Skills

  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing

Experience

David Musau

Work experience
  • My tenure as a Laboratory Technician at BioProduction (K) Ltd., I played an important role in ensuring the high-quality production of beneficial mites Amblyseius californicus and Amblyseius swirskii. These mites are integral components of biological control programs aimed at managing pests namely: red mites (Tetranychus urticae), thrips (Thysanoptera), and broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus).
  • My Key Achievements:
  • 1. Quality Production Assurance: I consistently upheld the company's commitment to delivering top-tier beneficial mites by carefully overseeing the production process. My attention to detail and dedication to maintaining quality standards ensured that our mites were effective in pest control.
  • 2. Culture Preparation: I was responsible for preparing the culture required for the beneficial mites. This involved precise and sterile techniques to guarantee the health and vitality of the mite populations.
  • 3. Microscopy Expertise: Leveraging microscopy techniques, I monitored the growth and multiplication of beneficial mites. My work also included identifying and addressing the presence of Tyrophagus putrescentiae, a common contaminant, to maintain the purity of our mite populations.
  • 4. Environmental Control: I maintained optimal environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity levels, within the production facility. These conditions were essential for the growth and multiplication of the mites, ensuring their vitality.
  • 5. Client Education: I conducted on-farm training sessions for our customers, equipping them with the knowledge and best practices needed to handle and apply the beneficial mites effectively. This resulted in maximum coverage and improved outcomes for pest control.
  • 6. Quality Control Enhancement: I actively contributed to enhancing the quality control (QC) protocols within the company. My efforts led to the refinement of existing processes, ensuring that our products consistently met and exceeded industry standards.
  • 7. Equipment Maintenance: I diligently performed equipment maintenance and ensured the cleanliness of the production facility. This proactive approach helped extend the lifespan of equipment and maintained a hygienic work environment.
  • 8. Documentation and Record-Keeping: I maintained comprehensive equipment records and daily work logs, fostering transparency and accountability within the production facility.

David Musau

Work experience
  • 1.Botanical Identification and Documentation: I gained expertise in identifying, documenting, and conserving or storing leaves, roots, and barks of medicinal plants. This skill is crucial in botanical research and the preservation of plant species for medicinal purposes.
  • 2.Extraction and Phytochemical Studies: I learned how to extract compounds from medicinal plants using Soxhlet Extraction and Maceration techniques and conducting phytochemical studies using Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This involved the isolation and analysis of bioactive compounds, which is essential for understanding the therapeutic potential of these plants.
  • 3.Evaluation of Plant Extracts for Various Properties:
  • Antimalarial Activity: I conducted both in vivo and in vitro assays to evaluate the potential of plant extracts as antimalarial agents. In Vivo Assays involved infecting mice with the malaria parasite and then administering the plant extracts to assess their efficacy in preventing or treating malaria. In Vitro Assays involved culturing malaria parasites in a controlled environment and exposing them to various concentrations of plant extracts to determine their effect on parasite growth or viability. This is significant in regions where malaria is prevalent.
  • Antibacterial Activity: I assessed the antibacterial properties of plant extracts using Disk Diffusion Assay and MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) Assay, these assays are important for developing natural antimicrobial agents.
  • Anticancer Activity: My work involved evaluating the potential anticancer properties of plant extracts using Cell Viability Assays. This is essential in the search for new cancer treatments.
  • Anti-viral Activity: I assessed the antiviral properties of plant extracts using Cytopathic Effect (CPE) Inhibition Assays and Virus Titration. This is particularly relevant in the context of emerging viral diseases.
  • Antioxidant Assays: I learned how to conduct FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) Assay to determine the antioxidant activity of plant extracts, which is important for understanding their potential health benefits.
  • Cytotoxicity Testing: I learned how to conduct Cell Viability Assays and LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) Assays to evaluate the cytotoxicity of plant extracts on mammalian cell lines, which is essential for assessing their safety for human use.
  • 4.Formulation of Herbal Remedies: I learned Formulation Chemistry, Stability Testing, and Quality Control techniques involved in the formulation of herbal remedies, including antibacterial soap and anti-viral cream. This practical experience in herbal product development is valuable for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

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