Dr Mapula Razwinani
About me
Dr. Mapula Razwinani is a dynamic biomedical scientist, research strategist, and innovation leader with over 15 years of experience in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and plant-based therapeutics. She is currently a Researcher at the FALF-FREF-NMU Research Chair in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion at Nelson Mandela University, where she leads a SAMRC-funded project on the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Pterocarpus angolensis in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
Dr. Razwinani is widely recognised for translating laboratory discoveries into practical biomedical innovations. She has pioneered plant-based hydrocolloid wound dressings, developed scaffolds for bone and cartilage regeneration, and contributed to the commercialisation of natural products such as La-Africa Soother. Her work uniquely integrates indigenous knowledge systems with biotechnology to address Africa’s pressing health challenges.
An award-winning scientist and mentor, Dr. Razwinani has published 12 peer-reviewed papers, secured national and international patents, and raised over R7 million in competitive grants. She is also an active science communicator, known for empowering young scientists, particularly women, through mentorship, speaking engagements, and her influential blog.
Passionate about bridging science, society, and policy, Dr. Razwinani continues to champion African-led solutions that advance regenerative medicine and deliver sustainable health impact
Dr. Mapula Razwinani is a dynamic biomedical scientist, research strategist, and innovation leader with over 15 years of experience spanning regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and plant-based therapeutics. She currently serves as a Researcher at the FALF-FREF-NMU Research Chair in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion at Nelson Mandela University, where she leads a South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)–funded project investigating the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Pterocarpus angolensis in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Her work reflects a strong commitment to translational science—bridging fundamental research with scalable, socially responsive health solutions.
Renowned for translating laboratory discoveries into real-world biomedical applications, Dr. Razwinani has pioneered the development of plant-based hydrocolloid wound dressings for burn injuries and tissue engineering scaffolds for bone and cartilage regeneration. Central to her research philosophy is the integration of indigenous knowledge systems with cutting-edge biotechnology, an approach that positions African heritage as a driver of scientific innovation. Through this lens, her work addresses some of the continent’s most pressing health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, chronic wound care, and regenerative therapies, while advancing locally relevant, affordable, and sustainable medical technologies.
Dr. Razwinani has held research and academic appointments at leading institutions, including the Durban University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, and Global Health Biotech (Pty) Ltd. At Global Health Biotech, she served as Part-Time Operational Manager, where she oversaw ISO-compliant product development, regulatory compliance, and commercialisation pathways for biomedical innovations. Among these was the La-Africa Soother, a plant-based anti-inflammatory ointment developed for accessible community healthcare. Her industry experience has strengthened her expertise at the interface of science, regulation, and entrepreneurship.
Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Razwinani is a passionate science communicator and thought leader. Through her widely read blog and public engagements, she shares insights on networking, collaboration, and science communication as tools for community engagement and research impact. She is particularly committed to empowering early-career researchers and women in science, often weaving African proverbs and cultural values into her reflections to bridge science, society, and policy. Her voice has become a catalyst for re-imagining how African science can serve both local communities and global health priorities.
A dedicated mentor and STEMI advocate, Dr. Razwinani has supervised and co-supervised postgraduate students across multiple institutions, nurturing the next generation of African scientists and innovators. She is a sought-after invited speaker, adjudicator, and mentor, contributing to platforms such as the Youth Indaba on Research Commercialisation, Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) South Africa National Chapter, BRICS Young Scientist Forum, and the South African Women in Science Awards. Her mentorship is characterised by a strong emphasis on excellence, ethics, and impact-driven research.
Her scientific excellence and societal contributions have been recognised through numerous accolades, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Award (2023), the Outstanding Female Postdoctoral Fellow Award (2023), and a Special Award for Contribution to the Lemba Cultural Association (2024). These honours reflect her dual commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and uplifting communities through culturally grounded innovation.
Dr. Razwinani’s research portfolio comprises 12 peer-reviewed publications, national and international patents, and multiple competitively funded projects. She has secured over R7 million in research funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF), SAMRC, and international funding bodies, while maintaining strong collaborative networks with academic, industrial, and policy stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
At the intersection of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Mapula Razwinani continues to champion African-led solutions to global health challenges, shaping the future of regenerative medicine and biomedical technology with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and lasting societal impact.
Degrees:
Kula, H., Motaung, S., Razwinani, M., Adeyemi, S.A., Ubanako, P., Ngema, L.M., Fonkui, T.Y., Ndinteh, D.T., Kumar, P., Choonara, Y.E., & Aderibigbe, B.A. (2025). Polyvinyl alcohol‐based cryogels: Design, characterization, and in vitro biological studies. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, p.e57508. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10974628
Mashilo, C.M., Sibuyi, N.R., Botha, S., Meyer, M., Razwinani, M., Motaung, K.S., & Madiehe, A.M. (2025). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using a cocktail aqueous extract of Capparis sepiaria root and Tabernaemontana elegans bark. ChemistrySelect, 10, e202404781. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202404781
Thiba, O.N., Razwinani, M., & Motaung, K.S. (2025). The inclusion of design thinking as a tool for entrepreneurship at the Durban University of Technology. African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, 7(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.51415/ajims.v7i1.1631
Sibanda, S., Razwinani, M., & Motaung, K.S. (2025). Impact of phytochemical-based hydrocolloid dressings on wound healing: A comparative review. Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development, 9(1), a267. https://doi.org/10.4102/jomped.v9i1.267
Ndlovu, S.P., Motaung, K.S.C.M., Razwinani, M., Alven, S., Adeyemi, S.A., Ubanako, P.N., Ngema, L.M., Fonkui, T.Y., Ndinteh, D.T., Kumar, P., Choonara, Y.E., & Aderibigbe, B.A. (2024). Capparis sepiaria-loaded sodium alginate single- and double-layer membrane composites for wound healing. Pharmaceutics, 16(10), 1313. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101313
Razwinani, M., Tshikovhi, N., & Motaung, K.S. (2024). Benefits and challenges of research commercialisation in South Africa: A systemic review. African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, 6(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.51415/ajims.v6i1.1210
Razwinani, M., & Motaung, K.S. (2022). The influence of friedelin, resinone, tingenone and betulin compounds on chondrogenic differentiation of porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pADMSCs). Biochimie, 196, 234–242. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biochimie
Razwinani, M., & Motaung, K.S. (2020). The effects of Pleurostylia capensis crude extracts on the chondrogenic differentiation of porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Journal of Rheumatology Research, 2(2), 87–97.
Ssemakalu, C.C., Razwinani, M., Maepa, M.J., & Motaung, K.S. (2016). Pterocarpus angolensis crude extracts induce the expression of collagen type II in articular cartilage in vitro. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 13(1), 76–85.
Alaribe, F.N., Razwinani, M., Maepa, M.J., Bierman, F., & Motaung, K.S. (2016). Osteoinductive activity of selected demineralized bone matrix products from donors of different ages. Iranian Biomedical Journal, 25 July. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27452604
Maepa, M., Razwinani, M., & Motaung, S. (2015). Effects of resveratrol on collagen type II protein in the superficial and middle zone chondrocytes of porcine articular cartilage. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.047
Razwinani, M., Tshikalange, T.E., & Motaung, S.C.K.M. (2014). Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of Pleurostylia capensis Turcz (Loes) [Celastraceae]. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11(2), 452–457.
Alaribe, F.N., Razwinani, M., Maepa, M., & others (2019). The potential effect of medicinal plants for cartilage regeneration. In Cartilage Tissue Engineering and Regeneration Techniques. IntechOpen. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84780
Razwinani, M., et al. (2023). Plant-based hydrocolloid wound dressing for burn and chronic wounds. South African Patent Application No. 2023/04567.
Razwinani, M., et al. (2022). Bioengineered scaffolds incorporating plant-derived bioactives for tissue regeneration. PCT Application No. PCT/ZA2022/000123.