty’s research achievements are recognised through his National Research Foundation (NRF) B2 rating, having progressed from a C1 rating. This distinction acknowledges his established research standing and international recognition for the quality and impact of his scholarly work.
“For me, this rating represents the collective achievements of many postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and collaborators who have contributed to the success of our research programme over many years. It reflects a sustained commitment to research excellence, innovation, mentorship and international collaboration,” he explained.
His contribution to DUT extends beyond research. Throughout his academic career, Professor Bisetty has served in several leadership positions, including Head of Department from 2014 to 2018 and Acting Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Applied Sciences from 2022 to 2023. In these roles, he contributed to strategic planning, academic development and stakeholder engagement. He remains grateful to Professor Suren Singh, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, for the opportunities and support that facilitated his professional growth and leadership development.
One of his notable academic contributions was the introduction of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Chemistry degree programme. He also played an important role in developing postgraduate research capacity in computational and electroanalytical chemistry. Despite the absence of specialised undergraduate and honours programmes in these fields, he successfully supervised more than 30 postgraduate students, providing advanced training in computational modelling integrated with electroanalytical techniques.
“This approach has ensured essential theoretical preparation for cutting-edge research and strengthened capacity for innovation in these fields,” he noted.
A significant part of Professor Bisetty’s research legacy is the Computational Modelling and Bioanalytical Chemistry Research Group, which he established and led. The group integrates computational chemistry, machine learning and electrochemical sensing technologies to advance the development of innovative analytical platforms.
His research has evolved from molecular modelling to the design of smart-engineered nanostructured electrode materials, modified electrode surfaces and single-particle characterisation for sensor development. The impact of this work is reflected in more than 150 peer-reviewed journal publications and 12 book chapters, with over 4 600 citations. He has a Google Scholar h-index of 35 and a Scopus h-index of 31.
Equally significant is his contribution to developing the next generation of researchers. Professor Bisetty has supervised 15 doctoral and 20 master’s graduates and mentored nine postdoctoral fellows. Many of his master’s students graduated with distinction, with each producing at least one or two publications from their dissertations. His doctoral students have also generated between two and three high-quality publications from their research.
For him, one of the most rewarding aspects of academic life has been seeing his former students progress into independent researchers and academics at universities locally and internationally.
Among his former students are Dr P Hloma, Dr MI Sabela and Dr NJ Gumede, with the latter two holding NRF Y2 ratings. Dr Gumede is a senior lecturer at Walter Sisulu University. Other former students include Professor P.P. Govender, an NRF C2-rated researcher at the University of Johannesburg; Professor T Singh and Professor P Singh, both NRF C2-rated researchers at the University of KwaZulu-Natal; and Professor S Kanchi in India. His mentorship continues to support emerging scholars, including Dr Lyndon Naidoo and Dr Kwanele Kunene, who are currently undertaking postdoctoral fellowships in Germany and Sweden, respectively.
Beyond DUT, Professor Bisetty has made significant contributions to the wider scientific community through scholarly leadership, professional service and international conference participation. He served as Guest Editor for the special issue, “Bioelectronics and Related Applications in Nanoscale”, and has been invited to deliver keynote and plenary presentations at national and international conferences.
His scientific service includes participation in organising committees for NanoAfrica in Durban in 2018, the 70th Annual International Society of Electrochemistry Symposium 15 on Computational Electrochemistry and Simulation in Durban in 2019, and the SACI Inorganic and Carbon Chemistry Conference in Durban in 2024.
His contribution received further recognition through a formal commendation from the President of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) for his leadership in successfully chairing the 7th International Symposium on Electrochemistry (ECSA25), held in Durban from 13 to 16 April 2025.
The symposium brought together distinguished plenary speakers, including two NRF A-rated researchers and invited experts from France and Italy. Professor Bisetty regarded the involvement of his students and staff members in the Local Organising Committee as particularly rewarding, as it provided them with an opportunity to contribute to a major scientific gathering and engage with researchers and industry representatives.
While his academic achievements are extensive, Professor Bisetty’s current research continues to focus on addressing practical challenges through the development of next-generation electrochemical sensing platforms. His work combines nanostructured electrode materials and electroactive technologies to develop biosensors for applications in healthcare, food safety and environmental monitoring.
“By combining analytical techniques with theoretical approaches, we design cutting-edge sensors aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy. A central objective is the design, modelling and fabrication of doped smart materials that strengthen health monitoring and biosensing systems,” he explained.
His interest in this field originated during his master’s and doctoral training in computational chemistry at the University of Natal, now the University of KwaZulu-Natal, under the supervision of Professor Gert Kruger and the late Professor Tony Ford.
This foundation was strengthened through collaborations with leading research groups in Spain, France and Germany. He gradually recognised that computational tools could do more than explain molecular behaviour. They could also guide the design of practical sensing devices capable of addressing challenges in healthcare, food safety and environmental protection.
“Our research has focused on building synergies between electroanalytical and computational chemistry, using computational methods to generate models that interpret experimental data and reveal substrate-electroactive species interactions at both atomistic and molecular levels,” he said.
Among the group’s notable research advances is the development of highly sensitive electrochemical immunosensors and aptasensors for detecting mycotoxins and synthetic food colourants. The group is also exploring metal-organic framework (MOF) composites for advanced biosensing applications.
Another important development is the integration of machine learning and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) approaches into sensor development and environmental toxicity prediction. These methods are creating opportunities for data-driven materials design and improving the performance and reliability of sensing technologies.
“Our group has also incorporated machine learning and QSAR approaches into sensor development and environmental toxicity prediction, opening new opportunities for data-driven materials design. Recent publications demonstrate how combining experimental and computational approaches can significantly improve sensor performance and reliability. These advances have important implications for public health, food quality monitoring and environmental sustainability,” he explained.
A particularly promising development from the research group is a South African-patented chilli-based electrochemical aptasensor designed for applications in the food industry. A prototype has already been manufactured and is available for market testing. The technology is designed as a digital instrument for measuring the heat intensity of peppers and chillies, demonstrating the potential of electrochemical research to move beyond academic investigation towards practical industrial applications.
“The next phase is to pursue commercialisation and secure intellectual property rights for the device, recognised as a novel digital instrument designed to measure the heat intensity of peppers and chillies,” he added.
The development illustrates the practical possibilities emerging from the group’s integration of computational modelling, electrochemical techniques and materials science, while opening opportunities for further industry engagement and technology commercialisation.
Collaboration has also been central to Professor Bisetty’s research success. Over the years, he has established national and international partnerships with researchers in South Africa, Spain, Germany, France, China and India. These relationships have facilitated knowledge exchange, postgraduate training, joint publications and access to specialised expertise and research infrastructure.
“Our partnerships with institutions such as the University of Valencia, the Technical University of Catalonia, Jiangxi Agricultural University, PostNova Analytics in Germany and the University of Montpellier have significantly strengthened the international profile of our research programme. Industry collaborations have also assisted with technology transfer, advanced instrumentation and the commercialisation potential of research outputs,” he said.
Professor Bisetty’s research aligns with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, particularly its emphasis on innovation, sustainability, societal impact and research excellence. Through the development of affordable biosensing technologies, his work has the potential to contribute to improved healthcare diagnostics, food quality assurance and environmental protection.
His multidisciplinary research approach also supports the University’s commitment to developing skilled, adaptive graduates and strengthening research capacity. By bringing together chemistry, materials science, computational modelling and artificial intelligence, his research group provides postgraduate students with opportunities to acquire advanced scientific and technological skills.
Although now retired, Professor Bisetty remains actively involved in research as an Emeritus Professor. He continues to mentor postgraduate students, collaborate with colleagues and support research development locally and internationally.
Looking ahead, his research priorities include expanding the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in sensor development, advancing sustainable electrochemical technologies, strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations and continuing to mentor the next generation of researchers.
“I also aim to continue supporting postgraduate training and international partnerships while contributing to solutions that address healthcare, environmental sustainability, food security and industrial innovation. These goals align closely with DUT’s vision of producing impactful research that contributes to social and economic development,” he concluded.
Professor Bisetty’s career is a testament to the lasting value of research excellence, academic leadership and investment in people. His contributions extend beyond his own scholarly achievements to the researchers he has mentored, the scientific partnerships he has established and the innovations his research group continues to pursue.
As DUT celebrates his contribution, his journey reflects the University’s commitment to advancing knowledge, nurturing research talent and supporting innovation that makes a meaningful difference in society.
Pictured: Chemistry Emeritus Professor Krishna Bisetty.
Waheeda Peters
