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Dr John Masani Nduko

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Staff Information
PERSONAL DETAILS
Designation
SENIOR LECTURER
Corporate Email
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Personal Email
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Job Category
Teaching
Phone Number
+254728851448
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Agriculture
Directorate / Dept
DEPT. OF DAIRY ,FOOD SCIENCE AND TECH
Section
Academic
Address
536-20115, Egerton
SUMMARY

Dr. John Nduko holds a PhD and Master of Engineering in Biotechnology specializing in industrial biotechnology from Hokkaido University, Japan and B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology (First class) from Egerton University. He is currently a Senior Lecturer of Food Biotechnology and Food Microbiology at the Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, Kenya. He has worked as a research fellow at Hokkaido University in the past and his research interests range from Microbial Biotechnology, Food Science, Genetic and Metabolic Engineering to Bioprocess Development. Dr. Nduko has developed a strong record in research focusing on DNA-based diagnostic techniques to characterize microorganisms in traditionally fermented food products. He has also research interests in food product development, food safety, circular bioeconomy and food processes development. Towards this end, he has attracted 8 research grants as a PI or collaborator and been involved in a number of consultancies. Mainly, Dr. Nduko is also involved in the designing of a new fruits and vegetable dehydration plant with the government of Kenya as a Food safety expert (Kenya defense forces). Dr. Nduko has authored 39 articles in peer-reviewed journals among them 6 book chapters and he has has presented his research work in over 30 international conferences all over the world. He has supervised 9 MSc. students to completion and is currently supervising 15 others (Including 3 PhDs). Dr. Nduko also currently serves as a Biosafety expert (Roster of Experts) for the National Biosafety Authority of Kenya–Biotechnology and Biosafety disciplines (NBA) and has been involved in the assessment of the safety of Genetically Modified DNA vaccines. At the University, Dr Nduko is serving as an Associate Dean (Faculty of Agriculture), Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) champion, and has served as Departmental Examination Officer and Faculty Management Committee member, Student Advisor, Research sub-Committee member of Egerton University, Food Safety Management Team Member, Member of the Data Management and Curation Strategy Committee, Acting Departmental Chairman on certain dates, and a member of postgraduate committee at the Faculty in the past. Dr. Nduko has also served as postgraduate thesis examiner (Internal and external) and supervised a number of undergraduate student projects some of which have been published. Moreover, Dr. Nduko has been involved in developing proposals and consultancy bids for the University.

ORCID
http://0000-0003-2396-7479
ACADEMIA
https://egerton.academia.edu/johnnduko
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-nduko-phd-24834334/?originalSubdomain=ke
Researchgate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/John-Nduko
Google Scholar
https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=G5rjzbAAAAAJ&hl=en
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
  1. 2011-2014: PhD (Chemical Sciences and Engineering: Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry). Supervisor: Prof. Seiichi Taguchi. Institution: Hokkaido University, Japan (Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering).
  2. 2009 - 2011: Master of Engineering (Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry). Supervisor: Prof. Seiichi Taguchi. Institution:  Hokkaido University, Japan (Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering).
  3. 2000 - 2005: BSc. Food Science and Technology (1st class honours). Institution: Egerton University, Kenya (Faculty of Agriculture)
  4. 1995- 1998: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. Institution: Menyenya SDA High School, Kenya.
  5. 1987 - 1994: Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. Institution: Ikobe Primary School, Kenya.
FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION
  • Food Biotechnology,
  • Food Microbiology and Safety,
  • Food Science,
  • Protein Engineering,
  • Metabolic Engineering,
  • Synthetic Biology,
  • Molecular Biology,
  • Genetic Engineering,
  • Polymer Chemistry
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  1. 2021: Title: ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems Implementation. Training Body: Kenya Bureau of Standards.
  2. 2018: Title: Capacity building Training on consultancy services. Training Body: Egerton University, Kenya
  3. 2018: Title: Staff Retooling Workshop on Agripreneurship and Innovation Delivery Methodologies. Training Body: Egerton University, Kenya.
  4. 2017: Title: Sensitization of Third party funded research proposal writing. Training Body: East African Network of Learning of Adminstrators (EANLA) Workshop, JKUAT Kenya.
  5. 2017: Title: Biosafety regulatory framework for GMOs & Emerging breeding technologies and science communication. Training Body: National Biosafety Authority.
  6. 2017: Title: Leadership Program for Agricultural Research and Development for Agricultural National Institutions. Training Body: African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) in collaboration with Moi University.
  7. 2014: Title: Research proposal writing skills. Training Body: Egerton University, Kenya
  8. 2013: Title: Preparing Future Faculty Certificate (An introduction to teaching and writing). Training Body: Hokkaido University, Japan in collaboration with University of California, Berkeley, USA.
  9. 2008: Title: Intensive course in Japanese language. Training Body: International Student Centre, Hokkaido University, Japan
WORK EXPERIENCE

1. 09/2021-Present. Position: Senior Lecturer, Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, Kenya

2. 01/2014–09/2021. Position: Lecturer, Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University, Kenya

Responsibilities

  • Teaching both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students.
  • Conduct research in Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Food Science among others.
  • Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects.
  • Student advising.
  • Participate in faculty board and departmental meetings.
  • Curriculum development and review

2. May 04–08/2004: Intern: Kenya Bureau of Standards Laboratories, Nairobi, Kenya. Worked in Food, Agriculture and Mycotoxin Laboratories.

KEY PROJECTS
  1. 2021-2026: Title: A Circular Bioeconomy for the Kenyan Dairy Sector. Donor: Danida. Amount: 672,188 Euros. Role: Collaborator.
  2. 2020-2022: Title: Adding value to camel milk value chain in Northern Kenya. Donor: African agriculture knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP) scheme of the Government of the UK. £214,303. Role: Academic Support /Collaborator.
  3. 2019-2022: Title: Increased stakeholder participation in enhancing food safety in the Camel milk value chain in Kenya. Donor: Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). 210,000USD. Role: Collaborator.
  4. 12/2017-Present: A team member of a group that developed a bid for a consultancy for the training of existing University and technical training institutes (TTIs) teaching staff in engineering and applied sciences under the faculty of Agriculture of Egerton University (15 MSc& 10 PhD scholarships). Client: African development Bank through the Kenyan Ministry of Education. Program duration: 2017–2020. 45 million Ksh.
  5. 01/2016–12/2017: Title: Molecular Characterization of the Microbial Communities of Traditional Spontaneously Fermented Milk, Amabere amaruranu in Kenya. Donor: Global student innovation. Michigan State University Global Centre for Food Systems Innovation (GCFSI), USA. 10,000 USD. PI (Lead supervisor): Dr. John Masani Nduko.
  6. 12/2015–2017: Title: Molecular Characterization of the Microbial Communities of Traditional Spontaneously Fermented Milk in Kenya. Donor: The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). 15,357 USD. PI: Dr. John Masani Nduko.
  7. 10/2015–2017: Title: Grasshopper/ Locust farming as a sustainable feed/ food ingredient source for non-ruminant livestock and humans for enhanced food security, poverty alleviation, and resilience to climate change in Kenya. Donor: Michigan State University Global Centre for Food Systems Innovation (GCFSI), USA. 100,000 USD. PI: Dr. John Masani Nduko.
  8. 04/2011- 12/2013: Title: Production of lactate (LA)-based polymers from lignocellulose biomass. Donor: Global Centre of Excellence (GCOE), Hokkaido University, Japan. 350,000 Yen (4400 USD). PI: Prof. Seiichi Taguchi. Role: Student researcher.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
  1. Biotechnology: Molecular diagnostics, Fermentation technology, Bioprospecting, Circular bioeconomy, probiotics and prebiotics
  2. Food product development: Use of fermentation technology, use of underutilized crops such as chia seed, cassava, Sweet potato, Arrow roots, mangoes, finger millet, mushrooms,  and insects such as locusts and grasshoppers
  3. Food safety: Microbial safety, antimicrobial resistance, mycotoxins, fish, meat and milk safety
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

Journal papers

  1. Mercy Mwikali Katiku, Joseph Wafula Matofari, John Masani Nduko (2022). Preliminary Evaluation of Probiotic Properties  and Safety Profile of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Isolated from Spontaneously Fermented Milk, Amabere Amaruranu. Heliyon. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10342. 19.4

  2. Ruth Adongo Okoth, Joseph Wafula Matofari, John Masani Nduko (2022). Effectiveness of Levilactobacillus brevis fermentation on antinutrients and protein quality of selected cassava leaf varieties. Applied Food Research, 2 (2):100134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2022.100134. 

  3. Zemenu K. Terefe, Mary N. Omwamba, John M. Nduko. (2022). Optimization of extrusion cooking variables for production of protein enriched maize-cassava leaf composite instant porridge flour. International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture, 2022, 6(1), 93-106. http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2022.03.012.

  4. Terefe, Z. K., Omwamba, M. N., Nduko, J. N. (2022). Functional properties, in vitro protein digestibility and mineral contents of extruded flour developed from maize-cassava leaf composites. Research Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 7(1), Pp. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.31248/RJFSN2021.132.

  5. Brian O. Ochieng, Joseph O. Anyango, John M. Nduko, Fathiya M. Khamis, Peter J. Egonyu, Sevgan Subramanian, Xavier Cheseto, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Cynthia M. Mudalungu, Chrysantus M. Tanga. (2021). Dynamics in Nutrients, Sterols and Total Flavonoid Content during Processing of the Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper (Ruspolia differens Serville) for Food. Food Chemistry, 383 (2022) 132397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132397.
  6. Zemenu K. Terefe, Mary N. Omwamba, John M. Nduko. (2022). Effect of microbial fermentation on nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of cassava leaf. Journal of Food Safety (In Press). https://doi.org/10.1111/jfs.12969
  7. Momanyi Micah Rambeka, John Masani Nduko, Mary Omwamba. (2021). Effect of hermetic Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag on chemical and anti-nutritional properties of common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties during storage. Current Research in Food Science, 5 (2022): 107-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2021.12.014.
  8. Josphine Nyambura Muriithi, Joseph Wafula Matofari, John Masani Nduko. (2021). Amylolytic Microorganisms from Diverse Tropical Environment: Isolation, Identification, and AmylaseProduction. Applied Research, 2021, 1–9. DOI: 10.1002/appl.202100007.

  9. Veronica N. Kariuki, Oscar I. Ayuya, John M. Nduko. (2021). Effect of Women Access to Land on Household Nutritional Outcomes in Smallholder Production System: Application of Heterogeneous Treatment Effects. Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-08-2020-0161.

  10. Zemenu K. Terefe, Mary N. Omwamba, John M. Nduko. (2021). Effect of Solid State Fermentation on Proximate Composition, Anti-nutritional Factors and In-vitro Protein Digestibility of Maize Flour. Food Science and Nutrition. 2021;00:1–10. DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2599

  11. Martha Waithera Kuria, Joseph Wafula Matofari, John Masani Nduko. (2021). Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Functional Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Leather Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 6(2021)100206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2021.100206.

  12. Kebeya Nixon, John Masani Nduko, Muliro Patrick Simiyu (2021). Evaluation of Consumer Sensory Acceptability and Shelf life of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato-enriched Mozzarella Cheese. Current Nutrition and Food Sciences. DOI : 10.2174/1573401317999210422093112.
  13. Vestine Uwamariya, Lydia N. Wamalwa, Joseph Anyango, John M. Nduko, Stephen Indieka. (2021). Variation and Correlation of Corm Trace Elements, Anti-nutrients and Sensory Attributes of Taro Crisps.  Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. Volume 100, July 2021, 103896. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2021.103896.Uwamariya et al., 2021
  14. John Masani Nduko, and Seiichi Taguchi. (2021). Microbial production of biodegradable lactate-based polymers and oligomeric building blocks from renewable and waste resources. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. 8, Article ID 618077. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.618077. 
  15. Kebeya Nixon, Muliro Patrick Simiyu, John Masani Nduko. (2021). Physicochemical and Functional Characterization of Mozzarella Cheese Fortified with Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato Flour. Food Research (In Press).
  16. Richard Dickson Banda, John Masani Nduko, Joseph Wafula Matofari. (2020). Bacterial Biofilm Formation in Milking Equipments in Lilongwe, Malawi. J. Food Qual. Hazards Control 2020, 7(3): 142-148. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.7.3.4146.
  17. Everlyne Otondi A, John Masani Nduko, Mary Omwamba. (2020). Physico-chemical Properties of Extruded Cassava-Chia Seed Instant Flour. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2 (2020) 100058.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2020.100058.
  18. Hillary Odeckh Indago, Joseph Wafula Matofari, John Masani Nduko. (2020). Common Foodborne Pathogens associated with Ready-to-Eat Meat Products in Urban and peri-urban outlets in Nakuru County, Kenya. African Journal of Food Science (In Press).
  19. Moses Barasa Sichangi, John Masani Nduko, Joseph Wafula Matofari. (2020). Molecular Investigation of Potential Lactic Acid Bacteria Starter Culture Organisms/ Probiotics in the Kenyan Spontaneously Fermented Milk, Amabere Amaruranu. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 19(3):132-145. DOI: 10.3923/pjn.2020.132.145.
  20. Peter K. Kariuki, Faith J. Toroitich, George Ongamo, John Masani Nduko, Eunice Owino and Anthony King’ori. (2019). Diversity and abundance of Grasshopper and Locust Species in Nakuru County, Kenya. Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, 8(2): 102–109.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338208910
  21. Lelgut Lanoi Daisy, John Masani Nduko, Matofari Joseph W, Mulwa Richard S. (2019). Effect of Edible Gum Arabic Coating on the Shelf Life and Quality of Mangoes (Mangifera indica) During Storage. Journal of Food Science and Technology (In Press). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-019-04032-w.
  22. Banda Richard F. D., Matofari, Joseph W., John Masani Nduko. (2019). Hygienic Practices and Microbiological Quality of Milk from Peri-urban Dairy Farmers and Bulking Centres in Lilongwe, Malawi. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa. 67 (1): 79–90. file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/bahpa_20200229_67-1_fr_en.pdf.
  23. Veronica N. Kariuki, Oscar I. Ayuya, John M. Nduko. (2019). Determinants of women access and the extent of access of land among small-scale farmers in machakos county, Kenya: A double hurdle approach. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 10 (7): 2019. DOI: 10.7176/JESD.https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEDS/article/view/47496
  24. Keith Waweru Mwangi, John Masani Nduko, Anthony Kingori, Faith Toroitich, Abdul Faraj. (2019). Development and microbiological load of composite flours from locusts, grasshoppers and malted finger millet. African Journal of Food Science and Technology,  10(1): 13-20. DOI: http:/dx.doi.org/10.14303/ajfst.2019.004. https://www.interesjournals.org/articles/
  25. E S Nginya, J O Ondiek, A M King’ori, J M Nduko. (2019). Evaluation of grasshoppers as a protein source for improved indigenous chicken growers. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 31(1) 2019. http://lrrd.cipav.org.co/lrrd31/1/shilo31002.html#:
  26. John Masani Nduko, Rita Waihuini Maina, Rose Kirigo Muchina, Simon Kibet Kibitok (2018). Application of chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds as a functional component in the fortification of pineapple jam. Food Sci. Nutr. 2018: 1-6. DOI:10.1002/fsn3.819. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fsn3.819. 
  27. W. N. Wanjala, J. M. Nduko, M. C. Mwende. (2018). Coliforms contamination and hygienic status of milk chain in emerging economies. Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control, 5: 3-10. DOI:10.29252/jfqhc.5.1.3. http://jfqhc.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-390-en.pdf
  28. Mutungi C, Irungu FG, Nduko J, Mutua F, Affognon H, Nakimbugwe D, Ekesi S, Fiaboe KKM. (2017). Postharvest processes of edible insects in Africa: A review of processing methods, and the implications for nutrition, safety and new products development. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1365330.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853909/
  29. John Masani Nduko, Joseph W. Matofari, Zacchaeus Okoth Nandi, Moses Barasa Sichangi (2017). Spontaneously Fermented Kenyan Milk Products: A Review of the Current State and Future Perspectives. African Journal of Food Science and Technology, 11(1):1–11.https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJFS/article-full-text-pdf/E3C45B662071
  30. Simion Kibet Kibitok, John Masani Nduko (2016). Evaluation of Microbial contamination of Salad (Kachumbari) around Egerton University, Kenya. Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene, 2 (1/2): 26- 29. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321211275
  31. Nobert Wafula Wanjala, Joseph Wafula Matofari, John Masani Nduko. (2016). Antimicrobial effect of smoking milk handling containers inner surface as a preservation method in pastoral systems in Kenya. Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice, (2016) 6:17 DOI 10.1186/s13570-016-0064-y.https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13570-016-0064-y.pdf
  32. Nobert Wanjala Wafula, Joseph Wafula Matofari, John Masani Nduko, Peter Lamuka. (2016). Effectiveness of the sanitation regimes used by dairy actors to control microbial contamination of plastic jerry cans' surfaces.  International Journal of Food Contamination (2016), 3:9 DOI: 10.1186/s40550-016-0032-8. https://foodcontaminationjournal.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s40550-016-0032-8.pdf
  33. Jian Sun, Ken'ichiro Matsumoto, John Masani Nduko, Toshihiko Ooi, Seiichi Taguchi (2014). Enzymatic characterization of a depolymerase from the isolated bacterium Variovorax sp. C34 that degrades poly (enriched lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate).  Polym. Degrad. Stab. 110, 44–49. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141391014003164.
  34. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi and Seiichi Taguchi. (2014). Enhanced production of poly(lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) from xylose in engineered Escherichia coli overexpressing a galactitol transporter. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 98(6), 2453–2460. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24337250/
  35. Matsumoto Ken'ichiro, Terai Satsuki, Ishiyama Ayako, Sun Jian, Kabe Taizo, Song Yuyang, John Masani Nduko, Iwata Tadahisa, Taguchi Seiichi (2013). One-pot microbial production, mechanical properties and enzymatic degradation of isotactic P[(R)-2-hydroxybutyrate] and its copolymer with (R)-lactate. Biomacromolecules. 14 (6), 1913–1918. https://doi.org/10.1021/bm400278j
  36. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi and Seiichi Taguchi. (2013). Effectiveness of xylose utilization for high yield production of lactate-enriched P(lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) using lactate-overproducing strain of Escherichia coli and evolved lactate-polymerizing enzyme. Metab. Eng. 15, 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2012.11.007.
  37. Ken’ ichiro Matsumoto, John Masani Nduko and Seiichi Taguchi. (2013). Metabolic chemistry of microbial production of lactic acid and lactate-based polyesters (Article in Japanese). Chemistry and Biochemistry. Vol. 51, No. 7, pp. 448–456. DOI: 10.1271/kagakutoseibutsu.51.448.
  38. John Masani Nduko, Suzuki Wakako, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Hirokazu Kobayashi, Toshihiko Ooi, Atsushi Fukuoka & Seiichi Taguchi. (2012). Polyhydroxyalkanoates production from cellulose hydrolysate in Escherichia coli LS5218 with superior resistance to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. J. Biosci. Bioeng, 113, 70–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiosc.2011.08.021
  39. Matsumoto, K., Mukai, Y., Ogata, D., Shozui, F., Nduko, J. M., Taguchi, S. and Ooi, T. (2010). Characterization of thermostable FMN-dependent NADH azoreductase from the moderate thermophile Geobacillus stearothermophilus. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 86, 143 –1438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-009-2351-7.

Book Chapters/ Book contributions

  1. John Masani Nduko, Seiichi Taguchi (2019). Microbial production and properties of LA-based polymers and oligomers from renewable feedstock. In: Biofuels and Biorefineries, Vol. 9, Production of Materials from Sustainable Biomass Resources. Zhen Fang et al. (Eds):, Springer Nature. ISBN: 978-981-13-3767-3, 465828. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3768-0_12. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-13-3768-0_12
  2. John Masani Nduko (2016). Book Contribution: Electric Power Generation from the Renewable Agricultural Crop Residues in Kenya. In: A report Titled; “Municipal solid waste management and green economy”, Authored by: S. Elagroudy, M. A. Warith and M. El Zayat. Global Young Academy, Berlin, Germany. ISBN: 978-3-939818-65-6. https://globalyoungacademy.net
  3. Yuyang Song, John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Seiichi Taguchi. Microbial factory for the production of polyesters: a new platform of Corynebacterium glutamicum. 2015. Book title: Corynebacterium glutamicum: From Systems Biology to Biotechnological Applications. Edited by Andreas Burkovski and Friedrich-Alexander. Caister Academic Press, pp. 137–148. ISBN: 978-1-910190-05-0.https://www.caister.com/hsp/abstracts/cory2/09.html.
  4. John Masani Nduko, Sun Jian, Seiichi Taguchi. Chapter title: Biosynthesis, properties and biodegradation of lactate-based polymers. (2015). Book title: "Green Polymer Chemistry III: Biobased Materials and Biocatalysis". Edited by H. N. Cheng, Richard A. Gross, and Patrick B. Smith, ACS symposium series, Vol. 1192. Chapter 8, pp 113–131. Chapter DOI: 10.1021/bk-2015-1192.ch008. ISBN13: 9780841230651eISBN: 9780841230668. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/bk-2015-1192.ch008
  5. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto and Seiichi Taguchi. Book title: Green Polymer Chemistry: Biocatalysis and Materials II. Chapter title: Microbial Plastic Factory: Synthesis and properties of the new lactate-based and related biopolymers. (2013). ACS Symposium Series, Vol. 1144, edited by H. N. Cheng, R. Gross and P. Smith. American Chemical Society, pp. 175–197. ISBN13: 9780841228955. eISBN: 9780841228962. DOI: 10.1021/bk-2013-1144.ch013.
  6. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ ichiro Matsumoto and Seiichi Taguchi. Book title: Biobased monomers, polymers, and materials. Chapter title: Biological lactate-polymers synthesized by one-pot microbial factory: Enzyme and Metabolic Engineering. (2012). ACS Symposium Series Vol. 1105, Edited by Patrick B. Smith, Richard A. Gross. American Chemical Society, pp. 215–235. ISBN-13: 9780841227675. DOI: 10.1021/bk-2012-1105.ch014. 
CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCE/WORKSHOPS PRESENTATIONS (2010 - Present)

  1. M Katiku, J Matofari, J Nduko. The Probiotic Properties and Safety Profiling of Lactobacillus plantarum Isolated from Spontaneously Fermented Milk: Amabere amaruranu. Egerton University 14th Biennial International Conference. 23-25th March 2022. Egerton University, Kenya. https://conferences.egerton.ac.ke/index.php/euc/article/view/131.

  2. Ochieng, B.O., Anyango, J.O., Nduko, J.M., Khamis, F.M., Egonyu, J.P., Subramanian, S., Cheseto, X., Nakimbugwe, D., Ssepuuya, G., Mudalungu, C.M., Tanga, M.C. Changes in bioactive compounds and nutrient composition of edible long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens Serville) during thermal processing.  24th meeting and scientific conference of the African Association of Insect Scientists. 21-25th March 2022. Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

  3. John Nduko. The Inaugural Kenya one health conference. Virtual Meeting held on 6th – 8th December 2021 at ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya.

  4. Okoth. R.A, Matofari, J.W., Nduko, J.M. Investigating the probiotic characteristics of a microbial strain isolated from traditionally spontaneous fermented milk, Amabere amaruranu. The 12th Biennial Africa Farm Management Association (AFMA) Congress. 21- 25th November 2021. Panari Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
  5. Katiku, M.M., Matofari, J.W., J.M. Nduko. Probiotic potential and safety profiling of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from spontaneously fermented milk, Amabere amaruranu. The 12th Biennial Africa Farm Management Association (AFMA) Congress. 21- 25th November 2021. Panari Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
  6. John Masani Nduko. Capacity Building Workshop and sensitization for regulatory agencies, biosafety expert reviewers, institutional biosafety committee members of research institutions. Virtual Meeting on 22nd June 2021. Host: National Biosafety Authority (NBA).
  7. John Masani Nduko. PhD in Food Science and Nutrition Curriculum Review Workshop for Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technolology (JKUAT). 29–30th January 2018. At SAJOREC, JKUAT.
  8. John Masani Nduko. Workshop of Expert Risk Assessors and regulatory agencies on food and environmental risk assessment of GMO’s. Organized by the National Biosafety Authority. 7–8th December 2017, Kenya School of Monetary studies
  9. John Masani Nduko. Emerging Technologies in Food Production: Insects as Food and Feed. Pan Africa Chemistry Network Congress 2017: Sustainable Agriculture; How the Chemical Sciences Can Contribute to Food Security for a Growing Population. 7–9 November 2017, Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana.
  10. John M. Nduko, Keith W. Mwangi. Emerging Biotechnologies in Food Production: Edible Insects as Food and Feed. The 6th National Biosafety Conference. 3–6th October 2017, Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS), Nairobi, Kenya. http://biosafetykenya.go.ke/images/download/conferencematerials/6thannualpresentations/John-Nduko.pdf
  11. John M. Nduko. Application of Molecular Diagnostics to the Valorization of Kenyan Traditional Spontaneously Fermented milk products. UK - Kenya - South Africa Trilateral Workshop: Increased food security through improved postharvest systems using renewable and sustainable energy for rural communities. 4th–8th September 2017, Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  12. Keith W. Mwangi, Abdul Faraj, Anthony Kingori, Faith Toroitich, James Ondiek, Elizabeth Mbuthia, Oscar Ingasia, Joshua Ogendo, Nginya S. Eunice, Peter K. Kariuki & John M. Nduko. Locusts as Human Food: Processing Methods, Safety, and Nutritional Aspects. The 11th International Egerton University Conference. 29th–31st March 2017. Njoro Campus, Egerton University, Kenya.
  13. Nginya S. Eunice, Anthony Kingori, James Ondiek, Faith Toroitich, Elizabeth Mbuthia, Oscar Ingasia, Joshua Ogendo, Keith W. Mwangi, Peter K. Kariuki & John M. Nduko. Substitution of Fishmeal by Locusts for Chicken Grower Diets. The 11th International Egerton University Conference. 29th–31st March 2017. Njoro Campus, Egerton University, Kenya.
  14. John Masani Nduko, Joseph W. Matofari, Peninah Ngoda, Zacchaeus OKoth, Moses Sichangi. Application of Metagenomics to the Valorization of Kenyan Traditional Spontaneously Fermented Milk Products. The 5th National Biosafety Conference. 15–18th August 2016, Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS), Nairobi, Kenya. http://www.biosafetykenya.go.ke
  15. John Masani Nduko, Peninah Ngoda, Joseph Matofari. Traditional Spontaneously Fermented Foods and Beverages of Kenya: Biotechnological approaches, health implications, and commercial opportunities. The 4th National Biosafety Conference. 11–14th August 2015, Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS), Nairobi, Kenya. https://www.researchgate.net/publication
  16. Ngoda Peninah Njiraine, Nduko John M., Dorcas Isutsa, Elliot Christopher, Connolly Lisa. Risk assessment of phytoestrogens’ endocrine disruptive properties/potential by use of bioassays. The 4th National Biosafety Conference. 11–14th August 2015, Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS), Nairobi, Kenya. https://www.facebook.com/286372964757168/posts
  17. Jian Sun, John Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi, Seiichi Taguchi. Characterization of substrate specificity of a poly (enriched lactate-co-hydroxybutyrate) depolymerase. The Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry (JSBBA). 26 – 29th March 2015. Okayama University Tsushima campus (Okayama, Japan)
  18. K. Matsumoto, J. M. Nduko, J. Sun, S. Taguchi. Engineering of bacteria and pathways toward efficient plastic production from renewable feedstock. 5th Symposium on Academic Exchange and Collaborative Research. 27–28th November 2014. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
  19. Jian Sun, John Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi, Saiichi Taguchi. Enzymatic characterization of a polymer degrading enzyme purified from an isolated bacterium. The Society for biotechnology of Japan. 9–11th September 2014. Sapporo Convention Center, Sapporo, Japan.
  20. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi, Abdul Faraj, and Seiichi Taguchi. Efficient production of lactate-based polyesters from renewable biomass using recombinant Escherichia coli. The 3rd National Biosafety Conference. 11–14th August 2014, KICC, Nairobi, Kenya. http://www.biosafetykenya.go.ke/Docs/Dr.%20John.pdf
  21. Jian Sun, John Nduko, Ken'ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi, Seiichi Taguchi. Purification and characterization of a polymer degrading enzyme from an isolated bacterium. 2014 Annual Meeting of Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry. 28th March 2014. Meiji University-Ikuta campus (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan).
  22. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi, and Seiichi Taguchi.  Efficient production of poly(lactate-co-hydroxybutyrate)using hemicelluloses derived sugar, xylose, in engineered Escherichia coli overexpressing a galactitol transporter. Frontier Chemistry center, The 2nd International symposium (Advanced Materials Science) (9–10th Dec, 2013), Sapporo, Japan.
  23. Jian Sun, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, John Masani Nduko and Seiichi Taguchi. Biosynthesis, Physical properties and enzymatic degradation of isotactic (R)-2-hydroxybutyrate-based polyester. Frontier Chemistry center, The 2nd International symposium (Advanced Materials Science) (9–10th Dec, 2013), Sapporo, Japan.
  24. Toshihiko Ooi, Sasaki Shouhei, John Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto and Seiichi Taguchi. Microbial production of P(3HB) from plant biomass. The Society for biotechnology of Japan, 65th meeting. September 18–20th 2013. Hiroshima, Japan.
  25. Shouhei Sasaki, Toshihiko Ooi, John Nduko, Ken’ ichiro Matsumoto and Seiichi Taguchi. Copolymer production from plant biomass using recombinant E. coli. The Society for Biotechnology of Japan, 65th meeting. September 18–20th 2013. Hiroshima, Japan.
  26. Shouhei Sasaki, Nduko, J M, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi and Seiichi Taguchi. Efficient production of lactate-enriched lactate-based polymers from lignocellulosic biomass. The Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry (JSBBA), Hokkaido branch, November, 2012. Hokkaido University, Japan.
  27. S. Taguchi, K. Matsumoto, M. Yamada, Y. Song, J. Nduko, Microbial plastic factory: ‘New lactate-based and related biopolymers’ (Invited Lecture), International   Conference on Bioinspired and Biobased Chemistry & Materials. October 3–5th, 2012. Nice, France.

  28. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi and Seiichi Taguchi. Efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass-derived sugars into poly[lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli, The 15th International Biotechnology Symposium (IBS 2012). September 16–21st 2012. EXCO, Daegu, South Korea.

  29. John M Nduko, Ken'ichiro Matsumoto, Yuyang Song, Seiichi Taguchi. Microbial plastic factory: Synthesis and properties of the new lactate-based and related biopolymers, The 244th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting & Exposition (August 19–23rd, 2012), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
  30. Nduko John Masani, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto and Seiichi Taguchi. Biosynthesis and properties of advanced biopolymers containing lactate by metabolically engineered bacteria, The 244th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting & Exposition (August 19–23rd, 2012), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
  31. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi and Seiichi Taguchi. Lactate-based polyesters production by recombinant bacteria using lignocellulosic biomass sugars as carbon sources, The 12th Japan-China-Korea Joint Symposium on Enzyme Engineering (May 28–31st 2012), Kanazawa, Japan.
  32. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi and Seiichi Taguchi. Bioconversion of the hemicellulosic sugar, xylose, into lactate-based polyesters using recombinant Escherichia coli, The American Chemical Society (ACS), 243rd National Meeting and Exposition (March 25–29th, 2012), San Diego, California-USA.
  33. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Hirokazu Kobayashi, Toshihiko Ooi, Atsushi Fukuoka and Seiichi Taguchi. Biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates from cellulose hydrolysate in Escherichia coli strain with superior tolerance to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, The 5th GCOE international symposium, February 21–22nd, 2012. Conference hall, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
  34. John Masani Nduko, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Toshihiko Ooi, and Seiichi Taguchi. Production of lactate-based polyesters from xylose in Escherichia coli, The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. 63rd Annual meeting (September 26–28th, 2011). Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan.
  35. John Masani Nduko, Wakako Suzuki, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto, Hirokazu Kobayashi, Toshihiko Ooi, Atsushi Fukuoka and Seiichi Taguchi. Polyhydroxyalkanoates production from cellulose hydrolysate in Escherichia coli LS5218 with superior resistance to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, The 2011 Taiwan-Japan bilateral polymer symposium, September 14–17th, 2011. National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
  36. Nduko John Masani, Ken’ichiro Matsumoto and Seiichi Taguchi. Efficient xylose utilization in microbial production of lactate (LA)-based polymers. The 45th Society of Polymer Science Japan, Hokkaido branch, February 1st, 2011. Hokkaido University, Japan.
  37. J. Nduko, D. Ogata, T. Okei, K. Matsumoto, T. Ooi and Taguchi. S. Molecular cloning, purification and characterization of an azoreductase from psychrotolerant Exiguobacterium sibiricum, The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. July 23rd, 2010. Kitami Institute of Technology, Hokkaido, Japan.
HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS
  1. 2018. Award: Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) Mid-Atlantic Regional Excellence in Technology Transfer Award. For project: "Unlocking the Protein Potential of Grasshoppers and Locusts".  14th November 2018. file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/2018-FLC-MA-Awards.pdf
  2. 2017: Award: Travel Award. Award by the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK to present a conference paper at Accra in Ghana in November 6th- 9th 2017.
  3. 2017: Award: Travel award to present; Application of Molecular Diagnostics to the Valorization of Kenyan Traditional Spontaneously Fermented milk products. UK - Kenya - South Africa Trilateral Workshop: Increased food security through improved postharvest systems using renewable and sustainable energy for rural communities. 4th–8th September 2017, Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  4. 2015: Award: Global Young Academy Travel award. Travel to Germany for conference presentation in Halle, Germany in October 22–23rd, 2015. (Did not travel).
  5. 2008 - 2014: Award: Research fellow, Masters and Doctors courses Scholarship by the Japanese government (Monbukagakusho-MEXT Scholarship).
  6. 2011: Award: Professor Otsuka Hiroshi memorial prize. Awarded for an outstanding record in the Masters course at the Division of Biotechnology and Macromolecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan.
TEACHING AREAS
  1. Food Biotechnology
  2. Food Microbiology
POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION
MASTERS LEVEL :

Completed Supervision

  1. Mike Rambeka Momanyi (MSc. in Food Science). Evaluation of the quality changes of common beans (Phaseolus
    vulgaris L.) varieties during storage in hermetic polyethylene bags. Status: Graduated in July 2022.

  2. Okoth Ruth Adongo (MSc. in Food Science). Probiotic properties of Levilactobacillus brevis and its effect on antinutrients and protein quality of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves. Status: Graduated in July 2022.

  3. Everlyne Akinyi Otondi (MSc. in Food Science). Effect of optimization of Extrusion cooking on cassava (Manihot esculenta. C)- chia (Salvia hispanica L) protein- enriched instant porridge flour. Status: Graduated in December 2021.
  4. Vestine Uwamariya (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Nutritional composition and organoleptic properties of value-added products  made from Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) grown in central and western regions Kenya. Status: Graduated in December 2021.
  5. Martha Waithera Kuria (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Effect of lactic acid fermentation on functional properties of mango (Mangifera indica) pulp leather. Status: Graduated in December 2021.
  6. Nixon Kebeya (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Enrichment of Mozzarella cheese with orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L.) and evaluation of its quality. Status: Graduated in June 2021.
  7. Daisy Lanoi Lelgut (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Effects of gum Arabic surface treatment on quality preservation of whole mango (Mangifera indica) and evaluation of canning technology for mango chunks in Makueni County. Status: Graduated in July 2020
  8. Moses Barasa Sichangi (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Molecular characterization of the microbial communities and development of starter culture from traditional spontaneously fermented milk, amabere amaruranu in Kenya. Status: Graduated in July 2020
  9. Richard Fredrick Dickson Banda (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Hygiene Practices of Small and Medium Enterprise Milk Processing Plants and their Influence on Development of Biofilm in Lilongwe, Malawi. Status: Graduated in June 2019.
  10. Veronicah Njeri Kariuki (MSc. Applied Agriculture & Economics). Title: Effect of women access to land on nutritional outcomes among small scale farmers in Machakos county, Kenya. Status: Graduated in June 2019.
  11. Nobert Wanjala Wafula (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Analysis of sanitation practices used by dairy sub-value chain actors at rural, peri-urban and pastoral systems and their effect on milk loss in Kenya. Status: Graduated in June 2017.

Ongoing

  1. Josephine N. Muriithi (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Screening and molecular characterization of microorganisms with potential hydrolytic enzymes for cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) starch. Status: Thesis under examination.
  2. Katiku Mercy Mwikali (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Functional characterization of African Lactobacillus plantarum isolate in fermented finger millet-cassava complementary porridge. Status: Thesis under examination.
  3. Hillary Odeckh Indago (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Characterization of Foodborne Pathogens Associated with Ready-to-Eat Meat Products at Major Outlets in Nakuru Sub-County. Status: Submitted thesis.
  4. Kinyua Caroline Nyaguthii (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Development and evaluation of mushroom based-sausage analogue containing gum arabic or soy concentrate as binders. Status: Writing thesis.
  5. Chepkwony Ronald (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Antibiotic resistant E. coli and related antibiotic resistance genes in ready-to-eat red meat products in Nakuru county, Kenya. Status: Submitted thesis.
  6. Brian Onyango Ochieng (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Nutritional value, microbial quality, shelf-life and consumer acceptability of cookies enriched with Ruspolia differens flour from different processing methods. Status: Thesis under examination.
  7. Marimpet Habert Kioma (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Variety and maturity stage effect on functional oligosaccharide  production from fermented cassava for utilization as a prebiotic. Status: Ongoing with data collection.
  8. Flomena Cyprian Laswai (MSc. in Food Science). Title: Valorisation of orange (Citrus sinensis) processing wastes for pectinase enzymes production using Aspergillus niger. Status: Writing thesis.

  9. Linda Sitati (MSc. in Food Science). Cassava and potato processing wastes as sources of single cell proteins for utilization as a food and feed supplement. Status: Ongoing with data collection.

PhD. LEVEL :

Ongoing

  1. Zemenu Kerie Terefe (PhD in Food Science). Title: Development of protein enriched maize - cassava leaf composite extruded instant porridge flour. Status: Thesis under examination
  2. James Adero Obar (PhD in Food Science). Title: Post-harvest handling and probiotic utilization in production and preservation of fish in aquaculture system in Kenya. Status: On-going. Started data collection
  3. Milcah Wambua (PhD in Food Science). Title: Effect of variety and processing methods on the chemical and functional properties of cassava flour and its influence on product development. Status: On-going. Started data collection.
OTHER SOCIETIES
  1. American Chemical Society (ACS) (Member)
  2. East African Network of Learning of Adminstrators (EANLA) (Member)
  3. The Society for Biotechnology, Japan (Member)
  4. Kenya-Japan Alumni Association (Member)
REFEREES

Dr. Mary Omwamba

CoD, Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology, Egerton University

P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Professor Seichi Taguchi

Department of Chemistry for Life Sciences and Agriculture,

Faculty of Life Sciences and Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan.

E-mail; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Dr. Naftaly Githaka

Research Scientist, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya

P.O. Box 30709 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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