Durban University of Technology (DUT) Professor Santhosh K Pillai will explore the role of microorganisms and their enzymes in advancing sustainable solutions when he delivers his inaugural lecture on 28 August 2026.
Professor Pillai, a Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, will deliver his inaugural lecture titled ‘The Invisible Engineers: Biocatalysts Shaping a Sustainable Future’ at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson Campus.
The lecture will examine the transformative potential of microorganisms and their enzymes as biocatalysts in advancing a sustainable bioeconomy. It will highlight how microbial biotechnology can be harnessed to convert waste biomass into renewable fuels, high-value chemicals and bio-based products, while supporting greener alternatives to conventional chemical processes, effective bioremediation strategies and the development of sustainable materials.
Microorganisms have played a fundamental role in shaping the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles, maintaining ecological balance and driving biological processes that sustain life. Despite their microscopic size, their metabolic capabilities offer opportunities to develop innovative solutions to some of the environmental, industrial and societal challenges facing the world.
Professor Pillai’s research focuses on harnessing microorganisms and their enzymes to develop sustainable biotechnological solutions for industrial, agricultural, food and environmental challenges. His work emphasises microbial-driven biotransformation, using microorganisms as biological platforms to convert underutilised biomass and waste streams into high-value products within a circular bioeconomy framework.
A major focus of his research is biomass valorisation, particularly the transformation of agro-industrial residues, food processing waste and marine by-products into biofuels, biodegradable polymers, industrial enzymes, bioactive compounds and functional biomaterials. His research also explores microbial enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, metabolites and other bioactive compounds with potential applications in food preservation, health, agriculture and industrial bioprocessing.
More recently, Professor Pillai’s research has extended to next-generation biomaterials, including fungal mycelium-based materials, collagen-derived products from marine waste and functional nutraceuticals derived from indigenous fermented foods. His work seeks to connect microbial innovation with practical applications in waste valorisation, renewable energy, sustainable food systems and the development of bio-based products.
Professor Pillai has been part of the DUT academic community for more than two decades. He joined the University in 2004 as a doctoral student and completed his Doctor of Technology in Biotechnology in 2010. He subsequently progressed through the academic ranks, becoming a Lecturer in 2014, Senior Lecturer in 2016, Associate Professor in 2020 and Full Professor in 2025.
He is an NRF C2-rated researcher and has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, primarily in Q1 and Q2 journals, as well as 19 book chapters. His research has attracted more than 3 800 citations and he has an h-index of 29. He has also delivered nearly 50 presentations at national and international conferences.
Professor Pillai is committed to postgraduate development and mentorship. He has supervised 11 Master’s students, three doctoral candidates, and six Postdoctoral Fellows, and is currently supervising 11 PhD and nine Master’s students.
His contributions to research, teaching, postgraduate development, and academic engagement have been recognised through several awards. These include the Faculty of Applied Sciences Researcher of the Year Award in 2025, the Faculty Award for Excellence in Engagement and Collaborations in 2024, and the University Award for Best Postgraduate Supervisor in 2022.
Through The Invisible Engineers: Biocatalysts Shaping a Sustainable Future, Professor Pillai will bring together his research and academic journey to demonstrate how microbial biotechnology, enzyme technology, fermentation and biomass valorisation can contribute to sustainable innovation and support the transition towards a cleaner, more resilient and resource-efficient future.
The inaugural lecture will take place on 28 August 2026 at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson Campus. Guests are requested to arrive at 17:30 for 18:00. The lecture will also be available via YouTube livestream.
RSVPs close on Monday, 25 August 2026.
For enquiries, contact Ntando Mbuyazi at MbuyaziNM@dut.ac.za.
Tiyani Mboweni
