About

Dr. Vitus A. Apalangya is a Senior Lecturer and the Head of Department with a strong international research background, holding an MSc and PhD from Tuskegee University, USA, following his BSc from the University of Ghana. His research is at the forefront of sustainable materials science, with a primary focus on valorizing plant biomass and agricultural waste.

Dr. Apalangya's expertise lies in transforming these natural resources into functional bio-polymeric materials. His work specifically involves the design and fabrication of advanced nanostructured biomaterials for critical applications, including:

• Active & Intelligent Food Packaging: Developing biodegradable films and coatings integrated with nano-sensors to monitor food spoilage and extend shelf life.
• Sustainable Water Filtration: Engineering novel, multifunctional filtration systems using functionalized nanomaterials for water purification.
• Nutrient Delivery Systems: Utilizing advanced techniques like electrospinning for the nano- and micro-encapsulation of nutrients and food bioactives to enhance their stability and efficacy.

His research portfolio includes leading innovative projects such as the fabrication of active food packaging from functionalized cellulose nanocrystals and the design of water filtration systems incorporating green-synthesized nanoparticles. Dr. Apalangya's work, documented in numerous peer-reviewed publications, demonstrates a consistent commitment to developing "green" solutions for global challenges in food safety, water security, and sustainable manufacturing.

His research is characterized by a deep understanding of material characterization, nanotechnology, and a commitment to creating practical, environmentally benign technologies from renewable sources.

Education

(BSc (Ghana)

MSc & PhD (Tuskegee))

Research Interest

• Bio-polymeric Materials from Plant Biomass
  Development and characterization of biopolymers derived from renewable plant sources for diverse functional applications.
• Nanostructured Biomaterials for Active Food Packaging
  Design and fabrication of bio-based nanomaterials capable of extending shelf life, preventing spoilage, and enhancing food safety.
• Bio-Nanosensing of Food Spoilage
  Application of nanotechnology in creating sensitive detection systems for real-time monitoring of food quality and spoilage indicators.
• Electrospinning for Functional Materials
  Utilization of electrospinning techniques to produce advanced nanofibers for food packaging, biosensing, and environmental applications.
• Water Filtration Systems from Electrospun Biopolymers
  Fabrication of bio-based filtration membranes for removal of contaminants and improvement of water purification processes.
• Nano & Micro-Encapsulation of Nutrients
  Development of nano- and micro-encapsulation systems for controlled release and protection of nutrients and bioactive food components using electrospinning and complementary encapsulation technologies.

Publications

Apalangya, V., Rangari, Jeelani, V., Dankyi, E. Yaya, A., Darko, S. (2018). Rapid microwave synthesis of needle-liked hydroxyapatite nanoparticles via template directing ball-milled spindle-shaped eggshell particles Ceramics International, 44 (15), 7165-7171

Rangari, V. K., Apalangya, V., Biswas, M., & Jeelani, S. (2017). Preparation and microscopic characterization of biobased nanoparticles from natural waste materials. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 23(S1), 1938-1939.

Apalangya, V., Rangari, V., Tiimob, B., Jeelani, S., & Samuel, T. (2014). Development of antimicrobial water filtration hybrid material from bio source calcium carbonate and silver nanoparticles. Applied Surface Science, 295, 108-114.

Rahman, M. M., Netravali, A. N., Tiimob, B. J., Apalangya, V., & Rangari, V. K. (2016). Bio‐inspired “green” nanocomposite using hydroxyapatite synthesized from eggshell waste and soy protein. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 133(22).

Abugri, D. A., Tiimob, B. J., Apalangya, V. A., Pritchett, G., & McElhenney, W. H. (2013). Bioactive and nutritive compounds in Sorghum bicolor (Guinea corn) red leaves and their health implication. Food Chemistry, 138(1), 718-723.

Tiimob, B., Apalangya, V., Samuel, T., Jeelani, S., & Rangari, V. Synthesis, Characterization and In vitro Cytotoxicity Assessment of Eggshell-derived β-CaSiO3 Nano Biomaterial.